Meet The xedu Team
This past year, we've built xedu remotely - across countries, time zones, some of us never having met in person. It constantly shows us what's possible with the right people.
So, who's behind xedu? We asked the team a few quick questions about their journey and role.
Tarek Shafik - CEO
Tell us about your background
"I grew up in Cairo and moved to the UK for my studies. When I came back to Egypt, I worked in textile manufacturing and then joined the Egyptian Air Force for a year. Soon after, the idea for xedu started taking shape."
How did xedu begin?
"It actually goes back to COVID. I spent a lot of time researching the education system, its history, and where it falls short. That sparked what eventually became xedu."
And your role now?
"As CEO, I do a little bit of everything - but at the core, my job is to listen to our team and our users and make sure we're solving the right problems."
Karim El Sharkawy - CTO
Tell us about your background
"I was born and raised in Dubai, and now I'm at the University of Maryland studying Computer Science with a focus on machine learning. I've always loved building things - whether that was coding projects, AI experiments, or startup ideas."
How did you join xedu?
"Through Tarek! We're close friends, and in the summer of 2024 he told me about this crazy idea he was working on. I related to the frustration of how little guidance students get outside of school, and I knew I wanted to help build the solution."
And your role now?
"My job is to take our vision and make it real - building the platform, from our advisor marketplace to our custom video calls with AI tools, and now xedu Copilot. I spend a lot of time shaping our roadmap, making sure we're always innovating."
Roya Baalbaki - Creative Lead
Tell us about your background
"I was born and raised in Lebanon in a family of academics, so education was always part of my world. I studied at Northeastern University in Boston — Business (Marketing) and Communication Studies, with a minor in Nutrition. I've worked on big events, campaigns, and creative projects, and I've always loved building experiences that bring people together."
How did you join xedu?
"Karim reached out and set up a call. Then I spoke with Tarek and was instantly drawn to the mission. I didn't have this kind of guidance when I was applying to universities, and I knew how much it would have helped me. That made the decision easy."
And your role now?
"I lead the creative direction at xedu — from content and design to campaigns and storytelling. Basically, I make sure our brand feels alive and relatable to students."
Razan Khawaja - COO
Tell us about your background
"I was raised in Dubai before moving to the UK - first to St Andrews for my undergraduate degree, then Imperial College London for my Master's in Strategic Marketing. That's where I developed my love for strategy and data analysis."
How did you join xedu?
"It started over two years ago when I joined as an advisor. I saw an opening for a marketing intern role and jumped at it - I was already passionate about xedu and believed in what we were building. From there, I moved into the founding team, working on growing the community."
And your role now?
"I build and engage our community while also running our analysis to keep us moving in the right direction. My focus is on making xedu a connected space where students, advisors, and alumni grow together."
Sam Hinton - Financial Lead
Tell us about your background
"I grew up in Surrey and studied at RGS Guildford before moving on to Cambridge University, where I studied Land Economy at Trinity Hall. Sports were a huge part of my time there — rugby, skiing, hockey, football — but so was exploring entrepreneurship and startups."
How did you join xedu?
"Arnaud first told me about it, and we jumped on a call with Tarek. It was a long call, but honestly, a minute talking with Tarek is enough to get you hooked. I saw both the impact of the idea and the opportunity for me to grow, and I've been on board ever since."
And your role now?
"In the early days I did a bit of everything — building decks, writing newsletters, you name it. Now I focus on the financial side: fundraising, planning, and making sure we're building a company that can scale while staying true to our mission."
Arnaud Du Roy de Bliquy - Growth & Partnerships Lead
Tell us about your background
"I grew up in the UK and attended Harrow before attending Cambridge University, where I'm studying Land Economy at St John's College. Through my experience, I have developed a keen interest in Strategy & Growth."
How did you join xedu?
"Funny story — I was on a train from Princeton to New York when I first called Tarek about being a Cambridge advisor for xedu. I was so interested that one conversation later, I was part of the founding team."
And your role now?
"I focus on strategy, partnerships, and growth — and I lean in wherever I can, especially on the finance side."