Picture this: You’re at a tiny cafe in the Bay Area, overhearing a conversation that could change the trajectory of an entire community. Two years ago, that’s pretty much where Arshad Ahmed found himself—frustrated by the lack of connection among Muslim founders, and determined to stitch together a stronger, more visible ecosystem. Sometimes, building something world-changing starts not with a slick app, but with a WhatsApp group and a question: ‘Where are all the Muslim startups, and why aren’t we talking to each other?’
The Unexpected Spark: Turning Community Frustration Into Action
Feeling Alone in a Crowd
Ever felt like you’re surrounded by people, yet still alone? That’s how Arshad Ahmed, founder of Friday Ventures, started out. Picture this: you’re in the Bay Area, a place buzzing with tech and startups. You know there are Muslim founders and investors out there—maybe you’ve even heard their names. But somehow, nobody’s talking to each other. It’s like everyone’s working in silos, missing out on the magic that happens when ideas collide.
From Isolation to Initiative
So, what do you do when you can’t find the community you crave? For Arshad, the answer was simple, but not easy: build it yourself. He didn’t wait for someone else to organize things. Instead, he started small. A casual meetup. No fancy agenda, no corporate sponsorships. Just a handful of people, some coffee, and a shared sense of “something’s missing.”
Why Meetups Trump Office Hours
You might wonder, why not just attend those polished, official office hours that big companies host? Here’s the thing—those events can feel stiff. You show up, you pitch, you leave. Real connections? Rare. But at a grassroots meetup, the vibe is different. People open up. They share stories, not just business cards. That’s where trust starts to grow.
- Meetups: Informal, personal, and authentic.
- Office Hours: Structured, transactional, sometimes intimidating.
The WhatsApp Origin Story
Funny how the simplest tools can spark the biggest changes. After those first meetups, the group needed a way to keep the conversation going. Enter WhatsApp. What began as a chat for event reminders quickly turned into a hub for collaboration. People shared job leads, investment tips, even memes. Before long, the digital group felt just as real as the in-person gatherings.
“We started a meetup and that led to a WhatsApp group which led to Friday as a community.”
Early Hurdles: Skepticism and Fragmentation
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some folks were skeptical. Was this just another networking group? Would it fizzle out after a few months? Others worried about competition—would sharing ideas mean losing out? And then there was the challenge of fragmentation. With so many backgrounds and interests, finding common ground took effort.
- Skepticism: “Will this actually help me?”
- Fragmentation: Diverse interests, but a shared need for connection.
- Competition: Learning to see each other as allies, not rivals.
Grassroots vs. Silicon Valley’s Circles
Let’s be real—Silicon Valley can feel like an exclusive club. If you’re not already in, it’s tough to break through. But grassroots organizing flips the script. It’s not about who you know, but what you’re willing to build together. Friday Ventures grew out of this spirit. It wasn’t just about raising capital. It was about raising each other up.
If You Want a Better Community, Build It
Here’s the takeaway: sometimes you have to be the spark. If you’re waiting for someone else to create the community you need, you might be waiting forever. Arshad’s journey shows that frustration can turn into action—and action can turn into something bigger than you ever imagined.
Friday Ventures began almost two years ago. The first fund launched in February of this year. But the real story? It started with a simple question: “Where are the Muslim startups at?” The answer, it turns out, was waiting to be built.
Building Real Power: Why Tech, Not Just Nonprofits, Moves the Needle
Community Presence vs. Real Influence
You’ve probably noticed it. There’s a difference between being seen and being heard. Many Muslim communities in the West have poured energy into building mosques, opening halal restaurants, and running nonprofits. These places are important. They give us a sense of belonging and safety. But—here’s the thing—they rarely change the bigger picture.
You might ask: Why does it feel like we’re always on the sidelines when real decisions get made?
Who Sits in the Front Row?
Let’s get blunt. When you look at moments of real power—say, a presidential inauguration—who’s up front? It’s not usually the heads of local charities or the founders of your favorite community center. It’s tech giants.
Remember Trump’s inauguration? Elon Musk, the CEOs of Google and Microsoft—they were right there in the front row. Not by accident. Their influence stretches far beyond their own communities.
- Tech founders shape the tools the world uses every day.
- They set the agenda for what’s possible—and what’s profitable.
- They’re not just present; they’re influential.
The Cultural Cachet of Building Platforms
Running a local institution is honorable. But building a platform millions use? That’s a different level.
Think about it. A mosque might serve hundreds. A restaurant, maybe thousands over the years. But a tech platform? It can reach millions, even billions. It’s not just about numbers. It’s about shaping culture, conversation, and even policy.
“That’s where power lies, right? And the Muslim… we’ve been looking at kind of, we’ve been building ourselves up in this community in the West…but they haven’t really made like that big impact.”
What Actually Makes the World Listen?
Here’s a tough question: What makes people pay attention?
- Visibility? Sure, but only up to a point.
- Economic clout? Definitely.
- Control over platforms and narratives? That’s the big one.
When you build something the world can’t ignore—a search engine, a social network, a payment platform—suddenly, doors open. Invitations come. Policymakers want your opinion.
Tangible vs. Symbolic Progress
It’s easy to mistake symbolic wins for real progress. A new Islamic center opens. A local leader gets a photo op. But does it shift the needle? Does it change how Muslims are seen, or how much power they wield?
- Tangible progress means having a seat at the table where decisions are made.
- Symbolic progress often means being recognized, but not truly heard.
Stepping Beyond Comfortable Spaces
Let’s be honest. It’s risky to step outside what’s familiar. Building a tech company isn’t easy. It’s not as safe as running a restaurant or a nonprofit. There’s failure. There’s criticism. But the rewards? They’re huge. Not just for you, but for the whole community.
So, what if more Muslims took that leap? What if, instead of just building for ourselves, we built for the world?
Maybe then, the next time you look at the front row, you’ll see someone who looks like you.
Early Stage Investment, Muslim Values: How Friday Ventures Stays Different
1. Busting the Billion-Dollar Myth: Small Funds, Big Impact
You might think you need a mountain of cash to make waves in the startup world. Actually, you don’t. Friday Ventures is proof. The fund launched in February with a modest $5 million—tiny by Silicon Valley standards, but not insignificant.
As one of the founders put it:
“Our first fund is $5 million. So we’re going to keep it pretty small. We write $250,000 to $500,000 checks.”
That’s right. Each investment falls between $250,000 and $500,000. It’s enough to give early-stage startups a real shot, without drowning them in expectations or bureaucracy.
2. Intentional Community: Every Limited Partner Is Muslim
Here’s something you don’t see every day. Every single Limited Partner (LP) in Friday Ventures is Muslim. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s a deliberate move to build trust and alignment across the Muslim community—cutting across regions, ethnicities, even doctrinal divides.
Why does this matter? Well, when your backers share your values and vision, you’re not just chasing returns. You’re building something that feels like home.
3. Early-Stage Focus: Pre-Seed and Seed Explained
If you’re new to startup lingo, here’s a quick breakdown:
- Pre-seed: The very beginning. Usually, it’s just an idea. Founders tap friends, family, maybe some angel investors. The checks are small.
- Seed: The idea has grown. There’s a product, maybe a little revenue. Things are moving. Seed funding helps founders build momentum, hire a team, and get ready for the next big leap—Series A.
Friday Ventures likes to get in at this stage. You’ve proven your concept, got some traction, and now you need capital to level up.
4. What Sets Friday Ventures Apart: Ethics, Intentions, and a Sharia Board
Let’s be honest. The startup world isn’t always known for its ethics. Friday Ventures wants to change that. They’re not just about making money—they’re about making money right.
- Ethical investing: Every decision is filtered through Islamic values. No cutting corners, no shady deals.
- Mission-aligned finances: Transparency is key. Investors know exactly where their money goes.
- Sharia advisory board: Plans are in motion to bring together diverse scholars. The goal? Make sure every investment aligns with Islamic principles, now and in the future.
It’s not just about what you invest in, but how you invest.
5. The Series A Bottleneck: Why Most Muslim Funds Get Stuck
Here’s a tough truth: Many Muslim-led funds hit a wall after the seed stage. Series A is where the stakes get higher. Startups need to show serious revenue—sometimes millions. The ecosystem thins out.
Why? Maybe it’s risk aversion. Maybe it’s lack of experience. Either way, it means promising companies can stall out just as they’re gaining speed.
Friday Ventures wants to help break that cycle. By focusing on the earliest stages, they’re laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
6. Flaws, Failures, and the Learning Curve
Nobody gets it right the first time. Not founders, not funds. Friday Ventures is open about its bumps and bruises. They’re learning as they go—sometimes the hard way.
- Some bets won’t pay off.
- Some ideas will fizzle.
- Transparency about mistakes is part of the process.
It’s refreshing, honestly. In a world obsessed with success stories, it’s good to see a fund admit: We’re figuring this out, too.
Why Most Good Ideas Fail: The Four Questions Every Founder Must Answer
Forget the Spreadsheet—Experience Is Your Best Teacher
You’ve probably heard it before: just crunch the numbers, build a model, and your startup will take off. If only it were that easy. The truth? You can’t spreadsheet your way to startup wisdom. Real-world experience—messy, unpredictable, sometimes painful—is what actually matters.
Sure, data helps. But it’s never the whole story. You’ll find yourself second-guessing, making mistakes, and learning the hard way. That’s normal. In fact, it’s expected.
The Four Founder Filters: What Investors Really Want
When you’re pitching your idea, you’ll be judged on four things. Miss one, and you’re out. Nail them, and you’ve got a shot. Here’s what matters:
- Team: Who are you? Why are you the right people to build this?
- Product: What exactly are you building? Is it clear, and does it solve a real problem?
- Market: How big is the opportunity? Is this a market that’s growing fast enough to matter?
- Unique Insight: What do you know that others don’t? What’s your contrarian edge?
Most pitches get at least one of these wrong. Sometimes, it’s the team—no relevant experience. Other times, the product is fuzzy, or the market is just too small. And unique insight? That’s rare. Investors want to see you’ve got a secret, a twist, something that makes you stand out.
The Robot Dogs for Cyprus Grandmas Test
Let’s say you’re building robot dogs for grandmas in Cyprus. Sounds cute, right? But pause for a second. How many grandmas live in Cyprus? Not many. Even if you sold to every single one, you’d barely make a dent in the revenue you need.
This is called sniffing out a market that’s too small to matter. It’s a common trap. Investors want to see that you’re aiming for a market where $100 million in annual revenue is possible. That’s the bar for a unicorn—those billion-dollar startups everyone dreams about.
The Myth of the Billion-Dollar Idea
You might think you need a world-changing idea. But here’s the twist: execution always wins. There’s no such thing as a perfect idea. Airbnb? People thought it was nuts—who’d let strangers sleep in their homes? Uber? Same story. The best insights sound crazy at first. That’s the contrarian founder’s curse.
Don’t get stuck waiting for the “perfect” idea. Start building, test, and adapt. The market will tell you what works.
Why Most First-Time Founders Mess Up Their Pitch
Here’s some off-script wisdom: every first-time founder messes up their pitch. You’ll fumble your words, forget your numbers, or get stumped by a question. It’s normal. Investors know this. What matters is how you recover, learn, and improve.
Remember, “90 plus percent of startups fail, right? And so, like I said, it’s a very risky thing to do.” The odds are against you. But with the right team, a clear product, a big market, and a unique insight, you give yourself a fighting chance.
And if you’re a newcomer? The hurdles are higher. Founders with a track record or deep experience get taken more seriously. But don’t let that stop you. Everyone starts somewhere.
So, next time you’re prepping your pitch, ask yourself: Do I have all four? If not, it’s back to the drawing board. And that’s okay.
Risks, Realities, and Faith: The Human Side of Startup Founding
The Personal Trade-Offs: More Than Just a Career Move
Let’s be honest—leaving a steady job feels a bit like stepping off a cliff. You might have a family counting on you. Bills don’t pause just because you’re chasing a dream. That regular paycheck? Gone. Suddenly, you’re not sure when the next one will come. It’s not just a financial risk. It’s emotional, too. You’re trading comfort for chaos, security for a shot at something bigger.
- Quitting steady jobs—sometimes after years of climbing the corporate ladder.
- Supporting families—with no guarantee of success.
- Trusting in uncertain paydays—hoping your faith and hustle will pull you through.
You might wonder, is it worth it? That’s a question only you can answer.
Why Launching a Startup Is an Act of Faith
Starting a company isn’t just about business plans and pitch decks. For many, especially Muslim founders, it’s an act of faith—sometimes literally. You’re betting on yourself, your team, and, for some, on Allah’s plan. There’s a unique kind of certainty you need. The kind you don’t really feel in a corporate job, no matter how high up you go.
Having faith that things will work out, even when you can’t see the path, is part of the journey. As one founder put it:
“Actually, it makes you a better Muslim, right, alhamdulillah, if you take it the right way.”
It’s not just about business. It’s about spiritual growth, too.
Adversity Shapes Character (and Faith)
Here’s the thing: adversity is a given. You’ll face setbacks. Maybe even failure. But those moments? They shape you. They force you to dig deep, to find patience, resilience, and humility. Sometimes, you’ll question everything. Other times, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can handle.
- Resilience—learning to bounce back, again and again.
- Patience—things rarely move as fast as you want.
- Humility—realizing you don’t have all the answers.
You might even find your faith deepening, if you let it.
Pressure Cookers and Punchlines: What Corporate Never Taught You
You can work at Google for 20 years, but nothing prepares you for the mental toll of building something from scratch. In a startup, you’re in the pressure cooker. Every decision matters. Every mistake stings. There’s no safety net, no HR department to catch you. You learn by doing—sometimes by failing.
And honestly? Sometimes you just have to laugh at the absurdity of it all. That’s something corporate life never really teaches you.
Debunking the Myth: You Don’t Need to Be Superhuman
Here’s a secret: founders aren’t superheroes. You don’t need to be. But you do need grit. The kind that keeps you going when things get tough. The kind that lets you admit when you’re wrong, or when you need help.
- Grit—more important than genius.
- Vulnerability—it’s okay to not have it all together.
Perfection isn’t required. Persistence is.
Wild Card: Celebrating the Learning Curve
Imagine a world where founders are celebrated not just for their exits, but for their learning curves. For the mistakes, the pivots, the growth. What if we valued the journey as much as the outcome? Maybe then, more people would take the leap.
Because at the end of the day, the human side of founding a startup is the real story. The risks, the realities, and, yes, the faith.
Pulling Together: Diversity, Division, and the Dream of a United Ummah
Why Connecting Muslims Across Backgrounds Matters More Than Ever
Look around. The world feels more divided than ever. Borders, languages, even tiny doctrinal differences—these things can split people apart. But for Muslims, there’s this idea that keeps coming up: *the ummah is one*. It’s not just a slogan. It’s a lifeline.
You might wonder, why does this matter now? Well, when you’re building something as ambitious as a startup ecosystem, you can’t afford to let old divisions get in the way. It’s not about where you’re from—Egypt, Iran, India, or anywhere else. It’s about what you can build together.
“The ummah is one. We don’t care where you’re from or who you are.”
Breaking Through Regional, Sectarian, and Doctrinal Divides
Friday Ventures gets this. They don’t just talk unity—they design for it. Instead of letting country or sect define who gets a seat at the table, they consciously ignore those lines. It’s a bit radical, honestly. But it works.
- No gatekeeping based on background.
- No exclusion over minor theological debates.
- No “us vs them” mentality, even within the faith.
It’s easy to say, harder to do. But Friday Ventures makes it a rule. If you’re committed to the mission, you’re in. Simple.
Boards That Actually Reflect the Community
Here’s where things get interesting. Most investment firms have a board of investors. Friday Ventures? They go further. They’re building two boards:
- Investment Board: Muslims from all walks of life, including those with experience at big-name companies. Not just a token mix—real diversity.
- Sharia Board: A group of respected scholars. Not just one school of thought, but a blend. Their job? Keep things ethical, balanced, and true to core values.
This isn’t just for show. These boards act as checks and balances. If things ever start to drift—toward corruption, or just losing sight of the mission—these boards pull them back.
The Secular vs Sacred Debate: Shared Goals, Core Values
Let’s be real. There’s always tension between making money and staying true to your values. Some say business is secular, faith is sacred, and never the twain shall meet. But Friday Ventures doesn’t buy that.
They focus on shared goals:
- Grow the community’s wealth.
- Help the ummah, not just individuals.
- Stay grounded in principles, even when it’s tough.
You don’t have to choose between profit and purpose. You can have both—if you’re intentional about it.
When Business, Ethics, and Identity Converge
What does it look like when you get this right? You see startups that aren’t just chasing the next big thing. They’re building for the community. They’re held accountable by people who care about more than just the bottom line.
It’s messy sometimes. Disagreements happen. But that’s the point. Real unity isn’t about pretending differences don’t exist—it’s about working through them, together.
Wild Card: The Patchwork Quilt Analogy
Think of a startup team like a patchwork quilt. Some pieces are rough, some are delicate. The stitching isn’t always perfect. But when you step back, you see something vibrant and strong—something you couldn’t get from a single piece of fabric.
That’s the dream of a united ummah in business. Not flawless, but brilliant when stitched together well.
Conclusion: The Ripple Effect—Why Small Beginnings Matter More Than Ever
You might think the biggest changes in the startup world come from massive investments or headline-grabbing unicorns. But, honestly, that’s rarely the case. Real influence? It starts small. It grows in the cracks between formal meetings and official pitches. Sometimes, it’s as simple as two ambitious people meeting in a WhatsApp group. You can’t always predict what happens next.
From Chat to Capital: The Journey Nobody Saw Coming
Take Friday Ventures. Their story didn’t begin with a grand vision or a million-dollar fund. It started informally, with a handful of people who just wanted to help each other out. No fanfare. No press releases. Just a willingness to connect and share. That’s the thing about small beginnings—they can have outsized ripple effects. One introduction leads to another. A casual chat turns into a collaboration. Before you know it, you’ve got a real ecosystem on your hands.
Building Value-Driven Networks Over Chasing Status
It’s tempting to chase status. To look for validation in big names or flashy partnerships. But the real power lies in cultivating resilient, value-driven networks. These are the connections that last. The ones that keep showing up, even when things get tough. When you focus on values—on trust, inclusion, and authenticity—you create a foundation that can weather any storm.
Friday Ventures is living proof: No idea is too small if the intent is big enough. You don’t need to have all the answers. In fact, you probably won’t. But you do need to create space for honest conversations and genuine collaboration. That’s where the magic happens.
Encouragement for Founders and Funders
If you’re a founder or a funder, here’s a little nudge. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect pitch. Start the conversation. Reach out to someone you admire. Introduce two people who might just click. Keep your values at the core of everything you do. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being the most consistent, the most supportive, the most real.
“Just do it. Just apply. Just, you know, try to network with us. Get to know us. That’s the best advice I can give.”
That advice? It’s simple, but it’s gold. You can read all the frameworks and guides you want, but nothing beats actually showing up and connecting. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap.
Redefining What Legacy Means
A community’s legacy isn’t measured only by the unicorns it produces. Sure, those are nice. But the real legacy? It’s in the opportunities created along the way. The doors opened for people who might have been overlooked. The collaborations that spark new ideas. The sense of belonging that keeps people coming back, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
So, next time you wonder if your small action matters, remember Friday Ventures. Remember that every big movement starts with a single step. And remember: the ripple effect of your intention, your inclusion, and your connections can change an entire ecosystem.
FAQ
- How did Friday Ventures start?
It began informally, with a group of people connecting over shared interests and a desire to support each other. No big plans—just small actions that grew over time. - What’s the best way to get involved in a startup community?
Start by reaching out. Join conversations, attend events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. As one founder put it: “Just do it. Just apply. Just, you know, try to network with us.” - Is it necessary to have a big idea to make an impact?
Not at all. Even small ideas can have a huge impact if your intention is strong and you’re willing to connect with others.
TL;DR: Friday Ventures started as a community for Muslim founders, investors, and industry experts—and has become a driving force for early-stage Muslim startups. Their journey is proof that intentional network-building, rooted in shared values, can unlock opportunities and shake up traditional power structures. Look beyond the loudest voices: Sometimes the next wave starts quietly.
