🎙️ **Entrepreneurs Talk Africa: Investor Readiness with Ismael Belkhayat**

In this engaging episode of Entrepreneurs Talk Africa, host Jason Delorie kicks off an investor readiness series with special guest Ismael Belkhayat, a successful entrepreneur behind several ventures, including the innovative e-commerce and fintech app, Chari.

Belkhayat delves into the investor readiness mindset, discussing how expectations have changed over time, from fast growth to a focus on sustainable, profitable business. He also outlines the key differences between seed and Series A stages of funding, emphasizing that investors look for strong founders in the seed stage, whereas they shift their attention to the company's performance in the Series A stage.

Delorie and Belkhayat dig deeper into the complex criteria involved in Series A funding, including due diligence, valuation, investment memos, and business proofs of concept. And as an entrepreneur who applied twice for the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator, Belkhayat stresses the importance of resilience and learning from failure.

A fascinating aspect of this discussion is the unique challenge of co-founding a startup as a married couple. Belkhayat candidly shares his perspective on balancing work and personal life, arguing that being a married couple can in fact be a strength in entrepreneurship.

With nuggets of wisdom and engaging dialogue, this episode is a must-listen for all current and aspiring entrepreneurs!

**Podcast Timeline**

- 0:00 - Jason Delorie introduces Ismael Belkhayat and Cherry

- 2:04 - Belkhayat clarifies a fact about North African startups

- 3:14 - Discussion about how investor readiness has evolved

- 4:49 - Delorie asks about differences between seed and Series A stages

- 5:10 - Belkhayat explains the differences between seed and Series A stages

- 7:49 - Delorie summarizes the key distinctions between these stages

- 9:16 - Belkhayat provides an in-depth view of seed and Series A funding

- 13:38 - Delorie emphasizes the importance of passion and effective fund utilization

- 15:25 - Belkhayat shares his experience of applying for Y Combinator

- 19:40 - Delorie on the importance of keeping investors updated

- 20:58 - Belkhayat discusses the challenges of being co-founders and a married couple

- 24:21 - Belkhayat's final advice for entrepreneurs (stay tuned!)

**References**

1. Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)

2. Y Combinator

3. Chari: Ismael's startup

4. Yassir Algerian ride-hailing company

Check out this enlightening episode and gain insights from a seasoned entrepreneur on the ever-changing landscape of investor readiness.