That's a wrap on the Global Entrepreneurship Week Maldives edition of Huddle — and what a session it was.

True to the spirit of Huddle, the night was raw, honest, and inspiring. We brought together students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ecosystem partners for an evening of authentic founder storytelling — the kind of real, unfiltered journeys that don't just inform, but spark new dreams. Because nothing beats real stories told by real founders.

This edition was brought to you in partnership with Villa College and the Startup Maldives Network, and aligned with this year's Global Entrepreneurship Week theme: "Together We Build."

Three Founders, Three Journeys

The heart of the evening belonged to three founders who openly shared their journeys — the pivots, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the growth that shapes who we become.

Sharif Khaleel — Fanvaiy App. Sharif spoke about his unexpected transition from aviation to IT, and the mission that came with it: empowering content creators and vloggers through an independent platform built for video production. His story was a reminder that career pivots, however dramatic, can lead to exactly where you're meant to be.

Aminath Irasha — Kidzone. Irasha shared how her experiences in Wuhan inspired her to rethink early childhood education back home. Through Kidzone, she's working to transform the way young children learn in the Maldives, building value-based teaching systems that put character and care at the centre.

Hoodh Hassan Khaleel — Thool. Hoodh's journey was a masterclass in resourcefulness. Starting with an initial investment of just MVR 5,000, he built Thool into a venture now setting its sights on international expansion — proof that grit and a clear vision can take a small start a very long way.

Why Huddle Matters

Huddle exists to create a space for exactly this: authentic storytelling, peer learning, and the kind of meaningful conversations that strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem. These stories of resilience, innovation, and ultimate success offered invaluable lessons — and a real jolt of motivation — to everyone in the room.

That's the essence of "Together We Build." Founders don't grow in isolation. They grow through shared stories, honest reflection, and a community that shows up for one another.

Thank You

Our heartfelt thanks to our three inspiring founders, to our partners Villa College and the Startup Maldives Network, and to every single person who joined us. You made this session impactful, energising, and a genuine celebration of the spirit that drives Maldivian entrepreneurship.

Highlights of the Huddle Edition

We'll see you at the next Huddle.