Introduction
What does it take to go from survival mode to a $370 million exit – all without breaking?
Maaz Sheikh, co-founder and CEO of Starz Play, has lived the answer.
In this episode, Maaz opens up about the high-stakes journey of building one of the Middle East’s leading streaming platforms, from battling burnout and chasing investment, to navigating a buyout and preparing for what’s next.
This is the untold story behind one of the region’s biggest media growth plays, and a powerful conversation about resilience, vision, and the relationships that hold it all together.
Show Notes
01:48 – Where Starz Play fits in the global streaming race
05:52 – COVID’s impact: 6 years of growth in 6 weeks
13:41 – How audiences are shifting, fast
16:55 – Hitting content home runs
21:37 – The power of the right investors
30:00 – Inside the buyout
40:46 – Resilience under pressure
42:23 – Gym time, support, and real relationships
52:27 – The $370 million milestone and what’s next
01:04:32 – Why in-person connection still matters
Show Sponsors
AYS Developers: A design-focused company dedicated to crafting exceptional homes, vibrant communities, and inspiring lifestyle experiences.
Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.
Social Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maazsheikh?originalSubdomain=ae
https://x.com/maaz_starzplay?lang=en
