From pioneering solar energy projects to investing in emerging startups, Khoreibi has consistently demonstrated the ability to take calculated risks, embrace challenges, and transform obstacles into opportunities. As the founder of Enviromena and Incubayt, he has played a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy and fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Today, he shares with us key insights from his journey, his approach to leadership, the biggest risks he’s taken, the values that drive him, and what he looks for in founders and businesses.
Tell us about yourself and your story and how you ended up where you are.
Growing up between Saudi Arabia and Toronto, I was shaped by a diverse, multicultural environment that fueled my curiosity and drive to innovate. Entrepreneurship was a natural part of my upbringing. I was always testing ideas, from selling books on street corners to launching small ventures. These early experiences weren’t just lessons in business; they sparked a lifelong passion for building and problem-solving.
Since the early 2000s, Dubai has been my home, and its relentless energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and culture of innovation continue to inspire me. It’s a place where ideas turn into reality, and I thrive on the dynamism and opportunities it offers.
How did your upbringing or early career shape your entrepreneurial mindset?
With a Palestinian heritage, I was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Canada, experiences that gave me a global perspective and an entrepreneurial drive. For the past 20 years, I’ve been based in the UAE, a place that has further fueled my passion for business and innovation. Entrepreneurship was always a part of my upbringing, not just as a career path, but as a mindset. Coming from a family of business builders, I saw firsthand how taking risks and creating something from the ground up was both challenging and rewarding. The UAE’s fast-paced, startup-friendly environment has only reinforced this, shaping the way I approach new ventures and opportunities.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken professionally, and how did it shape your approach as a leader?
One of the boldest risks I’ve taken as an entrepreneur was launching my first solar project with Enviromena, a $55 million commitment to building a 10-megawatt solar plant in a region unfamiliar with the technology. It was a high-stakes challenge that tested every aspect of leadership and decision-making.
Through this experience, I realized the critical importance of surrounding myself with the right team; partners, advisors, and industry experts, who could help navigate the complexities of construction, financing, and regulation. It reinforced a key lesson: you don’t need to have all the answers from the start, but you must be willing to learn, adapt, and build as you go. Ambitious projects will always seem daunting, but with the right people and mindset, even the biggest risks can turn into game-changing opportunities.
Who have been your biggest mentors and how have they guided your journey?
My older brother, who is ten years ahead of me, has played a key role in shaping my entrepreneurial path. I watched him start his first business in his mid-twenties and continue to build successful ventures, which gave me early exposure to the realities of entrepreneurship. When advice comes from family, you know it’s honest and always in your best interest; that’s why I’ve always trusted and valued his guidance.
Can you share a time when a project didn’t go as planned and how you turned it into a learning experience?
After moving on from Enviromena, a few of us alumni came together to start an advisory firm, helping businesses expand into new markets while providing technical and business development support. It was a valuable experience, but I quickly realized that my true passion lies in being hands-on—building, creating, and driving businesses forward rather than just advising from the sidelines. That realization led me to launch Incubayt, a platform where I could actively invest in and support promising startups. One of our first moves was backing two businesses founded by former Enviromena colleagues. Knowing the founders personally gave us unique insight into their resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial grit, qualities that proved essential in turning their ventures into success stories.
What’s your favourite quote?
One of my favorite quotes comes from Ben Horowitz of Andreessen Horowitz: “Mercenary founders build for money, missionary founders build for meaning.” This resonates deeply with me because it’s the missionary founders—those driven by purpose, who stay committed through the highs and lows of a startup, ultimately turning it into a successful business. Their resilience, passion, and long-term vision set them apart, and that’s exactly the mindset I look for when investing in a founder or a company.
How do you balance wealth and personal fulfillment?
For me, the real measure of success isn’t just financial, it’s how well I balance it with time, our most valuable resource. Financial stability is important because it allows me to invest in businesses, support my family, and give back to causes I care about. But equally important is being present for my children and making time for the things that truly matter.
I focus on using my time wisely, making sure it’s spent meaningfully across work, family, and personal relationships. At the end of the day, success isn’t just about building wealth, it’s about creating a life that feels fulfilling and purposeful.
What was the most memorable milestone in building Enviromena, and why does it stand out to you?
One of the most unforgettable moments in our Enviromena journey was bringing solar energy to remote villages in Morocco. With 17,000 solar home systems to install, we quickly realized that traditional delivery trucks couldn’t navigate the rough, nearly impassable roads. So, the team got creative; we designed special saddles for donkeys to carry the solar panels up the mountains. It was a perfect example of blending local traditions with modern technology to create meaningful impact. Seeing how this innovation transformed underserved communities made the project incredibly rewarding. By 2017, Enviromena had grown to over $700 million in sales, ultimately leading to its acquisition by a UK pension fund, a milestone that validated years of hard work and problem-solving.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self as a first-time entrepreneur?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: step back, take a breath, and look at things from a wider perspective. As a founder, it’s easy to get lost in the details, making assumptions and believing they align with what everyone else thinks. But the truth is, you have to constantly challenge your own views and stay open to alternative perspectives.
Being self-critical and receptive to feedback isn’t just important, it’s essential. What seems obvious to you may not resonate the same way with others. The key is to stay curious, stay grounded, and never stop questioning your assumptions. Growth happens when you’re willing to see things differently.
What are your top three core values in life?
Through the lens of entrepreneurship, three core values guide everything I do.
First, fairness. Treating people, the environment, and the community with respect. True success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about creating sustainable wealth and lasting impact.
Second, action over perfection. I believe in iterating rather than over-planning. Taking immediate steps and refining through feedback is far more effective than waiting for the “perfect” plan.
Lastly, a little bit of ‘delusional’ thinking is necessary. Every successful entrepreneur starts with a vision that, at first, seems impossible. Confidence and persistence, even in the face of doubt, are what turn bold ideas into reality. When you combine this mindset with a strong team and relentless grit, ambitious goals become achievable.
What do you see as the most exciting opportunity for innovation in the sustainability space today?
One of the most exciting opportunities in sustainability today is using technology to solve real-world challenges, like providing clean and safe water. With the right innovations, we can create scalable, eco-friendly solutions that not only protect the environment but also meet the growing needs of a changing world.
At Wisewell, we’re combining cutting-edge technology with sustainable design to make clean water more accessible at home. This isn’t just about innovation, it’s about creating a future where sustainability and everyday convenience go hand in hand.
What personality traits make a good leader?
Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about self-awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to listen. The strongest leaders welcome feedback, challenge their own assumptions, and stay open to new ideas instead of sticking rigidly to their own perspectives. By fostering this mindset, they create an environment where teams thrive, innovation flourishes, and businesses grow in a way that’s both sustainable and forward-thinking.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
When hiring or outsourcing, I prioritize self-sufficient individuals who can take ownership of their tasks without the need for micromanagement. The goal is to build problem-solving skills, confidence, and a proactive mindset from the start.
I believe in a self-directed approach, where team members take full responsibility for their roles, almost like being the CEO of their own department. With the right support, they should be able to identify opportunities for growth—whether it’s improving revenue, customer experience, or overall business strategy.
I also value a collaborative, flat organizational structure, one that encourages autonomy, innovation, and a culture where great ideas can come from anywhere.
Can you share your favorite travel destination, and how has it influenced your worldview?
Italy is my favorite destination because it perfectly blends rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the essence of “Dolce Vita.” What I admire most is how Italy balances relaxation with excellence, especially in design and manufacturing. Rooted in tradition and deep respect for heritage, Italian craftsmanship remains unmatched, even in a rapidly evolving world.
And of course, there’s the food. No visit is complete without indulging in Italy’s culinary delights, especially the pasta!
Show us one habit you’ve adopted that you believe every aspiring entrepreneur should embrace?
Patience is key! Things often take longer than expected, and that’s okay. Share your ideas with trusted people whether the feedback is positive or critical, it’s incredibly valuable when stepping into a new field. Most importantly, don’t shy away from calculated risks. If you avoid taking risks altogether, your business may never get off the ground. Growth happens when you embrace challenges, adapt, and learn along the way.
Name three books that changed your life and why.
Three books have had a profound impact on me.
As a child, I read Ice Hockey Star by Wayne Gretzky, which reinforced the power of dedication and hard work in achieving excellence. It taught me that success isn’t handed to you—it’s earned through persistence and effort.
The biography of Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, shaped my understanding of entrepreneurship, growth, and the value of integrity in business. His journey highlighted how honesty, effort, and a strong work ethic are key to building something truly successful.
Lastly, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley offered a thought-provoking look at the future, emphasizing the tension between community, individuality, and resistance against large, dominant systems. It reinforced the importance of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and the power of standing out rather than conforming.
Each of these books, in different ways, has shaped my approach to both business and life.
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By Irini GOLEMI
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