SME Financing Expert: 80% of Small Businesses Don't Have Access to Proper Financing | Yehia Ashour

Yehia is the co-founder and CEO of INVIA. He started in investment banking, corporate finance, and private equity, but found his real passion in supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He’s the ex-CEO and also the co-founder of Beltone SME. Today, he’s building tools that help SMEs survive and grow in a challenging economy.

This is how Yehia describes himself, outside the common titles:

“If I’m not working, you’ll probably find me training, trying something new, or listening to music. I love discovering new artists — music helps me reset and gain perspective. I’m also into surfing and spending time outdoors. Growth is important to me, whether that means pushing my limits or simply becoming better each year.”

He explains:

🟦 Why the SME Market is Underserved and What They Need Today to Make It

🟦 What Revenue Based Financing Really Is

🟦 How He Overcame What The World Expected of Him

🟦 The Mindset of Being an Athlete and a Tennis Player

🟦 How To Embrace One’s Individuality and Be True To Yourself

(00:00) Intro

(01:26) The Human Behind the Title

(04:52) Impact for Small Businesses

(06:24) What is Revenue Based Finance

(09:19) SME Rights & Reality

(15:09) The Personal Why and Driver

(18:20) Retirement Plans

(19:31) Views on Philanthropy

(22:04) Being Oneself

(25:04) Being an Athlete and Tennis Player

(28:58) Reflection on being a CEO

(31:50) Fear + Fear of Failure

(36:03) Risk Appetite Between the East and the West

(37:41) Judgement and Overcoming Depression

(42:49) Perks of Running a Company

(44:17) The One Skill to Hire For

(45:19) Tech and Trends - The WHOOP Effect

(49:01) A Reflection on Life

(53:21) Deepest Fear

(55:30) The Dream & Becoming

If you're anything like me and you’re into personal discovery, becoming a better version of yourself, and you’re looking to better yourself; then this episode is for you.

Thanks for watching—please don't forget to follow!

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Where to find Yehia

LinkedIn | Instagram | Company Website

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