When Youssef Hesham co-founded Tapy, it was not out of a search for the next big idea but a response to a personal emergency. His sister, who lives with Angelman Syndrome, often wandered off without the ability to communicate, leaving the family facing moments of fear and helplessness. With few solutions available in the market, Hesham built one himself. That device, the Tapy Aman Watch, has since grown into a seed-stage startup with ambitions well beyond the UAE. In this interview, Hesham explains why the Middle East was the natural starting point, how he approaches investors, and what he has learned about building a business rooted in empathy and resilience.
What drove you to join the startup world?
For me, entrepreneurship was never about following a trend; it was about solving a life-threatening problem my family faced. My sister, who has Angelman Syndrome, often used to run away. Because she cannot speak or express herself, every disappearance was terrifying. What shocked me most was the lack of solutions in the market to protect people of determination in such situations. Out of this fear, I decided to create what we needed ourselves, and that’s how the Tapy Aman Watch was born. What started as a personal solution has now grown into a mission-driven company that gives families peace of mind and redefines how we use technology to support accessibility and safety.
Why did you choose the Middle East as the place to start/expand the business?
The Middle East, and particularly the UAE, offers a fertile ecosystem for startups to access mentorship, accelerators, and government initiatives that actively support innovation. But beyond infrastructure, the decision was personal. The UAE is where my family faced the struggles that inspired Tapy, so it was only natural to build the solution here first. Starting in this region also gave us credibility to expand internationally. Today, we have exclusive distribution contracts signed in Australia and New Zealand, as well as partnerships in Saudi Arabia, reflecting how the Middle East, particularly the UAE, can serve as a springboard to global markets.
How would you describe the region’s startup scene in three words?
Supportive, promising and ambitious.
Is there something that has surprised you in your journey?
The biggest surprise was how quickly our story resonated with others. What began as a solution for my sister soon connected with many families facing the same fears and challenges. We initially thought we were solving a problem unique to us, but the outpouring of interest and support made us realise how widespread the need was. That showed me that the most powerful innovations often come from deeply personal struggles.
What are (in your view) the keys to approaching investors successfully?
Clarity, conviction, and traction. Investors want to see a clear understanding of the problem and the solution, but they also want to feel the conviction of the founder. For us, the human story behind Tapy is powerful, but what strengthens it further is evidence of traction, sold-out soft launches, real users, and distribution contracts already signed. This combination of vision, passion, and tangible results builds trust and makes investors more confident about the journey ahead.
What was the most challenging part of raising funding and how did you overcome it?
For us, the most challenging part has been navigating the fundraising landscape while deciding on the right time to raise. At this stage, we have been fortunate not to require immediate funding, but we recognise that preparing for it is just as critical as the act itself. Being part of a program that offers practical insights, one-on-one mentorship, and access to a robust network has helped bridge that preparation gap. From the day we were accepted into the MBRIF accelerator program, we felt an immediate shift; suddenly, we could reach the right organisations, government entities, and even potential investors with the right introductions. While we have yet to raise capital, the program is already equipping us with the knowledge and connections to do so when the timing is right. Beyond funding, initiatives like MBRIF provide startups with the credibility, mentorship, and visibility necessary to scale effectively, through demo days and investor networks that open real pathways for future growth.
What is the best piece of financial advice you have received?
“Don’t build for valuation build for value.” Chasing inflated numbers is tempting, but sustainability comes from creating products that solve real needs. That mindset kept us focused on improving lives rather than only on chasing quick financial wins.
What has been your biggest success and your biggest failure?
Our biggest success has been the Tapy Aman Watch’s soft launches, which sold out and created a thriving community of over 200 families who trust and use the device daily. On top of that, securing exclusive distribution in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Saudi Arabia, has validated that the solution is globally relevant.
Our biggest failure was trying to expand too broadly, too soon. In the early days, we pushed for growth without fully consolidating our base. It was a tough lesson, but it taught us the importance of focusing on strong foundations before scaling further.
What is the best quality a leader can have?
Empathy. A great leader must understand the struggles of customers, inspire their team, and create solutions that truly improve lives. For me, empathy transformed my family’s fear into a mission that today empowers hundreds of families.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
In five years, I see the Tapy Aman Watch as a global standard in assistive technologies, reaching hundreds of thousands, and eventually millions, of families worldwide. It will protect people of determination and the elderly while giving families and caregivers peace of mind.
