From founding Qatar’s first homegrown real estate platform to its strategic acquisition, Ahmad shares insights on innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
In the rapidly growing startup ecosystem of the Middle East, Qatar is establishing itself as a hub for innovation and technological advancement. Among the entrepreneurs contributing to this evolution is Ahmad AlKhanji, co-founder of hapondo, Qatar’s first homegrown real estate marketing platform. Launched in 2019, hapondo set out to address inefficiencies in Qatar’s property market by leveraging technology to build trust and streamline the user experience. Its recent acquisition by Sakan, a leading regional PropTech company, underscores the platform’s strategic growth and potential within Qatar’s expanding tech sector.
Combining a background in civil engineering with international business expertise, Ahmad brings a multidisciplinary approach to entrepreneurship.
His strategic insights in business and innovation development have been key in guiding hapondo’s progression from a startup concept to a significant regional market player.
In this exclusive interview with Abdul Qavi for Rasmal, Ahmad offers candid insights into building hapondo, navigating startup challenges, and his perspective on the evolving entrepreneurial landscape in the MENA region. He provides practical, actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
Reflections on hapondo’s Founding Journey
Abdul Qavi: Looking back, what inspired you to start hapondo, and what challenges in Qatar’s real estate market were you aiming to address?
Ahmad: The inspiration for hapondo came from recognizing a significant need for development in Qatar’s real estate market, particularly regarding technology and transparency. At the time, most platforms were run by non-local entities, leading to gaps in trust and data accuracy. We saw an opportunity to create a local solution to address these issues.
For me, it was also personal. One of our co-founders had difficulty finding trustworthy apartment listings online, which underscored the lack of reliable platforms in the market. On a personal level, I wanted better insights into property prices and investment opportunities. Many existing platforms featured duplicated or misleading listings, frustrating users.
We aimed to build a high-quality, trustworthy platform where users could browse and compare properties with accurate information. Our goal was to connect property owners and brokers directly with customers and investors, ultimately fostering greater transparency and efficiency in Qatar’s real estate market.
Overcoming Challenges in Qatar’s Real Estate Sector
“Entrepreneurship demands persistence and adaptability.”
Abdul Qavi: Building a startup is challenging, especially in a dynamic market like Qatar’s real estate sector. What obstacles did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Ahmad: One of the primary challenges was earning the trust of clients, both property seekers and brokers.
Establishing credibility required forming strong relationships and demonstrating our platform’s value. With limited resources, we had to be creative in our sales and marketing efforts.
Another challenge was the sheer amount of time spent on activities outside our core business, such as accounting, human resources, and event management. As founders, we wore many hats, and it became essential to hustle and solve problems quickly. This experience taught me that entrepreneurship demands persistence and adaptability.
On the positive side, the opportunities were immense. The real estate market in Qatar was ripe for innovation, with a growing expatriate population and increased emphasis on foreign investment. There was a clear need for a platform like hapondo to bring transparency and efficiency to the market.
Innovating in the Real Estate Market
“Quality and reliability were at the heart of our mission.”
Abdul Qavi: Introducing technology into the real estate market must have required navigating unique challenges. What specific innovations or features were you most excited to bring to the market with hapondo?
Ahmad: We focused on ensuring that all property listings were accurate and up-to-date, which was crucial since many expats search for properties online before arriving in Qatar. We began with residential rentals, where we saw the most activity, and later expanded into sales and commercial properties.
Encouraging users to move from traditional methods like WhatsApp to our dedicated platform streamlined communication and improved reliability. To build trust, we published market reports and offered professional photography services for listings. Utilizing social media, we promoted both our platform and Qatar’s real estate opportunities.
Crafting a User-Centric Experience
“A user-friendly platform encourages engagement and trust.”
Abdul Qavi: How did you prioritize customer needs to create a seamless user experience?
Ahmad: Our priority was simplicity and ease of use. We allowed users to browse listings without requiring account creation. We avoided intrusive advertisements and focused on minimizing the number of clicks required to find relevant information.
We drew inspiration from platforms like Airbnb, utilizing simple, clean designs with visually appealing elements. The goal was to create an intuitive interface that made property searching enjoyable rather than a chore.
Additionally, we believed in transparency. We shared market insights openly, empowering users to make informed decisions. Whether the information was positive or negative, we wanted to empower customers with knowledge.
The Strategic Acquisition by Sakan
“Joining forces with Sakan was a logical step for hapondo’s growth.”
Abdul Qavi: hapondo’s acquisition by Sakan is a significant development. What made this the right decision, and how did you navigate the transition?
Ahmad: The decision to be acquired wasn’t easy — it felt like parting with something we had nurtured from the ground up. However, after thoughtful discussions with my partners, we realized that joining forces with Sakan was the best path forward for hapondo’s growth.
Aligning with Sakan offered hapondo opportunities to grow beyond what we could achieve alone. Their advanced technology and regional presence meant we could implement innovations we aspired to bring to Qatar.
The transition involved open communication and a shared vision for enhancing the real estate market. It was about ensuring hapondo’s mission continued on a larger scale. Sakan’s resources and expertise positioned hapondo to make a more substantial impact in the region.
Lessons Learned on the Entrepreneurial Journey
“Start small, focus on a niche, and let quality drive growth.”
Abdul Qavi: Reflecting on your journey with hapondo, what were some of the most significant lessons you learned as a founder?
Ahmad: One crucial lesson is to start small and focus on a niche. We began with residential rentals to establish a solid foundation before expanding into other areas. This approach allowed us to refine our product and build credibility in the market.
Another lesson is the importance of creative marketing, especially when operating with limited financial resources. While marketing can generate initial traction, it’s the quality of the product that sustains growth over time. A high-quality product resonates with users and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.
As a founder, you need to be willing to learn and understand all aspects of your business, even those outside your expertise. For instance, while I’m not a tech expert, I had to gain enough knowledge to make informed decisions about our platform’s development.
Lastly, persistence and humility are essential. Challenges are inevitable, but staying adaptable and maintaining a willingness to learn can make the difference between success and failure.
The Evolving Startup Ecosystem in Qatar
“Entrepreneurs must take initiative to contribute to the ecosystem’s development.”
Abdul Qavi: How do you view the changes in Qatar’s startup ecosystem, and what role do entrepreneurs play in its growth?
Ahmad: Qatar’s startup ecosystem has grown remarkably, with increased support from the government and various initiatives designed to foster entrepreneurship. Programs like Startup Qatar provide funding opportunities ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, making it easier for startups to access the capital they need.
The government has also implemented business-friendly policies, such as allowing full foreign ownership, offering a competitive tax framework, and establishing a legal system based on English common law. These measures create an attractive environment for both local and international entrepreneurs.
However, I believe the responsibility for driving change lies with entrepreneurs. While the government provides the framework, it’s up to us to identify challenges, innovate, and advocate for solutions. Entrepreneurs need to be proactive in voicing their needs and collaborating to strengthen the ecosystem.
Life After hapondo: Looking Ahead
Abdul Qavi: Now that you’ve exited hapondo, what are your thoughts on your next steps?
Ahmad: I genuinely enjoy the creativity and dynamism that come with entrepreneurship. For now, I’m taking some time to reflect and explore life outside of business. That said, I know that entrepreneurship is part of who I am—it’s more than just a job.
In the future, I anticipate launching new ventures or getting involved in projects that align with my interests and expertise. I’m particularly interested in supporting other startups, whether through mentorship or investment. I’m especially passionate about sectors where technology can drive meaningful social or economic impact.
Sharing my experiences and helping others navigate their journeys is something I find deeply fulfilling. Entrepreneurship is a core part of who I am, and I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
“Test your ideas, learn quickly, and be adaptable.”
Abdul Qavi: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in Qatar and the MENA region?
Ahmad: Start small and test the market with a cost-effective service or product. Offering it for free initially can help you gather valuable feedback and refine your offering. Focus on building value within yourself by continuously learning and developing new skills. Invest in your personal growth by acquiring knowledge that extends beyond the immediate demands of a job.
Persistence and adaptability are crucial. The entrepreneurial journey is full of challenges, but each obstacle presents a valuable opportunity to grow and improve. Embrace failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
Today’s abundant resources and opportunities make this the perfect time to start building something impactful. Leverage the support systems in place, but remember that your success ultimately depends on your dedication and willingness to push forward.
Closing Thoughts
Ahmad’s journey with hapondo illustrates the innovative potential of entrepreneurship in the MENA region. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, quality, and a user-centric approach in building successful ventures. Incubated at Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), hapondo benefited from a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Its story exemplifies how leveraging local insights can drive solutions with regional and global impact, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to innovate and contribute to Qatar’s expanding startup ecosystem.
About hapondo:
- Founded: 2019
- Sector: PropTech
- Incubation: Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)
- Achievement: First local real estate platform in Qatar
- Acquisition: Acquired by Sakan in August 2024
- Impact: Enhanced transparency and introduced tech-driven solutions to Qatar’s real estate market
Editor’s Note: This interview with Ahmad AlKhanji, co-founder of hapondo, was conducted by Rasmal, a platform dedicated to showcasing the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators shaping the future of the MENA region.
