Business Chief Europe Magazine June 2023 | Page 68

TOP 10
Maaz
Sheikh ( CEO )

08

STARZPLAY

Location : UAE Founded : 2014 Founders : Maaz Sheikh ( CEO ), Danny Bates ( COO ), Karin Baggstrom , Khaled Benchouche Total funding : US $ 150m
Netflix ’ s regional rival , Starzplay Arabia , is the fastest growing on-demand video streaming service in MENA and Pakistan , available in 19 countries , and consistently ranked among the region ’ s top three streaming services . Starzplay , which has 2.1 million subscribers , has secured tie-ups with leading global studios including MGM , Warner Bros , Universal and Discovery , and also delivers original content . Following two previous funding rounds totalling US $ 150m , E-vision ( from e &) and ADQ acquired a 57 % stake in Starzplay , valuing the platform at US $ 420m . Starzplay is using the funding to produce more original regional content and acquire new content including the Asia Cup cricket matches live .
68 June 2023