Moatassem Moatez: The Resilient Journey of MyCourier’s Founder

Entrepreneurship is often marked by unexpected twists and turns, with founders sometimes needing to completely redefine their professional identities. At a recent "Ask the Founder" event, Moatassem Moatez, founder of MyCourier, shared insights from his extraordinary transition from a corporate executive to a successful logistics entrepreneur after initially experiencing setbacks in Canada.

Arriving from Dubai with 15 years of corporate experience, Moatez launched his first venture, Yellow Box, an online retail business that sold outdoor products. Unfortunately, the timing was disastrous, as he launched just prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns in February 2020. Despite exhausting every sales strategy, he was unable to generate revenue, ultimately resorting to donating his inventory to a nonprofit organization during a challenging period that he describes as a “dark time.”

The turning point in Moatez’s journey came from an unexpected phone call with a grocery store struggling to meet delivery demands during the pandemic. This interaction sparked the idea for MyCourier. To immerse himself in the logistics industry, Moatez began delivering goods himself, stating, “I took myself on and put my vest on.” His hands-on experience taught him critical lessons in performance and value recognition.

Launching MyCourier involved significant dedication and meticulous preparation, particularly when trying to secure Amazon as a client. After intensive research and fortitude during the waiting period, his efforts paid off with an agreement to manage deliveries in downtown Toronto by the end of 2020. A key insight Moatez emphasizes is the importance of prioritizing revenue over infrastructure, a common misstep for many startups. He engaged directly with retailers to assess their delivery needs, emphasizing that a business begins when customers pay for a product or service, rather than when expenses start accumulating.

Moatez champions the value of taking action despite uncertainties, advocating for making strides in business without waiting for perfect conditions. He emphasizes the necessity of solving operational challenges pragmatically while continuing to deliver services, reflecting a mindset that views problems as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Emotionally, Moatez highlights the importance of managing feelings during the entrepreneurial transition, especially when reflecting on previous roles. He advises acknowledging feelings while staying focused on present responsibilities, as performance in new roles can facilitate a better transition.

Community engagement is another area Moatez recognizes as pivotal in his journey. Initially, he believed he could navigate everything independently but now appreciates the rewards of collaborating with various community organizations and mentors, particularly through platforms like Altitude Accelerator. This collaborative approach not only provided operational guidance but also enriched his network and support systems.

Moatez's approach to problem-solving has been integral to MyCourier's growth. He posits that every challenge presents a chance for market insight and client value creation. This shift in mindset—viewing problems as opportunities for business development—has been key in MyCourier’s evolution from a small operation to a robust logistics solution provider, encompassing deliveries ranging from parcels to furniture.

Scaling MyCourier has been a systematic process focused on optimizing services while maintaining operational excellence. Today, MyCourier boasts a diverse fleet and proprietary software to streamline operations. Moatez’s journey underscores essential lessons for entrepreneurs, especially those transitioning into new markets: prioritize revenue, pursue hands-on learning, and approach problem-solving as opportunities for growth. As he articulates, every geographical market possesses unique formulas for success, and adaptability is vital in navigating these differences.