# Islam Shawky

> Islam Shawky is the Cairo-based co-founder and CEO of Paymob, founded in 2015 with Alain El Hajj and Mostafa Menessy. A mechanical engineering graduate of the American University in Cairo, he moved into payments after encountering obstacles while building an e-commerce business. His work focuses on helping merchants accept digital payments and access business financial tools across Egypt and Gulf markets.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Paymob
- **Organizations:** Paymob, Endeavor, Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC)
- **Nationality:** Egyptian
- **Education:** Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, The American University in Cairo
- **Known for:** Co-founded Paymob after encountering an e-commerce payment integration gap., Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree in 2021, alongside his co-founders., Selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2022.

## Career timeline

- **2013** — Worked with Alain El Hajj and Mostafa Menessy on an e-commerce venture.
- **2015** — Co-founded Paymob; graduated from AUC.
- **2016** — First bank partnership enabled Paymob’s first transaction, according to El Hajj.
- **2018** — Paymob powered AUC Coin; company received Egypt’s Payments Facilitator licence.
- **2021** — Named with his co-founders in Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30.
- **2022** — Selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur with his co-founders; Paymob announced UAE expansion.
- **2024** — Signed NBO partnership; Paymob raised a $22 million Series B extension.
- **2025** — Discussed UAE licensing and instant settlement; participated in Web Summit Qatar.
- **2026** — Paymob announced a $35 million pre-Series C round.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Paymob after encountering an e-commerce payment integration gap.
- Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree in 2021, alongside his co-founders.
- Selected as an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2022.
- Member of TIEC’s Board of Trustees, reported in his 2022 interview and a 2026 event announcement.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Mubadala announced participation in Paymob’s $35 million pre-Series C round on September 21.
- **2025-02** — Joined Noor Sweid and moderator Aby Sam Thomas at Web Summit Qatar on February 24.
- **2025-01** — Discussed the UAE Retail Payment Services licence and Aani instant settlement.

## Links

- Website: https://paymob.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/islam-shawky-993306265

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/islam-shawky
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-07