Suggestions
Walid Behar
CEO at Edbridg - Forbes 30 under 30 - Ex-M&A
Professional Background
Walid Behar is a dynamic and ambitious entrepreneur with a robust background in finance, business strategy, and technology. As the Co-Founder and CEO of EdBridg, Walid is currently revolutionizing the education financing sector with an innovative Fintech solution that aims to address the myriad challenges faced by students and educational institutions. His extensive experience in various strategic roles across significant organizations has uniquely positioned him as a leader in the integration of finance and technology to create sustainable solutions.
Before establishing EdBridg, Walid played a pivotal role as a Co-founder at Aksiom, where he contributed to developing strategies that enhance technology accessibility. His journey in the consulting world included serving as a Senior Associate at FTI Consulting, focusing on strategic insights that drive operational excellence. With his experience as an Independent Strategy & M&A Advisor at Groupe Cevital, Walid was instrumental in advising on mergers and acquisitions, which further honed his skill in identifying growth opportunities for businesses.
A firm believer in community engagement, Walid has also served as a Startup Weekend Organizer at Techstars, inspiring emerging entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life. His leadership experience extends into the realm of app development as the Founder & CEO of WeHelp App, a project aimed at connecting users with charitable organizations, showcasing his commitment to leveraging technology for social good.
Walid's expertise also spans investment banking, where he gained significant insights during his time as an M&A advisor - Emerging Markets TMT at Delta Partners and as part of the Investment Banking - M&A TMT, EMEA team at Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking (SGCIB). His experience as a Private Equity Analyst Intern at Accelero Capital, in addition to a stint in Debt Capital Markets at Natixis, solidified his foundation in financial analysis and corporate finance.
Walid’s analytical acumen was further nurtured at the CFA Institute, where he served as a Team Leader and Analyst. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement is evident through his achievement of passing the CFA Level 1 Examination, demonstrating a solid understanding of concepts like ethics, financial analysis, corporate finance, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
Education and Achievements
Walid Behar began his educational journey at Malika Gaid High School in Setif, Algeria, gaining a strong foundation in mathematics that would later support his endeavors in finance. His pursuit of higher education led him to Praxis Prépa HEC in Nice, France, where he completed a two-year intensive program designed to prepare students for prestigious business schools. His hard work paid off when he graduated with Distinction, validating his commitment to academic excellence.
He then transitioned to Toulouse Business School, where he earned a Master's Degree in Management, Finance & Strategy with Distinction. This advanced degree provided Walid with a deep understanding of financial principles and strategic frameworks that are essential in today's competitive business environment. The combination of his rigorous academic training and practical experience equips him with the skills necessary for innovative thinking and leadership in the fintech landscape.
Achievements
- Founder and CEO of EdBridg, focusing on transforming education financing.
- Co-founder of Aksiom, contributing to technological accessibility solutions.
- Former Senior Associate at FTI Consulting, providing strategic advice to diverse clients.
- Held key positions in M&A sectors at leading firms including Delta Partners and Société Générale.
- Recognized for his leadership in tech entrepreneurship as a Startup Weekend Organizer at Techstars.
- Successfully passed CFA Level 1 Examination, demonstrating a strong foundation in finance.
- Graduated with Distinction from both Praxis Prépa HEC and Toulouse Business School, reflecting his dedication to academic and professional excellence.
- Demonstrated commitment to social causes through the development of the WeHelp App.
With a forward-thinking approach and a passion for innovation, Walid is poised to make a significant impact in the fintech sector, particularly in education financing. He is actively building a team of talented individuals in areas such as machine learning, data science, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and business development. This commitment to assembling a diverse and skilled workforce demonstrates not only his leadership but also his vision for creating a collaborative and high-impact work environment.
