In the bustling streets of Beirut, where the aroma of coffee seeps in the notes of cultural diversity, the entrepreneurial duo, Elie Habib and Eddy Maroun, conceived a vision that would resonate across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region. Today we unveil the life’s journey of Elie Habib, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Anghami, a pioneer who not only recognized a void in the digital music landscape but also orchestrated the company’s rise to becoming the first Arab tech company listed on NASDAQ, redefining the way we experience and engage with music.
The Birth of Anghami: A Ski Trip Epiphany
Elie Habib’s journey with Anghami traces back to a pivotal moment on Lebanon’s Mzaar-Kfardebian ski slopes in 2011. A day of leisure turned into a spark of inspiration when the co-founder Eddy Maroun faced a music synchronization challenge on his iPod. This dilemma gave birth to a groundbreaking idea that would transform into the biggest online music platform, Anghami. The duo, passionate about music, realized the absence of a legal streaming service in the region and decided to fill that void.
The vision was clear – to create a space where music enthusiasts could explore, discover, and share their favorite tunes legally. Little did they know that Anghami would soon cross the realm of the musical platform and evolve into a cultural icon, defining the soundtracks of millions of lives across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Crescendo of Innovation
As the CTO of Anghami, Elie has been the driving force behind the platform’s technological evolution. Being a seasoned tech enthusiast, who had contributed to the development of Naharnet and co-founded Power eMobile, Elie brought valuable expertise to the table. From its inception to the present day, he has navigated the dynamic landscape of the music industry, ensuring that Anghami remains at the forefront of innovation. Under Elie’s leadership, Anghami has not only embraced cutting-edge technologies but has also pioneered them.
One of the key innovations is Anghami’s adaptive streaming technology which offers seamless playback even in regions with less-than-optimal internet connectivity. This innovation has not only enhanced user experience but, has also expanded the reach of the platform to diverse and remote areas, democratizing access to music.
Launched in November 2012 in Beirut, Lebanon, Anghami quickly gained traction. In less than a year, a crucial $1 million investment from Middle East Venture Partners opened doors to major international record labels, including Universal, Sony, and Warner. The company also secured exclusive agreements with regional giants like Rotana, setting the stage for rapid expansion.
The team initially envisioned a web-based platform with chat rooms, but the shift to a mobile application model proved to be Elie’s masterstroke. The mobile app strategy not only aligned with the market trends but also allowed Anghami to form strategic partnerships with telecom companies, a move that became pivotal in Elie’s conquest of the Arab world.
A Rhythm of Relocation and Resilience
Building a startup is a journey filled with highs and lows, and Elie has been instrumental in steering Anghami through the challenges. From securing strategic partnerships to navigating the complexities of acquiring licenses and copyrights, Elie’s strategic vision has been vital in establishing Anghami as a legal and ethical force in the music industry.
Moreover, the financial and economic crisis in Lebanon in mid-2019, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted a strategic relocation. The company, dedicated to its Lebanese roots, faced an untenable situation in the country.
In 2020, Anghami achieved only 1 percent of its turnover in Lebanon, compared to 6 percent in 2019. Habib emphasized the difficult decision, stating, “We don’t believe that the current circumstances are helping us grow in Lebanon.” The move to Abu Dhabi in early 2021, supported by funding from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, allowed Anghami to continue its growth while preserving its Lebanese identity.
NASDAQ Listing and Beyond
The pinnacle of Habib’s journey came with Anghami’s historic listing on NASDAQ. The merger with Vista Media Acquisition Company raised the market value of Anghami to nearly $220 million, making it the first Arab tech company to be listed on NASDAQ in over two decades. Habib’s role in steering Anghami through this monumental achievement solidified his status as a pioneering tech leader. The successful IPO was not just a financial milestone but a testament to the leader’s unwavering commitment to the platform’s growth and sustainability.
Post-listing, Elie Habib’s leadership continued to innovate. Initiatives like “Live Radio” and the partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East for “Vibe Music Arabia” showcased Anghami’s commitment to fostering independent Arab artists. The vision expanded beyond music streaming, positioning Anghami as a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem.
In 2023, Elie Habib was ranked among the “100 Most Influential Arabs” by Arabian Business, duly recognizing his entrepreneurial prowess and transformative impact on the tech and music streaming industry. Elie’s dynamic leadership, innovative thinking, and strategic vision were not only instrumental in driving Anghami’s expansion but also in elevating Arab music to the global platform. With over 73 million users and a library boasting more than 30 million Arabic and international songs, Anghami continues to break barriers and set new standards.
Anghami had become a trailblazer, proving that a local Lebanese company could compete on a global level. Sharing his journey, Habib says, “We started with a small team in Beirut. Today, we have grown and adapted to the Arab market. Six years later, we have the data, the network, and the artists.”
The Symphony Continues
As Anghami continues to chart new territories and redefine the music-streaming landscape, Elie remains at the helm, ensuring that the platform stays true to its roots while embracing the future. His passion for technology, coupled with a deep appreciation for the cultural richness of the region, has shaped Anghami into a platform that goes beyond playlists; it’s a celebration of diversity, a fusion of tradition and modernity.
Anghami, now based in Dubai, Beirut, Riyadh, and Cairo, has set its sights on broader horizons. While it already boasts over 73 million users, the company sees immense potential in the untapped market of the Arab diaspora. The US, Canada, France, and England are among the priority markets for Anghami’s future expansion.
The company’s commitment to fostering talent, supporting independent artists, and enriching the Arabic music repertoire demonstrates that Anghami’s symphony is still in its early movements. In the ever-expanding universe of music streaming, Elie Habib stands as a maestro, orchestrating the harmonious blend of technology, culture, and creativity.
Through Anghami, he has not only created a platform but a digital stage where the symphony of human emotions finds its resonance. As the music plays on, Elie’s journey continues, composing new chapters in the ever-evolving score of Anghami’s success.