Mai Medhat: Egypt’s Tech Visionary Empowering Events Through Innovation
In the fast-evolving world of technology and entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of Mai Medhat, the Egyptian entrepreneur and co-founder of Eventtus, a groundbreaking platform that transformed the way people experience events in the Middle East. Her journey from a passionate computer engineering student to a globally recognized innovator embodies determination, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of technology to connect people.
Early Life and Education
Mai Medhat was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, in a society where entrepreneurship—especially in technology—was still largely male-dominated. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in problem-solving, innovation, and technology. Her curiosity led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at Ain Shams University, one of Egypt’s most prestigious institutions.
During her university years, Mai developed a strong foundation in coding, software development, and systems engineering. But more importantly, she discovered her passion for using technology to improve people’s lives. Unlike many of her peers who chose to work for large corporations after graduation, Mai was drawn to the idea of building something of her own—a platform that could make a real impact.
The Spark Behind Eventtus
The idea for Eventtus was born from a simple but frustrating experience. While attending tech conferences and startup events in Egypt and abroad, Mai and her close friend and future co-founder Nina Al Halabi noticed a recurring problem: event-goers lacked a simple, efficient way to connect, network, and stay updated during live events.
Most event information was scattered—schedules were printed on paper, networking was left to chance, and real-time engagement was minimal. Mai saw a huge opportunity to fill that gap using technology. In 2012, she and Nina co-founded Eventtus, a mobile-first event management and engagement platform designed to streamline the entire event experience.
The platform allowed organizers to manage schedules, facilitate networking among attendees, collect feedback, and provide real-time updates—all within a single app. It also gave attendees a digital space to interact, share ideas, and build lasting professional connections.
From Idea to Startup Reality
Launching a tech startup in Egypt in 2012 was not easy. The country was undergoing political and economic turbulence following the Arab Spring, and the startup ecosystem was still in its infancy. Investors were cautious, funding was limited, and female entrepreneurs faced additional challenges in gaining credibility in a male-dominated tech world.
However, Mai’s passion and determination drove her forward. She and Nina started small, working long hours to design and code the initial version of Eventtus themselves. They participated in startup competitions and accelerator programs to gain exposure and mentorship.
Their breakthrough came when Eventtus won several regional competitions, gaining recognition from incubators such as Flat6Labs Cairo and international startup events. These early successes gave the team the funding and confidence they needed to expand and improve their product.
Global Recognition and Growth
Eventtus quickly became one of the most promising startups in the Middle East. Within a few years, it expanded beyond Egypt to serve clients across the region, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon. The platform began powering large-scale conferences, corporate events, exhibitions, and festivals.
Its impact was especially visible in major business and technology events such as RiseUp Summit (Egypt’s biggest entrepreneurship event), STEP Conference, and several industry expos across the region. Eventtus’s ability to simplify networking and event organization made it a favorite among both organizers and attendees.
But Mai’s story truly gained global attention in 2016, when she was invited to join a high-profile panel discussion with U.S. President Barack Obama at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at Stanford University.
A Defining Moment with Barack Obama
At the GES 2016, Mai Medhat shared the stage with President Barack Obama, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and other global innovators. She represented not only Egyptian entrepreneurs but also the broader voice of young innovators from developing countries.
During the panel, Obama praised her for her achievements and asked about her journey as a startup founder in the Middle East. Mai’s responses were thoughtful, confident, and full of optimism. She spoke about how technology could bridge communities, empower young people, and transform industries even in challenging environments.
That moment became symbolic—not only for her personal career but also for the growing recognition of Middle Eastern women in technology. It put Mai Medhat and Eventtus on the global map and inspired countless young entrepreneurs across the Arab world to believe that innovation has no geographical boundaries.
Adapting to Change: The Eventtus Evolution
The events industry is dynamic, and technology changes fast. Eventtus continuously evolved under Mai’s leadership. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the global events industry was among the hardest hit. Physical gatherings were canceled, and millions of event professionals faced uncertainty.
Instead of retreating, Mai and her team pivoted quickly. They transformed Eventtus into a virtual and hybrid event platform, allowing organizers to host interactive online events. The company developed new tools for virtual networking, live streaming, and real-time engagement. This adaptability not only kept Eventtus relevant during the crisis but also opened new opportunities in the global digital events space.
In 2021, Eventtus was acquired by Bevy, a U.S.-based community event platform. The acquisition marked a significant milestone, signaling the global recognition of the company’s value and innovation. Following the acquisition, Mai joined Bevy’s leadership team, continuing to contribute her expertise in product development and technology for community engagement.
Mai Medhat as a Role Model for Women in Tech
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Mai Medhat has become a symbol of empowerment for women in technology and business across the Middle East. Her journey challenges stereotypes and proves that women can lead, innovate, and build world-class startups even in traditionally conservative environments.
She frequently speaks at international conferences and workshops, advocating for greater inclusion of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Mai emphasizes mentorship, resilience, and the importance of building supportive ecosystems for young entrepreneurs.
She once said in an interview, “I believe that ideas are nothing without execution. If you have a dream, start now—don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it will never come.” This quote perfectly encapsulates her philosophy: success is built through action, persistence, and adaptability.
Awards and Recognition
Mai’s innovative spirit has earned her numerous honors over the years, including:
- Arab Woman in Tech Award (2017)
- Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 (2018)
- Recognition by World Economic Forum as a leader in digital transformation
- Named among Egypt’s most influential female entrepreneurs by several media outlets
Her story has been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, CNN, and BBC, further amplifying her impact across the global startup community.
Legacy and Continuing Vision
Today, Mai Medhat stands as one of the most respected tech entrepreneurs in the Middle East. Her legacy is not just about creating a successful startup—it’s about creating opportunities. Through her leadership, she has shown that technology can drive social change, connect communities, and empower the next generation of innovators.
Her success with Eventtus and her journey with Bevy highlight the importance of adaptability in the digital era. But perhaps her greatest achievement is inspiring a new generation of young Arabs—especially women—to dream bigger and challenge the status quo.
Conclusion
Mai Medhat’s story is a testament to what passion, innovation, and persistence can achieve—even in the face of uncertainty. From coding in Cairo to sharing a stage with Barack Obama at Stanford, her journey reflects the transformation of the Middle East’s entrepreneurial landscape.
In a world where technology continues to redefine how people connect, Mai Medhat remains a beacon of progress, creativity, and leadership. Her vision for a more connected and empowered global community continues to inspire millions—proving that true innovation always begins with courage.
Published: 2nd December 2025
For more article like this please follow our social media Twitter, Linkedin & Instagram
Also Read:
Rania Habiby Anderson: A Global Leader Empowering Women
Sherif ElRakabawy: Driving Egypt’s Online Retail Revolutions
Amir Barsoum: Visionary Tech Founder Leading Egypt’s Vezeeta
