From teen entrepreneur to CEO: The journey of Mahmoud Faggal and Intalq

The journey of Mahmoud Faggal and Intalq

Mahmoud Faggal’s story is one of determination and a relentless drive to make e-commerce accessible to everyone. At just 18 years old, he is the CEO and founder of Intalq, a Saudi startup that is transforming the e-commerce landscape. But his journey into the world of digital commerce began long before the launch of Intalq in June 2023.

Mahmoud’s fascination with e-commerce started when he was just 11 years old. Growing up in an academic family where most members were professors, Mahmoud’s path seemed predestined for academia. However, he found inspiration in his uncle, a seasoned businessman actively selling goods on Souq.com, a popular e-commerce platform that would later be acquired by Amazon. Watching his uncle navigate the world of online sales ignited a spark in Mahmoud. “I was intrigued by the idea of selling online,” he recalls. “Despite my uncle's advice against it, I decided to give it a shot.”

Facing the obvious challenge of being too young to obtain a commercial license, Mahmoud found a workaround. With a personal ID and a bank account, he began his venture on Souq.com by purchasing five smartphones and reselling them. It was a modest beginning, but for Mahmoud, it was a critical first step. As the landscape changed with Amazon’s acquisition of Souq.com, he quickly adapted, moving his business to Noon, another major e-commerce platform. Over the years, he expanded his operations, selling various products across multiple platforms and even producing phone reviews on YouTube.

Mahmoud’s journey was far from a straight line. The path to establishing a successful online store was paved with multiple setbacks. “I started my first store in 2020, and it was a failure,” Mahmoud admits candidly. “I tried again, and again, and again. It wasn't until the fourth attempt that I began to see real success.” These early failures, rather than deterring him, became valuable lessons that Mahmoud used to refine his approach.

His persistence paid off, and Mahmoud soon realized that his experiences could help others navigate the complexities of e-commerce. In August 2021, he began sharing his insights and experiences on the X platform (formerly Twitter). His posts gained traction, and he quickly amassed a following of individuals eager to learn from his journey.

Mahmoud soon found himself inundated with messages from aspiring online store owners seeking advice. “Every day, there were dozens, sometimes hundreds of private messages asking how to get started,” he recalls. Many people were looking not just for advice but for comprehensive services—someone to create, manage, market, and grow their online stores.

Initially, Mahmoud directed these inquiries to various service providers. However, he quickly realized that the quality of services offered was often subpar, leaving many people dissatisfied. “I found myself in an awkward position,” Mahmoud explains. “I would recommend a service, and if it didn't meet expectations, I'd feel responsible. In some cases, I even compensated people financially to make up for their bad experiences.”

It was through these interactions that the idea for Intalq was born. Mahmoud envisioned a platform that would consolidate all the services required to launch and manage an e-commerce store under one roof. 

With this vision in mind, he launched Intalq, initially offering two services: creating stores through the Basket and Zed platforms. But the platform quickly expanded. Today, Intalq is an integrated company that offers a comprehensive suite of services, from website creation and management to marketing and consultancy. “We now have 20 consultants and offer 40 different types of services,” Mahmoud proudly shares. “To date, around 500 merchants have used our platform, and we’re just getting started.”

The success of Intalq is not just measured in numbers but also in its mission to democratize e-commerce. “We are here to empower a broader spectrum of individuals to succeed in the digital marketplace,” Mahmoud emphasizes. With user-friendly interfaces and step-by-step guides, Intalq simplifies the complexities of e-commerce, making it accessible to even those with no prior experience.

As Mahmoud continues to grow Intalq, he remains grounded in his roots and committed to his mission. His journey started as a young boy intrigued by online sales to ultimately becoming the CEO of a groundbreaking startup.