Karim Nour, the founder of Kashat, an Egyptian nano-lending fintech company, is contemplating how to manage the growth of his startup. Over the summer of 2022, Kashat's loan disbursements had grown by nearly 40%, fueled by macroeconomic instability in Egypt. However, economic uncertainty had also deterred investors from investing in the region. Nour soon began to realize he did not have the funds to maintain the company's rapid growth, in fact, he may not even have the capital to keep the company running. The case explores Nour's journey as he grapples with the concept of 'hibernating' the company, halting lending operations and preserving Kashat's invaluable data algorithm. Within the case, Nour weighs the risks of hibernating versus holding out for funding as he prepares to meet with Kashat's board. He also considers the possibility of being acquired as a means of continued survival for Kashat.

This case explores the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding the operations of a complex entrepreneurial business model. It highlights how cultural aspects of different geographies impact a startup's operational and economic models. The case also debates the considerations of expanding operations internationally versus penetrating new customer segments within a company's existing market. Lastly, the case presents the tensions that may exist between investors and entrepreneurs in deciding the desired course of action.

The leadership team at QNB Alahli, Egypt's second biggest private bank, looked back on their efforts to create a brand-new, fully digital banking platform since 2019. A digital-only banking service was unprecedented in Egypt, a country where over 90% of financial transactions still involved cash. If successful, QNB Alahli would enjoy the first-mover advantage and help improve the level of financial inclusion in the Egyptian society. The bank had developed comprehensive financial projections for the new platform, and its confidence was bolstered by the successful launch of a similar platform by its sister bank in Turkey. Before the proposal could be approved by the central bank, QNB Alahli needed to carefully consider various strategies for this venture, as the decisions made could significantly impact the bank's profitability, marketing efforts, and internal competition.

This case examines the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Morocco. It highlights Morocco's unique economy where cash remains a dominant player in the market despite global advancements in digitalization. The case also explores the various cultural and social factors that impact the business environment. This is illustrated through Chari, a Moroccan based inventory procurement app, which hopes to navigate Morocco's fintech landscape by utilizing the country's dense network of small mom and pop shops.