App&Above is a company dedicated to delivering customized mobile and tablet applications to corporate clients as well as providing mobile strategy for clients’ businesses. It was launched 5 months ago, on November 1, 2011 in Beirut.

Last week we invited Antoine Abou-Samra, the Founder of App&Above, to Seeqnce Space. He told us more about his company, including its business culture, the company’s purpose of existence as well as its business model.

You can read more about his background in the biography provided at the end of the article.

What makes App&Above different?

There are 3 key differentiators of App&Above’s brand and those are:

1. The approach to delivering customized solutions

The company’s focus is beyond the common app development process. Using the team’s widespread expertise and great understanding of consumer behavior, the company is also providing businesses with effective distribution channel strategies and profitable business models.

2. The approach to designer ergonomics

Ergonomics is an essential concept in the App&Above’s working approach. The way the app functions, the interaction between the user and the app, the navigation as well as the design of the app take central role in the development process.

“We work with specialists who make sure that all these elements show a superb performance”, said Antoine.

3. Arabic content

Before starting his business, Antoine did research and investigated the industry in the region. Among other findings, he discovered a huge need for Arabic content.

“One of the premises I started this business with was offering solutions that will satisfy that need”, he continued.

What sparked the idea?

Antoine has always been enchanted by exciting industries. “To me the mobile industry is fascinating as it is completely reshaping the way the world functions. So after doing research and deciding on this industry, I started building the team and partnerships, recruiting local talent who is specialized in mobile and who is able to compete globally”, he explained.

Moreover he was driven by the passion he feels for his country and was determined to do something enthralling in Beirut specifically.

“I wanted to do something challenging that will put Lebanon on a global map. My major inspiration was to showcase Lebanon in a different view as I did more than 17 years ago during my first venture in Lebanon. Some people from the region and Lebanon have already succeeded in reaching global audiences. So it has been done before and we definitely do have the brains for it”, said Antoine.

Who is the App&Above team?

The App&Above core team is made up of:

1.       Antoine Abou-Samra: Founder and CEO

2.       Elie El Soueidy: Team Leader/Senior Developer

3.       Samer Hobeika: Developer

4.       Marwan Toutounji: Developer

App&Above also draws from the talent pool of its partner Keeward.

What is App&Above’s target market?

“We are agnostic in terms of industries. However we prefer certain industries such as media and entertainment, retailing, sports, financial services and tourism”, said Antoine.

“Geographically, we are targeting the Middle East, Europe and North America”, he continued.

What stage is App&Above at?

The company is at its early stage.

How is App&Above funded?

The company is using its own sources. In addition, it obtained a loan guarantee from Kafalat. Right at the moment they are not looking for additional funding.

Is App&Above looking to hire?

The company is looking to hire developers.

Check App&Above’s Continuous Training section to learn more about their interesting recruitment concept.

What is the biggest challenge for App&Above?

“Cash flow and past performance are the two challenges we face”, said Antoine.

“Everyone is asking for a company’s portfolio. For example there was a pitch for a news app and one of the requirements was a track record. This is a challenge every startup is facing.  Nevertheless, if you show quality work, creativity and professionalism then you will definitely overcome this”, he continued.

What is Antoine’s view on startup accelerators like Seeqnce?

“I have gone through the entrepreneurial process several times and that’s why I’m convinced in the vital role of any type of organization that supports entrepreneurs”, answered Antoine.

He believes that the accelerator model is a needed approach and a great reinforcement for startups.

“Everything that is done with the main aim to support and amplify entrepreneurs’ activity is healthy. Companies like Seeqnce and organizations like Berytech have been practicing this approach very well. The more there is such support the better”, said Antoine.

What is Antoine’s advice to fresh entrepreneurs?

In the end Antoine advised 3 things to entrepreneurs:

1. Think big and go for it: Too often I see people who come with projects which aren’t able to scale. If you want to get a large and sustainable business that will make an impact on society then you have to think big.

2. Get the advice, support, and experienced people on board: Talk to entities like Bader Young Entrepreneurs Program, which can support entrepreneurs from the start to the funding process and beyond, and to everyone else available to push your idea. You are going to make mistakes but if you have mentors and the right experts advising you then your business will suffer less and learn more.

3. Give back to the community: Try to make an impact in the society you live in. The community deserves as much as your clients.

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Antoine Abou-Samra is the Founder/CEO of App&Above, an international company specialized in the development of mobile applications. He has brought his passion for entrepreneurship, experience of startups and wide industry expertise into the founding of App&Above. The aim of App&Above is to bring the optimal strategic approach with the latest technological tool to deliver state of the art applications to its clients.

He is also the Managing Director of Bader Young Entrepreneurs Program, a non-governmental and non-profit organization based in Beirut, Lebanon whose goal is to promote entrepreneurship and support entrepreneurs in Lebanon. He is also the delegate in Lebanon of IPEMED, a Euro-Mediterranean think tank based in Paris, which promotes the economic integration between the north and south of the Mediterranean.

Starting in the early 90′s, Antoine developed several ventures in varied sectors such as finance, corporate restructuring, media/entertainment or sports.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and International Business from McGill University and an MBA from INSEAD.