Hamza Mhadi, HBA '17, is the Founder of Herald, a company that helps B2B lenders manage their book of business and identify default risk using AI. Mhadi has been working on growing Herald through the Western Accelerator during the Fall 2024 cohort.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
I've always been inspired by entrepreneurs who courageously defied conventional wisdom and "changed the game." Nothing fires me up more than hearing about the rags-to-riches stories from incredible entrepreneurs like Michael Ovitz (Creative Artist Agency), Mark McCormack (IMG), Howard Schultz (Starbucks), Fred Smith (FedEx), and many others. Entrepreneurship has always been in my blood and to me is the ultimate "adrenaline junkie" sport.
What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
For B2B lenders, keeping track of the promises (or "financial covenants") borrowers make is a manual, timely and error-prone process that can have profound negative implications if mismanaged. Herald has created an end-to-end platform that helps B2B lenders manage, analyze, and track their portfolio and identify risks and potential defaults ahead of time.
How did you come across this problem and why did it appeal to you?
I lived and breathed this problem when I was a corporate banking senior analyst at Citibank. Mistakes were frequent, stressful, and could be catastrophic to the bank's profitability. I wanted to create something I wish I had.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at the Western Accelerator?
I want to expand my network with incredible advisors, mentors and founders.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Western Accelerator?
I am surrounded by other incredibly talented and driven founders who inspire me to persevere. The program is incredibly well structured and accretive to my entrepreneurship journey.