Meet Bashar Khdair
Founder of Teamyard and our June 2020 Pre-Accelerator attendee.
So what? With our interviews, it’s not just about spotlighting a member’s milestones, but really to help you connect with someone you might be looking for:
We hear that some of you are seeking co-founders/ partners/ particular specialists. Others want to meet like-minded (or not-so) folks. This is that chance!
Like our many interviewees, Bashar Khdair ‘s given us a download on his background and journey –– and if you’re ever interested in connecting with him, he’s literally one message away.
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About Bashar
“I am a qualified accountant who worked in leadership roles for various industries and companies listed in both LSE and NYSE and held finance leadership roles at three global tech startups (from Seed to Series A to Series D funded, from a couple of $million to $10bn valuation).
Another personal achievement that I hold dearly is being part of the TechBikers group that I cycled with, for 300km+ from Paris to London in three days, for charity!”
Q1: Could you introduce Teamyard to us, and why you started it?
Bashar: Teamyard is transforming well-being and team engagement at the workplace through team sports and activities.
I built Teamyard out of my deep passion for sports. I also spotted a gap in the market and organisations: there is a missing infrastructure to allow people at work to get more active and engage in more natural ways. [There also aren’t many solutions] with a focus on tackling loneliness and mental wellness.
Q2: Could you share your personal or professional journey in building this startup?
Bashar: I really enjoy the thrill and uncertainty that come with working at or building startups.
Startups are miles away outside of most people’s comfort zone –– it’s nowhere near easy, it’s not a straight line and it’s a road full of ups and downs. There are also the rejections; you have to get used to them and capitalise on them to fuel your journey.
Some lessons I’ve learnt: Don’t get attached or married to your idea, have an open mind, and speak to as many people as you can (it’s never enough!). Make sure your family and/or your partner buy into this journey, as you can’t do it alone. You need all the support available to keep you charged and focused. It’s also not a destination or a shortcut to becoming rich or wealthy, it’s a lifestyle you need to enjoy and thrive.
^ Editor’s note: sounds like some lessons we learnt from our Founder’s Scaling Story with Casper Arboll too!
Q3: We’re excited that you’ve been super engaged in both our classes and community. Has our Pre-Accelerator supported you in building your startup? Please do share how.
Bashar: My philosophy in life is to never stop learning.
What is special about SeedReady is that it feels run by a bunch of intelligent, nice, and very helpful people. You get access to ideas, stories, brains, content, and lots of inspiration. We definitely need more programmes like SeedReady and even more people like the team behind SeedReady.
It has exceeded my expectations by far and I would truly recommend it to anyone who is advancing with their idea or just trying to figure something out. It’s a real genuine community that I am proud to be a part of.