Sisters Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, the visionary co-founders of the internationally celebrated luxury brand OKHTEIN, joined the investors’ panel on Shark Tank Egypt yesterday (Wednesday, November 12) as special guest Sharks. The episode aired at 9 PM on CBC Egypt with exclusive streaming available on WatchIt.
The two entrepreneurs brought their distinctive blend of creativity, business acumen, and international experience to the sixth episode of Season 4, evaluating three promising Egyptian businesses competing for investment and mentorship.
From Cairo to Global Recognition
OKHTEIN, a name meaning “two sisters” in Arabic, was founded in 2014 and has grown into one of Egypt’s most successful global fashion exports. The brand specializes in handcrafted leather bags and accessories that seamlessly blend traditional Arab aesthetics with contemporary design. Their creations have graced Hollywood red carpets and are now available in over 25 countries worldwide.
The sisters studied communications and digital arts at the American University in Cairo, where they developed their design and marketing expertise. Rather than formal fashion training, they learned the craft directly from local Egyptian artisans, a hands-on approach that shaped their commitment to showcasing Egyptian heritage through their work.
OKHTEIN’s statement pieces have been worn by global celebrities including Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, and Emma Watson. The brand has achieved significant international recognition, including a noteworthy collaboration with French fashion house Balmain at Paris Fashion Week in 2023, and an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
In 2021, OKHTEIN received a strategic investment from Bidayat, a subsidiary of the Alsara Investment Group founded by Valentino’s chairman Rashid Mohamed Rashid, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion.
Three Standout Ventures Featured in Episode Six
Haxel presented itself as Egypt’s first fully locally manufactured running shoe brand, designed to compete with established global sportswear leaders. The company brings athletic expertise combined with a commitment to producing high-quality footwear entirely within Egypt.
Baby Star offers a comprehensive range of gentle, fragrance-free, and color-free baby care products prioritizing safety and quality. The company has achieved significant commercial success, becoming one of the top-selling products in its category on Amazon.
Mavericks represents an innovative eco-art venture that transforms recycled materials into sustainable, creative pieces combining environmental consciousness with artistic expression. The company employs Egyptian craftspeople to transform industrial waste into unique furniture and decorative items.
Strategic Entry into the Shark Tank Panel
Aya and Mounaz Abdel Raouf’s participation in Shark Tank Egypt reflects the growing influence of female entrepreneurs in Egypt’s startup ecosystem. The sisters specifically seek to connect with ambitious innovators capable of scaling their businesses internationally, drawing from their own experience building a global brand from Egyptian foundations.
Shark Tank Egypt Season 4 continues to air every Wednesday at 9 PM on CBC Egypt and WatchIt, in partnership with Elsewedy Electric, Suez Canal Bank, and Exeed Egypt.
