Traveltech Entrepreneur | Co-Founder of Stay22
Hamed Al-Khabaz is a name that echoes through the corridors of the Traveltech industry, a sector he has significantly reshaped with his innovative spirit and tenacity. His journey from a young Montreal-based tech enthusiast to the co-founder and CTO of Stay22 is nothing short of inspiring. Hamed's entrepreneurial journey took off with Zilyo, his first startup that aimed to revolutionize vacation rentals. Despite the hurdles, Zilyo set the foundation for Hamed's future endeavors, teaching him valuable lessons in resilience and adaptation. But it was in 2016 that his true breakthrough came. Amidst a low point in his life, he attended an esports tournament in Germany, where he identified a gap in the market—event-goers like himself needed a better way to find accommodations near venues. Seizing the moment, Hamed developed a map-based solution that quickly gained traction on Reddit, sparking the birth of Stay22.
Stay22 was more than just another startup; it was a game-changer in the Traveltech world. Under Hamed’s leadership, Stay22 grew from a simple idea into a powerhouse with over 35 million listings and a mission to help travel content creators monetize their work effectively.
What sets Stay22 apart is its seamless integration into partner platforms, offering contextual user experiences that feel native to the site or app. This B2B-focused approach has not only kept Stay22 competitive but also propelled it to new heights, turning challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic into opportunities for growth.
Hamed's vision for Stay22 extends beyond travel. He’s exploring new frontiers, aiming to branch into retail and merchandise while continuing to enhance the user experience for content creators. His latest initiatives involve smarter generative offers and leveraging AI to stay ahead of industry trends.
With an eye on the future, Hamed remains driven by curiosity, always ready to adapt and innovate. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamhamed/?hl=en
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