Abdulhadi AlAsmi is a tech enthusiast and visionary entrepreneur, passionate about creating connections through innovation. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2012 while he was still in college, with the launch of his first startup, iBrella. The app allowed users to send photos or messages to themselves or others, with delivery set for a future date, enabling them to capture memories over time. Building on the lessons learned from iBrella, Abdulhadi went on to create Matien, a grocery delivery app launched in 2015/16, aimed at solving everyday challenges through technology. These ventures have played a key role in shaping his entrepreneurial vision, ultimately leading to the creation of Mush Social—a platform dedicated to fostering local connections and strengthening communities.
In this article, we will discover Abdulhadi’s journey from his early startups to the creation of Mush Social, his insights on innovation, and the principles that drive his success.
What are the main factors that guided you to where you are now?
Key factors include persistence, a vision for innovation, and an understanding of the gaps in social networking. Building a team that shares this commitment has been crucial to moving Mush Social forward.
Given your years of experience and accomplishments, what would you say was your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement has been building a social media platform from the ground up, growing it to over 150,000 users, and inspiring my team to commit to our shared vision. Starting from scratch, we’ve developed advanced features that push user experience boundaries, and we are continuously improving. Building a platform like this is a unique challenge that requires both technical skill and an understanding of evolving user needs.
What is the quote that inspires you the most?
The quote that inspires me most comes from Amara’s Law: “We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.” It reminds me to stay patient and persistent, recognizing that true impact often unfolds over time.
Can you name two books that inspired you? And what did you take out of them?
I read a lot, so it’s hard to choose just two, but if I had to pick, I’d say The Man Who Solved the Market, which explores Jim Simons’ legendary journey, and Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull, which offers valuable insights on fostering creativity within organizations. Jim Simons had an advanced vision and a deep belief in his ability to achieve it, which he ultimately did. Creativity, Inc. taught me the importance of challenging conventional thinking and pushing beyond what we were used to. From these, I learned the significance of visionary thinking and the need to constantly challenge the status quo to drive innovation.
What personality traits contributed to you being a successful CEO?
Being honest and transparent with our employees, letting them know that a ‘breakthrough’ may not be near, but we must keep the faith, has been essential. We’ve also been transparent with our users about our mistakes, acknowledging that they are errors we couldn’t measure, but we recognize their impact. With potential investors, we present the data as it is—never faking numbers or trends. Yes, we missed some great opportunities with incubation programs and lost some competition prizes because our numbers weren’t big enough. However, the good news is that honesty is a solid foundation. It strengthens your future because you don’t have to carry the burden of deception.
Are there any significant challenges facing companies going through digital transformation today? Can you name the most relevant ones?
Yes, there are several significant challenges companies face during digital transformation. One of the biggest challenges is resistance to change, as users and employees are often accustomed to traditional ways of doing things and may be reluctant to adopt new technologies. Additionally, integrating new technologies with existing systems can be complex and costly. Companies also face data security and privacy concerns as they move more processes online.
In light of your journey and experiences, what message would you like to convey to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Stay focused on your goal and don’t stray from your bigger vision. There will be many distractions and temptations that may lead you off course, but it’s crucial to remain committed to your ultimate objective. Resilience and adaptability are key, as challenges will always arise, but staying true to your purpose will help you navigate through them.
What is your personal team leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy is centered around giving every team member the support and trust they need to feel that they are just as important and valuable as anyone else in the team, including the founders. When everyone feels empowered and recognized, it fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration that drives success.
What is the most valuable lesson learned from your professional journey?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my journey is that a ‘yes’ from an entity or investor doesn’t truly count until the deal is signed. Early on, I had situations where verbal agreements seemed promising, but until everything was formalized, nothing was guaranteed.
Tell us more about what distinguishes Mush Social from other similar services?
Mush Social stands out because of its unique combination of features like the map and Reach. The map allows users to connect with others in their local area and even own virtual assets, enhancing their presence within the community. Reach enables seamless communication across language barriers, allowing users to interact naturally as the platform automatically adapts to different languages. These features create a personalized, inclusive experience that fosters real-time connections, helping users engage more meaningfully within their local communities and beyond.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about, and how do they align with Mush Social’s goals?
We’re in advanced discussions with a telecommunications startup for a full or partial acquisition, which would give us access to cutting-edge telecom technology and expand our capabilities. We also plan to bring in experts across critical areas to help us scale faster and strengthen our expertise. These steps will set the foundation for our next growth phase and keep us competitive in the industry.
Finally, I encourage anyone reading this interview who’s interested in investing in the next big thing to reach out and meet with me. I’m confident that once you see what we’re building, you’ll be convinced. Together, we’ll change the world and create significant value, as we’re the new entrants poised to disrupt the market and redefine the future.
To conclude, as Abdulhadi continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, his story serves as an inspiration for future innovators and entrepreneurs who seek to use technology to solve real-world problems. With his eyes set on the future and a clear mission to foster stronger communities, Abdulhadi’s work reminds us that at the heart of every successful venture lies a deep understanding of people’s needs and the willingness to challenge the status quo.
As Mush Social grows and evolves, it will undoubtedly continue to redefine how we connect, communicate, and collaborate in the digital age. Abdulhadi’s journey is far from over, and it will be exciting to see the impact he and his team will make in the years to come.
