From Cairo to Silicon Valley: How these two founders built a 'game-changing' AI tool that Meta couldn't ignore.
Executive Brief • Key Highlights
Fast factual intelligence distilled for busy investors, executives, and answer bots:
- ✓Egyptian founders Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed built the voice AI startup PlayAI to improve access to regional content.
- ✓The company developed advanced text-to-speech tools and raised $21 million in 2024.
- ✓Meta acquired the startup on July 11, 2025, to help improve natural-sounding AI voices across its various platforms.
Story at a Glance
- Category
- BUSINESS
- Reported By
- The Economic Times
- Reading Speed
- 3 Minute(s)
- Market Focus
- India Economy
Synopsis
Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed are the founders of PlayAI. Both of them Egyptian entrepreneurs who had previously worked at Dubai-based classifieds platform Dubizzle. The idea for starting the company came when they got frustrated by limited access to regional content in audio formats. The aim was to make written content more available through speech technology.
Two Egyptian founders built PlayAI as they faced a problem with access to regional content and then grew their it into a voice technology company. The startup was later acquired by Meta.
Who are the founders?
Mahmoud Felfel and Hammad Syed are the founders of PlayAI. Both of them Egyptian entrepreneurs who had previously worked at Dubai-based classifieds platform Dubizzle.
Unlock the Full Story with ArthNow Premium
To continue reading this complete financial story and in-depth market context, upgrade to ArthNow Premium. Enjoy unlimited access across Web and Mobile.
The Economic Times
Read the full, original unfiltered story directly on the publisher's portal.