LaunchPad Expo: Startups that adapt quickly can turn market chaos into growth, speakers say
Economic uncertainty and market instability are creating new growth opportunities for startups capable of adapting quickly, business leaders said during the second session of LaunchPad Expo held on Friday at The Greek Campus.
The session, titled “Chaos Creates Opportunity,” featured Amr Gazea, CEO of Mezatech; Mohamed Badran, Head of Financial Advisory Services at Virtual CFO Consulting; Wael Khalil, Chief Commercial Officer at NOX Holding; and Muhammed Mostafa, Chief Strategic Officer at Mezatech.
Speakers said businesses are no longer operating in environments defined by temporary crises, but rather in a constant state of market disruption and rapid change.
“We no longer have a problem with crises themselves — the real challenge is continuous instability,” one speaker said during the discussion, pointing to ongoing economic pressures that have affected businesses since before the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified following the 2016 economic reforms in Egypt.
Panelists argued that companies that fail to adapt quickly to changing market conditions risk losing competitiveness, while startups and smaller businesses with flexible operating models may be better positioned to benefit from periods of disruption.
The discussion emphasised that speed, adaptability, and operational efficiency have become essential competitive advantages in uncertain economic environments.
Speakers noted that businesses must maximise productivity with existing resources rather than relying solely on expansion. Companies with leaner operations and stronger internal systems are increasingly capable of responding faster to shifts in demand, supply chain disruptions and market fluctuations, they said.
Muhammed Mostafa said periods of instability can create major opportunities for startups capable of adjusting their business models quickly and leveraging technology to improve operational performance.
The panel also highlighted the growing importance of data-driven decision-making and financial planning during volatile market conditions.
Mohamed Badran said business decisions should no longer rely on intuition alone, but instead be based on financial insights, performance indicators and strategic analysis.
He stressed the importance of integrating finance teams into core business decision-making processes, particularly when managing cash flow, financing, expansion risks and operational sustainability.
“Finance must have a seat at the table,” Badran said, emphasising the role of financial planning in helping companies navigate uncertainty and prepare for unexpected market shifts.
The speakers also discussed how crises can accelerate growth for agile companies capable of reacting faster than larger competitors. They pointed to supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behavior as examples of challenges that can also create openings for businesses prepared to move quickly.
Wael Khalil said companies that embrace change and continuously rethink their operational strategies are more likely to sustain long-term growth during unstable periods.
The panel concluded that strong internal systems, strategic flexibility and rapid execution are becoming increasingly critical for businesses seeking to survive — and grow — in uncertain economic environments.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English