Ayesha Mansha's Journey: Building Sahl and Transforming Compliance Automation in the MENA Region

Ayesha Mansha is the Founder and CEO of Sahl, a platform transforming compliance automation for businesses in the MENA region. With a background in Information Technology and Information Security, Ayesha’s journey is driven by a passion for technology and a desire to solve meaningful problems. She shares her story of resilience and the hard work that went into building Sahl from scratch.

Can you share a brief note about yourself?

I’m Ayesha, the founder of Sahl, a platform that’s redefining compliance automation for businesses in the MENA region. My journey has been fueled by a deep passion for technology and an unrelenting drive to solve meaningful problems. I am a medalist in Information Technology and a distinction holder in my Master’s in Information Security. Before founding Sahl, I worked with some of the region’s leading startups, honing my expertise in cybersecurity and compliance.

Sahl was born from my firsthand experience of seeing businesses struggle with outdated compliance processes. I knew there had to be a better way. I didn’t wait for an opportunity, I created it. I bootstrapped Sahl, working three jobs for 7.5 months to fund and build our MVP. Today, Sahl stands as a testament to the power of resilience, focus, and believing in the impossible.

Why did you choose to start a business?

I’ve always been drawn to the energy of startups, the late nights brainstorming ideas, the constant problem-solving, and the sheer joy of seeing something you’ve built start to grow. I’ve been fortunate to be part of startups and even build a few myself, where I learned what it means to scale an idea, to pivot when needed, and to celebrate those moments when the hard work pays off, like watching the numbers climb after months of persistence. Those experiences didn’t just teach me how to build; they taught me the thrill of creation and the resilience needed to keep going. Starting Sahl was the culmination of those journeys a chance to take everything I’d learned and pour it into solving a problem I cared deeply about, creating something that could truly make a difference.

How did you start your business?

Oh, the early days of starting Sahl were nothing short of organized chaos—equal parts caffeine, determination, and “what on earth am I doing?” moments. I was working three jobs at the time, juggling consulting by day, freelancing by night, and squeezing every free second into building Sahl. Sleep? Overrated. Social life? Nonexistent. But honestly, I was so laser-focused on making it happen that it didn’t matter.

Navigating those days was all about taking one small step at a time. I had to bootstrap everything, so every dollar mattered, and every decision felt monumental. Some days, I was figuring out how to build the MVP; other days, I was questioning my sanity. But every little milestone—finishing a feature, getting feedback from potential users—felt like a victory. Looking back, it was messy, exhausting, and exhilarating all at once. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What do you wish you’d known before you started your business?

I wish I’d known that perfection is the enemy of progress. When you’re building something revolutionary, the goal isn’t to get it perfect—it’s to get it moving. Early on, I spent too much time trying to refine every detail instead of pushing forward. If I could go back, I’d remind myself that iteration is where innovation thrives, and speed beats hesitation every time.

Did you have any support in your journey?

No great company is built in isolation. I owe much of Sahl’s progress to the guidance of my advisors, mentors who challenged me to think bigger, networks that believed in the vision, and platforms like Sanabil 500 Global that gave me the knowledge to accelerate. But more than that, it’s the customers who trusted us early on who are the real heroes of this story.

What is your greatest challenge as a business owner?

The greatest challenge as a business owner is wearing so many hats at once—visionary, problem-solver, strategist, and sometimes even the person figuring out why the printer isn’t working. But if I had to pick one, it’s finding the balance between scaling fast and staying true to the quality and values that define your business. Growth is exciting, but it comes with the constant pressure to adapt, expand, and deliver at a higher level while ensuring that the foundation you’ve built doesn’t crack under the weight.

What advice would you give to your past self before opening your own business?

I’d tell my past self: “Start now, even if it feels messy, because there’s no such thing as the perfect moment. Trust that you’ll figure it out along the way, and don’t let setbacks discourage you—they’re lessons, not failures. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone; seek help from mentors, friends, and networks when you need it. The journey will be hard, full of risks and sleepless nights, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. Just keep moving forward—you’ve got this.”

Reflecting on your path to entrepreneurship, what key piece of advice would you offer to aspiring founders?

If I could distill everything into one piece of advice, it’s this: obsess over the problem, not the product. The founders who succeed are the ones who wake up every day asking, “How can I make my customer’s life easier?” Listen intently, adapt fearlessly, and never stop refining your vision. And remember, resilience isn’t just about surviving failure it’s about using it as fuel to build something unshakable. Dream audaciously, but execute ruthlessly.