Left My Job at 45 and 8 Years Later, Sold My Startup for $420M | Maaz Sheikh 

In this episode of Money Moves, Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Maaz Sheikh, CEO and Co-founder of STARZPLAY, to unpack the journey of building one of the Middle East’s leading streaming platforms. Maaz reflects on the early days of launching a bold startup in an emerging MENA market, the challenges of scaling operations, and the strategic decisions that led to STARZPLAY’s $420M acquisition. 

He shares how the company carved out a niche by targeting 18- to 34-year-olds underserved by traditional pay TV, offering affordable, on-demand content and exclusive Western series. This customer-first approach drove rapid subscriber growth and set STARZPLAY apart in a crowded field. 

The conversation also explores the realities of fundraising, the toll of leadership burnout, and how Maaz kept the team aligned through uncertainty. He emphasizes the power of strong investor partnerships, the importance of adaptability, and the role authentic relationships play in long-term success. 

Whether you’re a founder, a media exec, or just curious about the streaming wars in MENA, this episode is packed with insights on growth, resilience, and building a business that lasts.