The SaaSpects Podcast: Female entrepreneurship – Building a Try-Before-You-Buy software for MENA retailers with Hanan Shahin, the visionary behind Bloomcart. Reshaping the online shopping experience.

Hanan’s transition from architecture to e-commerce entrepreneurship reveals a narrative brimming with invaluable lessons. Hanan’s insight into crafting customer experiences from her architectural background shapes Bloomcart’s unique try-before-you-buy service. Tune in as she shares the challenges and triumphs of venturing into e-commerce and developing a scalable SaaS product. Discover the secrets behind Bloomcart’s success, the competitive edge in the market, and the symbiotic benefits for customers and merchants. Get ready for an insightful discussion on fundraising, advisorship, and mastering the art of B2B SaaS entrepreneurship.

Here are the top take aways from this episode with Hanan Shahin

Skills are learnable—what matters is the willingness to learn: Hanan emphasized that while experience is valuable and can provide a foundation for learning, what truly serves well is the mindset and approach cultivated through that experience. Whether designing buildings or crafting experiences, the mindset of an architect or entrepreneur can be applicable and impactful across various domains.
Scalability isn’t just about making more money, it’s about maximizing impact. Hanan realized the importance of scalability when her previous business wasn’t considered for grants due to its lack of scalability. Understanding scalability opened her eyes to the potential for greater impact and growth. With Bloomcart, her approach shifted from just selling products online to offering a try-before-you-buy service, doubling conversions and realizing the power of customer trust and convenience.
Funding your startup is like choosing a diet—it depends on your goals. Bootstrapping works if time isn’t an issue, but fundraising can speed things up. Hanan started Bloomcart with borrowed money, believing that while cash helps, it doesn’t define success. Free testing methods, especially on social media, can be game-changers.B2C businesses often make money faster, while B2B models need patience. If you can wait, bootstrap; if not, consider fundraising.
Finding a good advisor, in the words of Hanan is like an exploration. Programs like Founder Institute or Flat 6 Labs often provide access to credible advisors who understand startups. However, personal fit matters more than recommendations; what works for one might not work for another. Trial runs, talking extensively, and trusting your instincts are vital. Assess if an advisor genuinely helps or just flaunts superiority. Ego clashes exist—some advisors aim to showcase their prowess rather than genuinely assist. Recognizing time wastage, even if unsure how, is a telling sign. Advisors should ideally fit your needs; sometimes, an industry expert might not understand startup nuances. Engaging with advisors in specific domains like sales or marketing can also be invaluable when building a startup.