“خيال” أبليكشن بيجمع بين تعليم الفروسية و ركوب الخيل الحر | شارك تانك مصر

Introduction to Khayal and Its Business Model

Founders' Background

• Mohamed Zahram, founder of Khayal, shares his passion for horseback riding and how it transitioned into a business that generated 30 million in three years.

• Nadine Sami, partner at Khayal, emphasizes the importance of safety and organization in horseback riding experiences.

Identifying Problems in Horse Riding

• The founders recognized significant issues in free riding such as safety concerns and lack of organization, especially for first-time riders.

• They aimed to create a structured environment where people could learn how to ride safely while enjoying the experience.

Development of Structured Riding Experiences

Initial Steps Taken

• In 2020, they began organizing small rides with instructions on how to handle horses effectively.

• Over four years, they trained over 7,000 individuals and served more than 80,000 clients ranging from ages five to fifty.

Inclusivity Efforts

• Khayal has created an inclusive environment allowing girls and individuals with special needs to participate safely in horseback riding.

Expansion and Revenue Growth

Strategic Location Choices

• The company opened new locations closer to clients who previously complained about distance from Cairo.

• By 2023, they achieved revenues of 10 million EGP through strategic expansions across various regions in Egypt.

Addressing Equipment Challenges

• They faced challenges sourcing equestrian equipment due to limited availability; thus began producing their own saddles using innovative materials like fiberglass.

Creating an Ecosystem for Equestrian Services

Comprehensive Service Offerings

• Khayal developed an ecosystem that combines training sessions with tools needed for horse riding within a single application platform.

• This app allows users to book rides, training sessions, buy/sell tools and horses—though further development is needed for full functionality.

Future Aspirations and Community Building

Vision for the Future

• The founders aim to re-establish their presence in Saqqara by enhancing their application into a community hub for equestrians across Egypt.

Competitive Landscape

• Despite competition from other stables offering similar services, Khayal's unique approach focuses on innovation rather than imitation.

Organizing Equestrian Events

Ambitions Beyond Training

• A long-term goal includes organizing Egypt's first endurance championship since the early 2000’s which would gather stables focused on organized free riding events.

This structure provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions presented in the transcript while maintaining clarity and accessibility through effective use of timestamps.

Business Insights and Strategies in Equestrian Ventures

Overview of Financial Performance

• The speaker discusses a revenue model where they achieved 14 million in 2024, with projections for 2025 being uncertain due to location issues.

• Current earnings are around 7 million, with expectations to increase as winter approaches, indicating seasonal fluctuations in revenue.

• Profit margins are highlighted, with approximately 30% from rides and training services, emphasizing the profitability of their business model.

Target Audience and Market Engagement

• The discussion includes insights on engaging children aged five and above in equestrian sports, stressing that age or experience is not a barrier to entry.

• The importance of creating a community passionate about horseback riding is emphasized; the goal is to transition riders from basic skills to more advanced experiences like desert riding.

Market Challenges and Opportunities

• A significant market opportunity exists due to disorganization within the industry; many potential customers lack structured programs for beginners.

• The need for proper locations and facilities for training is discussed, highlighting that equestrian activities should be enjoyable and educational rather than just commercial ventures.

Investment Needs and Land Acquisition

• There’s a call for investment in land acquisition at specific locations (e.g., Sakkara), suggesting that this would enhance operational capabilities without requiring large-scale investments initially.

• The conversation touches on the necessity of establishing partnerships with landowners instead of outright purchases, promoting shared revenue models as viable alternatives.

Quality Control and Product Development

• Emphasis is placed on high-quality equipment production; there’s mention of synthetic leather saddles being superior in quality compared to local offerings.

• Discussion about sourcing materials from international markets (Germany, Netherlands, USA, UK), indicating a commitment to quality craftsmanship in their products.

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Investment Opportunities in Equestrian Tourism

The Rise of Equestrian Tourism

• Discussion on the increasing popularity of equestrian tourism in areas like Saman and Saqqara, highlighting a significant rise in local tourism activities.

• Mention of a previous experience with an animal breeding facility and hotel on the desert road, emphasizing the need for well-equipped facilities to attract visitors despite location challenges.

Land Acquisition Considerations

• Importance of acquiring land for training purposes, with specific dimensions mentioned (60x80 meters), indicating a need for adequate space for horse riding and training.

• Emphasis on the necessity of establishing trust with parents and tourism companies to ensure successful operations within the equestrian sector.

Educational Initiatives

• Proposal to create structured programs for children that focus on basic riding skills, aiming to develop a systematic approach to equestrian education.

• Discussion about transforming products into equestrian clubs that could expand across Egypt and potentially export their offerings internationally.

Investment Strategies

• Highlighting the importance of practical experiences over theoretical knowledge in developing competitive advantages within the Egyptian market.

• Acknowledgment of potential partnerships among five investors to enhance industry growth, focusing on creating centers dedicated to equestrian activities.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Recognition that financial investment is not solely about money but also about shared vision and commitment among stakeholders.

• Concerns regarding horse welfare and ensuring proper care while pursuing business opportunities in equestrian tourism.

Marketing and Branding Efforts

• Plans to participate in international exhibitions such as Germany's Equitana or Dubai Horse Fair, showcasing high-quality handmade saddles as part of branding efforts.

• Vision for creating tourist attractions centered around horseback riding experiences across various locations in Egypt.

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Discussion on Business Expansion and Investment

Importance of Awareness in Industry

• The conversation emphasizes the need to increase awareness about the industry, highlighting its significance and potential benefits.

• A reference is made to a company called "بيفت اب" (Bift Up), indicating collaboration with them for training purposes, showcasing a commitment to skill development.

Financial Proposals and Equity Discussions

• There is a discussion about financial proposals where one party suggests offering 5 million for 30% equity instead of 22%, indicating flexibility in negotiations.

• The speaker expresses confidence in the proposed investment, suggesting that taking 7 million for 50% equity could be beneficial long-term.

Decision-Making Challenges

• The complexity of decision-making is acknowledged, with an emphasis on individual involvement and financial stakes influencing choices.

• Concerns are raised regarding due diligence processes, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation before finalizing agreements.

Future Growth Potential

• The conversation shifts towards future growth opportunities, discussing how investments can lead to significant returns if managed well.

• Dubai's market potential is highlighted as an attractive opportunity for expansion, suggesting that establishing a presence there could enhance brand visibility.

Educational Initiatives and Location Development

• Plans are discussed for setting up educational institutions at strategic locations, aiming to leverage existing infrastructure while enhancing service offerings.