OUR TEAM
Led by visionary co-founders with over 35 years of combined experience in business growth, strategic planning, and innovation, 249Startups unites a resilient team of 40+ diverse professionals & leadership dedicated to reshaping Sudan’s entrepreneurial future.We bridge the talent and creativity of innovators in Sudan with the expertise and networks of the Sudanese diaspora, building ventures that thrive in challenging environments and scale to regional and global markets. Together, we are crafting a new, opportunity-driven narrative for Sudan, one rooted in resilience, powered by innovation, and aimed at lasting economic transformation.
Ahmed Elmurtada
Managing Partner
Ahmed is an accomplished engineer and entrepreneur with extensive training from the U.S. Department of State and the Obama Foundation. He spearheads venture capital initiatives and ecosystem development, notably launching Sudan's first startup equity fund, enriching the entrepreneurial landscape.
Khansa Alhag
Managing Partner
As a Managing Partner and Director of Programs and Support at 249Startups, Khansa brings over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship promotion and private sector development. Her leadership is instrumental in shaping strategic partnerships and directing the organization's initiatives. Khansa is particularly passionate about inclusion and empowerment. She heads the inclusion task force, where she focuses on creating opportunities and providing support to marginalized groups within Sudan's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her work is a testament to her commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable startup landscape.
Mutaz Mohamednour
Managing Director
Mutaz has expertly guided the startup from its inception to become a central business hub in Sudan. With a background in Aeronautical Engineering and Strategic Planning, he has driven the expansion of operations and support for over 500 SMEs, fostering significant economic development.
Khalid Makki
Finance & Accounting Director
Khalid brings a rich background in banking and finance, previously serving as a Treasury Analyst at DAL Group. His expertise in financial strategy, fund management, and risk mitigation is crucial in optimizing the financial frameworks and investment strategies at 249Startups.
Safiya Hemeda
Accounting Manager
Safiya brings 13+ years of experience in accounting, financial management, and project finance. Skilled in financial reporting, IFRS compliance, and revenue recognition. Proficient in SAP and ERP systems, with strong analytical and presentation skills. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver accurate financial insights. Excels in fast-paced environments, driving strategic financial performance and fostering collaboration across stakeholders to support organizational success
Manal Siddig
Sr. Fund Officer
Finance and treasury professional with 10+ years of experience in commercial banking, Islamic finance, and fund operations. Previously led fund and operations at 249Startups, where they managed a €1M+ blended finance Fund supporting early-stage enterprises in Sudan. Brought expertise in due diligence, portfolio management, and investment structuring and M&E. Holds a Global MBA in Impact Entrepreneurship and certifications in Islamic banking and AML. Actively engaged in supporting SMEs and social enterprise growth.
Hussam Sinada
Incubation Manager
With over 14 years in business development, Hussam has experience across Supplychain, banking, NGOs, telecom and FMCG, including 11 years in regional sales and marketing at Unilever in Sudan, South Sudan and Egypt. A Business graduate from the American University in Cairo with a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from Uppsala University in Sweden, he has mentored entrepreneurs and assisted in designing incubation programs. Hussam now leads 249’s Incubation program, building partnerships and strengthening Sudan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Theresia Kneschke
Portfolio Manager
a mission-driven entrepreneur and ecosystem builder with deep experience in supporting startups, SMEs, and impact-driven organizations across Sudan and East Africa. She specializes in designing and managing business support programs, building cross-border networks, and fostering inclusive economic development. Theresia brings a strong background in project design, organizational development, and social innovation, with a passion for creating practical solutions in complex and fragile environments
Amro Iragi
Operations Manager
Amro is an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, and operations manager with over 19 years of experience, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering practical, effective solutions. He currently serves as the Operations Manager at 249Startups. A serial entrepreneur, Amro is the founder of several successful ventures, including the "Sudaneed" and "Tazkarti" platforms. He has extensive experience founding and managing startups throughout the Arab world, and previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at "Mannasat" and "Minitech" Delivery. His professional expertise is centered on driving product development, enhancing operational efficiency, building high-performing teams, and forging strategic partnerships that fuel growth and success.
Razan Osman
Investment & Portfolio Manager
An investment and venture growth professional with 7+ years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. She has worked with Sudan’s leading conglomerate, DAL Group, and 249Startups; Sudan’s first startup ecosystem builder. Razan has led investment strategy, portfolio design, and startup support for blended finance and innovation funds exceeding $30M, focusing on agriculture, and early-stage investments in fragile and undercapitalized markets.
Ali Soghayroon
OD and Digital Transformation Manager
With over 20 years of experience in project management and business development, Ali has a proven track record of leading complex telecom projects with industry giants like Huawei and Ericsson across Egypt, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. His expertise in establishing and managing a Project Management Office (PMO) for CTC Group highlights his strategic leadership. Now serving as the OD & Digital Transformation Manager at 249Startups, he brings his PMP certification and MBA in Marketing to the forefront. A passionate trainer, mentor, and content creator, Ali is dedicated to driving innovation, managing change, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Aya Saif
Marketing Manager
Aya is an accomplished Chartered Marketer and brand strategist with over a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and event management. She previously led communications at CTC Group, where she successfully managed brand visibility and campaigns for prominent international names like LG, Tefal, New Holland, and Syngenta. Her extensive background also includes spearheading major corporate events and major trade exhibitions.
Abdulhadi Elhussain
Technology Manager
A technology leader with over 12 years of experience building financial infrastructure across fintech, banking, and telecom sectors in East Africa and beyond. Abdelhadi previously served as a senior software engineer at Dahabshiil Group, where he led the development of mobile banking and integration platforms supporting multiple financial institutions in the region. He went on to architect and deliver the mobile money platform for MTN South Sudan as Solutions Architect at Ericsson, overseeing the full cycle from system design to deployment.
Nafeesa Abusamra
Sr. Research & Impact Officer
a skilled research and impact specialist with 4+ years of experience leading large-scale research, M&E initiatives in Sudan and MENA. As Senior Impact and Research Officer at 249Startups, she manages research projects, data analysis, and field teams, turning insights into actionable strategies. Previously at Voluntas, she led large scale evaluations and monitoring programs for WFP, USAID, and UNICEF.
Sara Nasreldin
Strategic Talent Manager
HR professional with 13 years of experience across Sudan, Egypt, and international projects. A Business Administration graduate from Ahfad University (2014), I’ve led HR operations in top companies like Toyota, JTI, Savola, and Telephonic Group. Skilled in talent management, policy development, and strategic HR planning. I champion diversity, inclusion, and aligning HR with business goals to drive sustainable growth.