Picture this: It’s a Friday night in the East Bay, but instead of a bustling plate of falafel and some friendly banter at the local halal joint, you find yourself squeezed into a tiny living room, WhatsApp notifications buzzing, with a dozen ambitious dreamers trading ideas faster than memes. That’s not the start of a new sitcom—it’s the seed of Friday Ventures, a fund dedicated to rewriting how the Muslim community builds, funds, and scales groundbreaking startups. If you think the secret to impact starts and ends with nonprofit bake sales or mosque fundraisers, buckle up; we’re diving into the real story behind a group determined to put Muslim founders in the boardroom—and maybe even on the front row at historic events.
1. From Group Chat to Venture Fund: The Origin Story
How a Casual Bay Area Meetup Sparked a Movement
Picture this: You’re in the Bay Area, surrounded by tech giants and ambitious founders. But if you’re Muslim and looking for a startup community, it feels like you’re searching for a secret menu. That’s exactly where Arshad Ahmed found himself almost two years ago. He wanted to connect with other Muslim founders, but everyone seemed to be working in silos. No real hub. No buzzing ecosystem. Just scattered names and whispers of cool projects.
The Power of Community-Driven Momentum
So, what do you do when you can’t find your tribe? You build one. Arshad started with a simple meetup. Nothing fancy. Just a handful of people, some coffee, and a lot of hope. But here’s the twist: Instead of a top-down, “let’s form a committee” approach, this was all about organic growth. Real people, real conversations, no gatekeepers.
It’s funny how sometimes the smallest spark lights the biggest fire. The meetup led to a WhatsApp group. The WhatsApp group exploded. Suddenly, you had founders, investors, and industry experts all in one digital room. If you’re wondering how it all happened so fast, Arshad puts it best:
"We started a meetup and that led to a WhatsApp group which led to Friday as a community and so the community grew. Alhamdulillah."
WhatsApp: The Accidental Incubator
Let’s be honest—WhatsApp groups are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they’re chaotic. On the other, they’re magic. Before you know it, you’re in seven different groups, answering the wrong question in the wrong chat (confessions of an over-networker, anyone?). But for Friday Ventures, WhatsApp wasn’t just a tool—it was the launchpad. The group became a safe space for sharing ideas, pitching startups, and even venting about the latest funding headaches.
- Initial growth: Fueled by WhatsApp engagement
- Community: Now includes founders, investors, and experts across domains
Who’s Sitting at the Table?
This isn’t just a metaphor. In the world of startups, who gets invited to the table really matters. For Muslim professionals, that table was often missing—or at least missing seats for them. Friday Ventures changed that. Suddenly, you weren’t just talking about impact in the masjid or over a halal meal. You were building companies, making investments, and shaping the narrative.
Chasing Impact Beyond the Masjid and Restaurant Model
Let’s face it, the “masjid and restaurant” model has its place. But Friday Ventures wanted more. They wanted to see Muslim founders leading in tech, health, finance—everywhere. The goal? Real impact, not just community gatherings.
Personal Tangent: The WhatsApp Group Shuffle
Ever joined so many groups you forget which is which? You’re not alone. It’s almost a rite of passage for anyone building community in 2024. But hey, sometimes a little confusion is the price of progress.
So, from a simple meetup to a thriving venture fund, Friday Ventures is proof that sometimes, all you need is a group chat—and a whole lot of ambition.
2. Why Bake Sales Won’t Change the World (But Tech Might)
Let’s Be Honest: Masjids and Food Aren’t Moving the Needle
You’ve seen it, right? The community center. The halal burger joint. The annual bake sale for charity. These things are great. They build bonds, fill stomachs, and keep traditions alive. But if you’re looking for real, world-shifting influence—well, these just aren’t it.
Let’s put it bluntly: nonprofits, masjids, and foodie hotspots are safe bets. They’re comfortable. They’re familiar. But they’re not game-changers.
Who’s Really in the Room Where It Happens?
Here’s a question: when you watch a presidential inauguration, who’s sitting in the front row? Is it your local imam? The owner of that famous halal spot? Nope.
It’s Elon Musk. It’s the CEOs of Google and Microsoft. The tech giants. The people who literally build the future. That’s not a coincidence. That’s power.
- Power isn’t just about money. It’s about who shapes the narrative.
- Culture is set by those who create, not just those who consume.
- Silicon Valley isn’t just a place. It’s a mindset—and it runs the show.
"Building technology is a culture... people follow the people who made it and it causes these ripple effects."
Muslims in the West: Playing It Safe?
Let’s not kid ourselves. The Muslim community in the West has been building. But mostly in safe, obvious areas. Masjids. Restaurants. Nonprofits. Important, yes. But are we really changing the game?
Look at the headlines. Look at who’s making decisions. It’s not the folks running the best shawarma spot in town.
Want Real Impact? Get Ready for Some Bruises
Here’s the thing: real impact means risk. It means stepping out of the comfort zone. Sometimes, it means taking a punch to the face—metaphorically, of course.
- Building tech is hard. It can take 5, 7, even 10 years before you see any real payoff.
- You’ll fail. Maybe more than once. That’s normal.
- But if you stick with it, you’re not just making money. You’re shaping culture.
It’s not about abandoning tradition. It’s about amplifying your voice in a world that listens to creators, not just caretakers.
Quick Side Rant: The “Get a Government Job” Uncle
You know that uncle. The one who says, “Just get a government job, play it safe.” If you’re nodding along with him, this article probably isn’t for you.
But if you’re tired of playing small ball—if you want to see Muslims in the front row, not just the back kitchen—maybe it’s time to think bigger. Much bigger.
3. Dollars, Sense, and Sharia: How Friday Ventures Invests
Muslim Money, No Strings Attached
Let’s get this out of the way: Friday Ventures is totally Muslim-funded. Yes, really—no Zionist money, no outside interests, no hidden strings. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a fund is built by and for the Muslim community, this is it. As one of the founders put it:
'All of our LPs so far have been Muslim.'
That’s not just a tagline. It’s a guiding principle. Every dollar comes from investors who share the same cultural and religious values. That means alignment on more than just profit.
Small, Focused, and Early-Stage
You might expect a venture fund to be massive, but Friday Ventures is intentionally keeping things small. Their first fund is $5 million. Why? Because focus matters. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, they write checks between $250,000 and $500,000, targeting startups at the seed stage.
- Seed stage means you’ve built a product, maybe have some revenue, and need a push to get to the next level.
- It’s not for just-an-idea founders. You need traction, even if it’s small.
If you’re at that critical point—product in hand, some customers, but not quite ready for the big leagues—this is your sweet spot.
Meet the LPs: Not Just Silent Money
Here’s where it gets interesting. The limited partners (LPs) aren’t just writing checks and disappearing. Many are seasoned professionals, successful in their own right. They’re mentors, connectors, and sometimes even your biggest cheerleaders. Imagine having an investor who actually understands your journey, not just your numbers.
- LPs bring more than cash—they bring expertise and community.
- They’re invested in your success, not just their returns.
Checks and Balances: Sharia Board Meets Tech Due Diligence
You might be wondering, “How does a venture fund stay true to Islamic principles?” Friday Ventures is building a Sharia board—a group of scholars and professionals who ensure every investment aligns with Islamic ethics. But it doesn’t stop there. There’s also a traditional investment board, focused on financial and technical due diligence. It’s a double layer of accountability.
- Sharia board: Spiritual and ethical oversight.
- Investment board: Business and tech expertise.
This structure means you’re not just getting funding—you’re getting a stamp of approval that matters to your community and your conscience.
Personal Anecdote: When Sharia Meets Silicon Valley
Ever had an uncle ask if you’re laundering money because he’s never seen “Sharia” and “Silicon Valley” in the same sentence? You’re not alone. It’s new territory for a lot of people. But Friday Ventures is proving that you can build serious, ethical businesses—without compromising your values or raising eyebrows at family gatherings (well, maybe just a little).
4. Real Talk: What Makes a ‘Pitch’ Stand Out (or Fall Flat)
The Four Must-Haves: It’s Not Just About a Snazzy Pitch Deck
Let’s get real. If you’re thinking about pitching your startup, you need more than a pretty slide deck. Investors—especially at Friday Ventures—are looking for four things:
- Team: Who’s building this? Are you the right people for the job?
- Idea: What exactly are you making? Is it actually solving a problem?
- Market: How big is the opportunity? Is the market growing?
- Insight: What do you know that others don’t? “You need to have some sort of unique insight.”
Sounds simple, right? But most people get it wrong the first time. That’s normal. Even if you follow every framework, there’s a difference between knowing the theory and actually doing it. You’ll only really get it by jumping in and trying.
Market Size Matters (Sorry, Grandma in Cyprus)
Here’s a reality check: if your idea is “robot dogs for grandmas in Cyprus,” you might want to rethink. Even if you sell to every grandma on the island, it’s just not a big enough market. Investors are looking for opportunities that can 100x their money. That means your market has to be huge—or at least growing fast.
To put it in perspective, to reach a $1 billion valuation, your company probably needs $100 million or more in annual revenue. And no product owns 100% of any market. If you can grab even 1% of a massive market, you’re in good shape. But if your market is tiny? Well, you get the idea.
Start at Home: The Family Beta Test
Not sure if your product has legs? Try convincing your mom to use it. If she’s willing to test your app (and maybe even share it in the family WhatsApp group), you’re onto something. It’s not scientific, but it’s a start—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Experience: Why OpenAI Beats the Classroom
Let’s be honest. Investors care about your background. If you’ve worked at OpenAI or shipped real products, that counts for more than any classroom project. It’s unfair, but true. When you’re up against someone with deep industry experience, you need to show why you’re the right person to build this—especially in a crowded field like AI.
Storytime: Airbnb, Uber, and Spotting Opportunity
Think about Airbnb. Back in 2009, the idea of paying to sleep at a stranger’s house was wild. Investors didn’t get it. But the founders saw something others didn’t: people needed cheap places to stay during big events, and they were willing to try something new. Uber? Same story. Who thought people would hop into a stranger’s car? But the founders had a unique insight and caught the wave of mobile apps and GPS at just the right time.
Wild Card: Failure Is the Norm (But So Was Your First Pancake)
Here’s the hard truth: over 90% of startups fail. But hey, everyone’s first pancake is a mess, too. What matters is learning, iterating, and coming back with something better. Investors know the risks. They’re betting on your team, your insight, and your ability to spot opportunities others miss.
You need to have some sort of unique insight.
5. Uniting Diverse Muslim Talent: Why the Ummah Wins Together
Overflowing With Talent, But Rarely Connected
You might not realize it, but the Muslim world is bursting at the seams with educated, wealthy, and skilled professionals. Especially in tech. From AI engineers in Silicon Valley to finance experts in Dubai, Muslims are everywhere. It’s almost like there’s a secret club—except, well, there isn’t.
Here’s the thing: We have everything. Knowledge, resources, ambition. But what’s missing? Real, strategic connection. The kind that turns scattered talent into a force.
Why Friday Ventures Ditches the ‘Where Are You From?’ Test
Let’s be honest. Too often, Muslims get boxed in by geography or background. Egypt, Iran, India—pick a country, and you’ll find brilliant founders. But they’re not always in the same WhatsApp group. Or even the same conversation.
Friday Ventures flips the script. They don’t ask, “Where are you from?” Instead, it’s all about, “What can we build together?” The focus is on ambition, not ancestry. As they put it:
'This Ummah is one. We don't care where you're from or who you are.'
Networking Across Borders, Sectors, and Schools of Thought
Imagine a network where a fintech founder from Karachi can brainstorm with an AI researcher in Toronto. Or a product designer in Istanbul can get feedback from a Sharia scholar in London. That’s the ecosystem Friday Ventures is building.
- Cross-country collaboration: No borders, just bridges.
- All schools of thought welcome: Sunni, Shia, or somewhere in between—everyone’s voice matters.
- Sector diversity: Tech, finance, health, you name it. The only requirement is drive.
Building Inclusive Boards for Real Trust
It’s not just about founders. Friday Ventures is serious about checks and balances. Their investment board? Packed with Muslims from top companies and institutions. Their Sharia board? A mix of righteous, respected scholars from different backgrounds.
Why so much diversity? Because it’s the only way to build sustainability and trust. If you stack your board with one type of person, things get stale. Or worse, they break down when real challenges hit. With a broad mix, you get accountability—and a better shot at lasting impact.
Convincing the Ummah: We’re All on the Same Team
Here’s a funny twist. Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t convincing outsiders. It’s convincing your own people that you’re all on the same team. Old rivalries, sectarian debates, or just plain suspicion—they can creep in. But Friday Ventures is clear: “We’re just trying to make money for the Ummah and help the Ummah.”
So, if you’re a Muslim founder, expert, or investor, it doesn’t matter where you started. What matters is where you’re going—and who you’re willing to go with.
6. The Risky Art of Startup Building: Grit, Faith, and the Long Game
Jumping Off the Cliff: No Textbook, No Google, No Guarantees
Let’s be honest. No business school, no Google job, not even a decade at a Fortune 500 can really prepare you for the wild leap into startup life. You might think you know risk—until you’re staring down the edge, wondering if your wings will work. “There’s like almost nothing you can learn except for doing it.” That’s what Ahmed says, and it hits hard. You can read all the case studies you want, but the real lessons? They start the moment you step off that ledge.
Trading Corporate Comfort for Vision and Faith
You’ve probably heard the stories. Talented folks with cushy jobs at big tech companies, steady paychecks, and all the free snacks they could eat. Then, one day, they walk away. Why? Because building something meaningful—something that matters to you and your community—calls for a different kind of courage. It’s not just about ambition. It’s about faith.
- Financial insecurity: You swap comfort for uncertainty. No more direct deposits on the 1st and 15th.
- Vision over stability: You chase a dream, not a job description.
- Real risk: You don’t know when (or if) your next paycheck is coming. That’s not just risky—it’s real.
Building Resilience—and Faith
Here’s the thing. The startup grind isn’t just a test of business chops. It’s a faith-builder, especially for Muslim founders. Ahmed puts it plainly: the uncertainty, the struggle, the constant need to trust in something bigger than yourself—it all deepens your tawakkul (reliance on God). When you’ve got nothing but your vision and your du’a (prayer), you learn what it means to truly let go and trust.
It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Actually, scratch that. It’s a marathon with random sprints, unexpected hurdles, and more than a few faceplants along the way. Most founders don’t see a payoff for five, maybe even ten years. Some never do. And yet, they keep going.
Thought Experiment: Would You Take the Leap?
Let’s pause for a second. Imagine this:
- You have ten years ahead of you.
- There’s total uncertainty. No guarantees. No fallback plan.
- Your only constant is du’a—prayer and hope.
Would you do it? Would you trade security for the chance to build something that could change lives?
Why the Long Game Matters
- Startup journeys often last 5–10 years before any real payoff.
- Many founders leave behind high salaries and stability for a shot at something bigger.
- It’s not for everyone. But for those who stick it out, the growth—personal, spiritual, professional—is unmatched.
There’s like almost nothing you can learn except for doing it.
So, next time you hear about someone leaving a safe job to build a startup, remember: it’s not just business. It’s grit, faith, and the long game.
7. Weird, Wild Misconceptions: Addressing the Awkward Questions
Let’s Bust Some Myths
You’ve probably heard a few strange things about Muslim-led venture capital. Maybe from a friend. Maybe from that one uncle who thinks every WhatsApp group is a secret society. Let’s clear the air, shall we?
1. Do Muslims in VC only work with their own?
Short answer: No. Friday Ventures is open to Muslim founders from any background. But here’s the twist—non-Muslim co-investors and partners are welcome too. It’s not a closed circle. It’s more like a big table, and there’s always room for another chair.
2. Is this some kind of exclusive club?
Only if you hate WhatsApp notifications. Jokes aside, there’s no secret handshake or password. If you’re passionate, ethical, and ready to build something meaningful, you’re in the right place. The only real “club” is a group of people who want to see each other succeed (and maybe share too many memes).
3. Money laundering jokes and other eye-rollers
Let’s be real. Family gatherings can get awkward. Someone will always crack a joke about “all that investor money.” But here’s the truth: Sharia-compliant VC is built on transparency and accountability. There are checks and balances from day one. No shady business, just shared values and clear rules.
4. What does Sharia compliance actually mean for VC funds?
It’s not about exclusion. It’s about shared ethics, transparency, and communal responsibility. Investments avoid industries like alcohol, gambling, or interest-based finance. But the bigger idea? Building trust. Everyone knows where the money comes from and where it goes. No smoke and mirrors.
5. How to pitch if you’re not sure you belong
Here’s some honest advice from inside the room:
- Don’t overthink it. Most first-time founders get it wrong at first. That’s normal.
- Just do it. Apply. Reach out. You’ll learn by doing, not by waiting for the “perfect” pitch.
- Network. Get to know the team. Ask questions. The more you connect, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
“If someone wants to pitch to us, they’re probably going to get it wrong first... But my advice to everyone who wants a pitch is just do it. Just apply. Just, you know, try network with us. Get to know us. That’s the best advice I can give.”
6. If in doubt: Join, connect, ask questions. You’ll probably get chai.
No matter your background, you’re invited. Openness and transparency are at the core of Friday Ventures. So, if you’re curious, just show up. Ask the awkward questions. You might leave with answers—and maybe a cup of chai.
Conclusion: When WhatsApp Groups Become World-Changers
Let’s be real for a second. Changing the world? It’s never a solo act. You might have the vision, the hustle, and the faith, but without a community, you’re just shouting into the void. That’s why Friday Ventures stands out. What started as a simple WhatsApp group—just a handful of Muslim founders, investors, and experts—has grown into a movement. A movement that’s not just about business, but about building something bigger together.
You might wonder, can a few memes and late-night messages really move mountains? Actually, yes. Sometimes, all it takes is a spark—a joke, a shared frustration, or a story about someone making it against the odds—to ignite ambition. Friday Ventures blends old-school values like trust, integrity, and service with next-gen ambition. It’s not just about writing checks. It’s about rewriting the narrative for Muslim entrepreneurs everywhere.
Think about it: for years, Muslim communities in the West have built their influence through mosques, halal restaurants, and nonprofits. Important, yes, but limited in reach. As Arshad Ahmed, the founder, put it, “We’ve made a small needle in that change but they haven’t really made like that big impact, right?” The real game-changer? Technology. Platforms that shape culture, create jobs, and influence how people think and live. That’s where the power lies—and that’s where Friday Ventures is planting its flag.
But here’s the twist. This isn’t just about chasing unicorns or billion-dollar exits. It’s about faith-rooted investing. Every decision, every partnership, every investment is grounded in principles. There’s a Sharia board, a commitment to ethical growth, and a refusal to let divisions—whether by nationality, background, or minor beliefs—get in the way. “This ummah is one. We don’t care where you’re from or who you are,” says Ahmed. That’s rare in the world of venture capital, where competition and ego often rule.
And let’s not forget the grit. Building a startup isn’t glamorous. It’s risk, uncertainty, and—let’s be honest—a lot of getting punched in the face before anything works. But it’s also faith. The kind that says, “Allah will take care of you,” even when the next paycheck is a mystery. In a way, being a founder can make you a better Muslim, if you let it. It’s a test of patience, trust, and resilience.
So, what’s the takeaway for you? If you’re dreaming of launching something big, remember: you don’t have to do it alone. Find your people. Lean on your values. Mix tradition with ambition. Friday Ventures is proof that Muslim startups aren’t just the future—they’re remaking the present. One WhatsApp group, one meme, one bold idea at a time.
The rise of Friday Ventures signals a new era. Faith and entrepreneurial ambition, working hand in hand, are building platforms with real-world influence. It’s not just about investing in companies—it’s about investing in a community that’s ready to change the world, together.
TL;DR: Friday Ventures is sparking a revolution in Muslim tech entrepreneurship, blending authentic community roots with savvy investment know-how. With a focus on meaningful, Sharia-compliant impact and real-world advice for startup founders, this fund is redefining what Muslim success looks like in Silicon Valley and beyond.
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