Building a business from scratch requires determination, hard graft, grit, and a growth mindset. Many who have climbed to the pinnacle have come from humble origins, which never deterred them from moulding their journey. Some people view success as a destination, but Ziad Jarrar sees it as a never-ending journey in which you strive to carve your own path and savour the life you’ve been gifted with.
As the CEO of Mark:MetaEarth, a subsidiary of Taurus Ventures, a human-focused venture builder centred on using design and innovation to create solutions, services and products. One of the most noteworthy innovations developed under Taurus Ventures is Mark:MetaEarth, an augmented reality social app that bridges the physical and digital worlds. Outwardly tech-forward, Ziad shares that his motivation for Mark:MetaEarth extends beyond innovation – it’s all about the people.
In 2003, Ziad co-founded his first company, Spot Media, a digital signage company in the MENA region. He launched the company by raising an investment of SR 12M, only to witness its value inflate within two and a half years to a 100M valuation.
One might attribute Ziad’s success to his work ethic, but arguably his most remarkable leadership trait is the passionate drive to disrupt. Whether it’s in startups, strategy, entrepreneurship, or social impact, Ziad keeps his finger on the pulse of what people require and what strategies can genuinely shift the dynamics. He founded his first company, Spot Media, in 2003, a digital signage company in the MENA region. He also established Oobers in 2006, a youth marketing company, and Shop Mate in 2012, a smart application that anticipates users’ lifestyle needs. He also served on the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation between 2007 and 2012, and co-founded the first innovation accelerator in Saudi Arabia under Accmakk from 2013 to 2016.
Consistency is one of the greatest keystones to success; it will fuel you to keep striving. In 2014, Ziad co-founded Taurus. Taurus is a human-centred design and innovation company with a proven track record focused on using design and innovation to generate solutions, services and products.
In 2023, he launched Taurus Ventures to amalgamate all of his companies under a structure that will harness its knowledge, skill and experience to enable entrepreneurs and innovators to create experiences, breathe life into their ideas, and build successful ventures.
Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, social impact lies at the heart of Ziad’s hard work. For almost 25 years, he has endeavoured to give back to society as it has given him. In 2004, he co-founded Friends of Jeddah Parks, an organisation that constructs parks in developing neighbourhoods. Additionally, from 2011 to 2014, he developed the brand Insanniah, sharing ideas with people on self-development. Ziad also co-founded arcQ in the UK in 2017, an organisation that empowers young individuals to find their own path and realise their full potential. “We recognise differences, challenge assumptions, and guide young individuals in accessing the opportunities around them,” says Ziad.
Ziad believes that human centricity lies at the core of everything. We can only attain success if we are ready to lend each other a helping hand along our journey. Ziad believes that you should always maintain an open mind to absorb as much as possible from the people around you and the world. He remarks, “Learning always stems from doing, so do as much as you can to gain authentic insights, experience and tools that you can bring along to the next stop on your journey.”
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Ziad is eager to enable innovators and entrepreneurs and is passionate about crafting experiences, giving life to ideas, and investing in individuals and their visions.
His success can be attributed to his tireless work, willingness to learn, and the capacity to inspire and cultivate others in their journey to success. His vision and tireless determination underscore the importance of consistency, innovation, and putting people at the heart of any venture. He values each person’s unique journey and works to ensure that everyone’s potential is recognised and nurtured.
Ziad’s approach to business is a testament to his belief that success is a continuous journey, one marked by innovation, resilience, and a commitment to serving others. He consistently emphasises the importance of staying curious and open to learning, reinforcing the notion that each person has something valuable to contribute. This inclusive and forward-thinking mindset continues to drive his ventures forward, contributing to their success and his own.
Ziad’s goal is not only to transform the business landscape through his own enterprises, but also to foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that can inspire and enable others. He believes in the power of shared experiences, mutual support, and collaborative learning as pivotal to creating and sustaining successful ventures.
This commitment to uplifting others, coupled with a genuine desire to drive societal change, is at the core of Ziad’s mission. As he continues to lead, innovate, and inspire, Ziad Jarrar is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned veterans alike, showcasing that success is not merely a destination, but a journey of continuous learning, adaptation, and growth.
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