# Salah Sharef

> Salah Sharef is the co-founder and CEO of Syarah, the Saudi online car retailer he launched with Fayez Alanazi in 2015. A computer science graduate and former Java consultant, he previously founded OpenSooq in 2008. His career spans classifieds marketplaces and automotive e-commerce, including Syarah’s expansion into inspected used cars, reconditioning and home delivery.

- **Role:** Co-Founder & CEO at Syarah
- **Organizations:** Syarah, OpenSooq
- **Nationality:** Libyan
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in computer science, California State University
- **Known for:** Founded OpenSooq in 2008., Co-founded Syarah in 2015 and led its development from listings into online car retail., Led Syarah at its 2021 Series B, 2024 Series C and September 2026 investment announcements.

## Career timeline

- **2001–2006** — Programmer and analyst at State, as recorded by Manhom.
- **2006–2007** — Java consultant at Sapphire Technology.
- **2007–2008** — Java consultant at COMSYS.
- **2008** — Founded OpenSooq.
- **2012** — OpenSooq became part of iMENA Group.
- **2015** — Co-founded Syarah with Fayez Alanazi.
- **2019** — Syarah expanded into online used-car sales.
- **2021** — Syarah announced a $20 million Series B co-led by Impact46 and Elm.
- **2023** — Syarah opened a car refurbishment and servicing center.
- **2024** — Syarah announced a $60 million Series C led by Artal Capital.
- **2026** — Syarah raised $12 million from Impact46 for Saudi expansion and platform and delivery development.

## Achievements

- Founded OpenSooq in 2008.
- Co-founded Syarah in 2015 and led its development from listings into online car retail.
- Led Syarah at its 2021 Series B, 2024 Series C and September 2026 investment announcements.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Syarah raised $12 million from Impact46 to expand its Saudi marketplace and develop its platform and delivery operations.
- **2024-09** — Syarah announced a $60 million Series C led by Artal Capital.

## Links

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salah-sharef/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SalahSharef

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/salah-sharef
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21