Today, we’re sharing one of the top panels from our last Startups Without Borders Summit, which took place in Cairo last February. In this fascinating conversation, Tey Alrjula, Founder of Fluus Finance, shares the story behind building a startup in a refugee camp, and how he is now empowering people to operate in war-torn regions, from Afghanistan, to Gaza, to Ukraine.
By Farah Khalil
Last February, during the Startups Without Borders Summit, we met an entrepreneur making waves in the blockchain field with a startup that is not only innovative but also has a huge impact: FLUUS. But before we tell you about FLUUS, let us tell you the fascinating story behind this entrepreneur, who started as a refugee in a camp in the Netherlands.
Tey’s journey began in 2014 when his residency in the Netherlands expired, and he was faced with the prospect of being sent back to Syria, a country he had never lived in. Despite the challenges he faced, Tey remained resilient and determined to create a better future for himself and others who had been affected by conflict.
In the refugee camp where he was staying, Tey realized the need for a digital system that would provide access to services and education, even in the face of limited access to IDs and other documents. This realization led to the creation of FLUUS, a startup dedicated to empowering people in areas of conflict and helping to create opportunities for those who have been affected by conflict.
Through his work with FLUUS, Tey is helping to create a better future for people in areas of conflict and is demonstrating the power of technology to create positive change in the world. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, determination, and the ability to find opportunity in the face of adversity.
Tey Alrjula in the panel with Valentina Primo at the Startups Without Borders Summit 2023.
Tey’s journey as an entrepreneur began in 2014 when his residency in the Netherlands expired. Despite being focused on his work as a software trainer and in blockchain mining, Tey was forced to confront the reality of his situation as a Syrian refugee facing deportation. At this point in the story, Tey refused to go back to Syria, a country he had never lived in and was not a part of his journey.
Tey’s experiences also underscore the challenges faced by refugees in their daily lives. Without access to basic services like healthcare and education, refugees are often left to fend for themselves and struggle to create a better life for themselves and their families. It is through the work of startups like FLUUS and other organizations that refugees are able to access the resources and support they need to create a better future for themselves.
He began to explore his options and look for ways to continue his work in technology despite the challenges he faced.
This experience led Tey to the realization that millions of people around the world do not have access to something as basic as an ID, something that many of us take for granted. It was this realization that inspired Tey to begin working on FLUUS, a startup that is dedicated to empowering people in areas of conflict and helping to create opportunities for those who have been affected by conflict.
Through his work with FLUUS, Tey is helping to create opportunities for people who have been affected by conflict or other events. By leveraging technology and creating digital systems that can be accessed even by those who do not have IDs or other documents, FLUUS is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world.
One of the most poignant moments in Tey’s story was when he realized that his birthplace was listed as unknown on his ID. This, coupled with the challenges he faced as a refugee, made him feel invisible to the world around him. Despite these challenges, Tey remained determined to create a better future for himself and those around him.
Tey’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, determination, and the ability to find opportunity in the face of adversity. It is through the work of individuals like Tey and organizations like FLUUS that we can begin to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.
In conclusion, Tey Alrjul’s journey from a Syrian refugee to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and the power of technology to create positive change in the world. Through his work with FLUUS, Tey is helping to create opportunities for people who have been affected by conflict or other events, and is demonstrating the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world. Tey’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of never giving up on your dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem.
Listen to the episode now to know the whole story.
