Monday, November 28, 2011
Local Company Pays It Forward
Local Company Pays It Forward
Scholarships Honour Two Saint Mary's Professors
Two Saint Mary’s professors, Dr. Dawn Jutla, in the Department of Finance, Information Systems, and Management Science and Dr. Porter Scobey, in the Department of Mathematics and Computing Science, have had scholarships named in their honour by local company, SimplyCast, an international leader in multi-channel marketing Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) solutions.
"It is an honor to be a graduate from the best university in the world,” says SimplyCast President and CEO, Saeed El-Darahali, a Saint Mary’s alumnus who teaches part time at the University. “It is my goal to give back as much as possible. This is the least I can do for the excellent education you have given me and my co-workers at SimplyCast.”
El-Darahali has hired five St. Mary’s graduates to work at SimplyCast and is interviewing another one this week. The $500 scholarships take a positive step in shaping the next generation of business professionals. At the same time, these scholarships recognize two professors whose knowledge and dedication have helped shape SimplyCast as a company.
"I was deeply touched by Saeed's gesture and his appreciation of our interactions,” says Dr. Dawn Jutla, for whom one of the scholarships was named. “Saeed is an IT entrepreneur extraordinaire and certainly one to watch. He has a wonderful knack for realizing and extracting value from university-industry synergies and he never seems to stop wanting to learn from us, to challenge us, and to give back in many ways. As a university, we seek this type of fluidity among our business leaders, our thought leaders, and our students.”
SimplyCast is a web-based, marketing platform designed to create, track and deliver targeted online marketing campaigns such as email, survey, event, autoresponder, fax, SMS, Twitter and link tracking services. A third scholarship, also for $500, has been named for Mr. William Ritchie, SimplyCast's Chairman of the Board.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
SimplyCast seeking new employees with $1 million rebate
SimplyCast's new five-year, $1,008,000 payroll rebate will be used to finance the company's next round of growth.
SimplyCast.com is a homegrown multi-channel marketing software provider and international exporter, offering a software-as-a-service platform that combines online, offline, mobile and social media tools with platforms like Twitter. This service is often referred to as multi channel campaign management (MCCM).
According to the world's leading information technology research and advisory company Gartner Inc., more companies are using an MCCM approach to campaigns because it's interactive, measurable and reaches a broader audience.
"SimplyCast is actively recruiting new graduates and we look forward to continue growing our team," said Saeed El-Darahali, president and CEO of SimplyCast. "Based on current trends, we are confident the industry demand will be there to support our growth."
SimplyCast exports its services to more than 175 countries and clients include Sony Entertainment, Maritime Travel, Holiday Inn, YMCA and CarShare Halifax Atlantic Ltd.
The $1,008,000 provincial rebate to support SimplyCast's growth is being done through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), the province's business development agency. Under this agreement, the company's plan could see it create up to as many as 100 new jobs in sales, software development, system administration, marketing and client support over the next five years. It tops out at the $1,008,000 mark and is only payable as the jobs are created.
The payroll rebate has been the principle tool used to transition the province to a more globally focused, knowledge based economy. This shift has resulted in more competitive salaries in a broader range of fields.
“SimplyCast is a great example of a company creating good jobs for young Nova Scotians, innovating and competing successfully in international markets," says Economic Development Minister Percy Paris. "This company embodies the three pillars of our economic plan, jobsHere, and I applaud their future growth plans in our province."
"SimplyCast is part of a growing number of companies in Nova Scotia that are staying ahead of industry trends and creating in demand jobs," says Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "These are forward looking, exciting opportunities that keep and attract young and innovative minds here."
SimplyCast.com is a homegrown multi-channel marketing software provider and international exporter, offering a software-as-a-service platform that combines online, offline, mobile and social media tools with platforms like Twitter. This service is often referred to as multi channel campaign management (MCCM).
According to the world's leading information technology research and advisory company Gartner Inc., more companies are using an MCCM approach to campaigns because it's interactive, measurable and reaches a broader audience.
"SimplyCast is actively recruiting new graduates and we look forward to continue growing our team," said Saeed El-Darahali, president and CEO of SimplyCast. "Based on current trends, we are confident the industry demand will be there to support our growth."
SimplyCast exports its services to more than 175 countries and clients include Sony Entertainment, Maritime Travel, Holiday Inn, YMCA and CarShare Halifax Atlantic Ltd.
The $1,008,000 provincial rebate to support SimplyCast's growth is being done through Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI), the province's business development agency. Under this agreement, the company's plan could see it create up to as many as 100 new jobs in sales, software development, system administration, marketing and client support over the next five years. It tops out at the $1,008,000 mark and is only payable as the jobs are created.
The payroll rebate has been the principle tool used to transition the province to a more globally focused, knowledge based economy. This shift has resulted in more competitive salaries in a broader range of fields.
“SimplyCast is a great example of a company creating good jobs for young Nova Scotians, innovating and competing successfully in international markets," says Economic Development Minister Percy Paris. "This company embodies the three pillars of our economic plan, jobsHere, and I applaud their future growth plans in our province."
"SimplyCast is part of a growing number of companies in Nova Scotia that are staying ahead of industry trends and creating in demand jobs," says Stephen Lund, president and CEO of NSBI. "These are forward looking, exciting opportunities that keep and attract young and innovative minds here."
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Company expands with $1m in private funding
SimplyCast to hire 15 workers, advance email marketing platform
By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Fri. Dec 11 - 4:46 AM
SimplyCast Interactive Marketing of Dartmouth has secured $1 million in private funding to advance its email marketing platform.
Saeed El-Darahali, the president and chief executive officer, said Thursday the private-investor support will allow the new company to enter new markets, develop new products and hire more people.
"We expect to hire at least 15 new people this upcoming year but anticipate continued growth," Mr. El-Darahali said.
SimplyCast is a provider of email marketing, event management and online surveys for small businesses.
"The ultimate objective is to establish a single marketing spot for companies and institutions," he said.
SimplyCast’s flagship email marketing product is used by customers in over 175 countries.
Mr. El-Darahali said the system has found niches in the retail, non-profit and hospitality sectors.
"Rapid adoption to date is proof it is easy for anyone to create permission-based email marketing campaigns with a professional look and feel," he said.
The software provides a suite of tools and services designed to drive new leads and sales revenue, maintain and grow customer email lists, and maximize profits of businesses and organizations.
"Email is one of the most powerful, cost-effective and easy to maintain business marketing tools available today for organizations of any size," he said.
Mr. El-Darahali, 29, is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. He instructs part time at the university and is a former venture analyst with Innovacorp, the provincial agency that supports technology startups.
He said the company is looking for staff and is especially interested in recent graduates of Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie universities.
SimplyCast is at 1 Research Dr. in the Woodside area of Dartmouth.
( bpower@herald.ca)
By BILL POWER Business Reporter
Fri. Dec 11 - 4:46 AM
SimplyCast Interactive Marketing of Dartmouth has secured $1 million in private funding to advance its email marketing platform.
Saeed El-Darahali, the president and chief executive officer, said Thursday the private-investor support will allow the new company to enter new markets, develop new products and hire more people.
"We expect to hire at least 15 new people this upcoming year but anticipate continued growth," Mr. El-Darahali said.
SimplyCast is a provider of email marketing, event management and online surveys for small businesses.
"The ultimate objective is to establish a single marketing spot for companies and institutions," he said.
SimplyCast’s flagship email marketing product is used by customers in over 175 countries.
Mr. El-Darahali said the system has found niches in the retail, non-profit and hospitality sectors.
"Rapid adoption to date is proof it is easy for anyone to create permission-based email marketing campaigns with a professional look and feel," he said.
The software provides a suite of tools and services designed to drive new leads and sales revenue, maintain and grow customer email lists, and maximize profits of businesses and organizations.
"Email is one of the most powerful, cost-effective and easy to maintain business marketing tools available today for organizations of any size," he said.
Mr. El-Darahali, 29, is a graduate of Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. He instructs part time at the university and is a former venture analyst with Innovacorp, the provincial agency that supports technology startups.
He said the company is looking for staff and is especially interested in recent graduates of Saint Mary’s and Dalhousie universities.
SimplyCast is at 1 Research Dr. in the Woodside area of Dartmouth.
( bpower@herald.ca)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nova Scotia Email Marketing Corporation Attracts Top Talent
Nova Scotia Email Marketing Corporation Attracts Top Talent
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, November 18, 2009SimplyCast, a leading provider of email marketing solutions for organizations worldwide, today announced that its Board of Directors has named Mr. Saeed A. El-Darahali to serve as the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Saeed joins SimplyCast with over nine years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, startup advisor, board member and venture capitalist. Saeed most recently served as Acting CEO for the organization since January 2009 and mentor since January 2006. Saeed holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Certificate of Human Resource Management, all from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“Saeed comes to SimplyCast with an exceptional background and an impressive track record of helping many startup companies in Nova Scotia. He is well versed in managing technology firms and his expertise in online marketing will serve the company well. Furthermore, Saeed has the industry knowledge, vision and passion to grow SimplyCast to become a world class company”, said Mr. Collins, Chair of the Board of Directors.
SimplyCast has thousands of customers in various industries with some of world's most recognized brand names in retail, non-profit and hospitality industries. The company's flagship Email Marketing product is a feature-rich solution that is used in 179 countries and is expanding rapidly to serve clients all over the globe.
“Email Marketing is the most effective medium of communications for businesses worldwide with the highest ROI. The future of email is very solid and every business must incorporate it into their marketing strategy. If you are not communicating with your clients, you are leaving a lot of dollars on the table. Email can be the most effective way to increase your sales, while keeping a high percentage of your margins”, said Mr. El-Darahali. “Our goal is to make email marketing available to every business worldwide with the mission to make it simple. Hence, why we named our corporation SimplyCast, it is very simple to use.”
About SimplyCast
SimplyCast is a leading provider of email marketing solutions for organizations worldwide. With thousands of customers in various industries ranging from accounting, law and retail to real estate, tourism and advertising, SimplyCast provides businesses with email marketing tools to help them effectively reach their customers and grow their businesses.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Venture capitalist got an early start
Halifax Daily News
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Venture capitalist got an early start
By Rachel Boomer
Saeed El-Darahali is only 27, but he's already accomplished more than most of us manage by 40.
El-Darahali, a venture capitalist at InNOVAcorp, bought his first investment property at age 19, a year after he'd saved up the down payment.
He's spent three years in the military reserves, ran his own business in high school, finished his MBA, and paid off his student debt. And he's also a new dad.
"I had a very ambitious goal: to get as much done as possible in a very short period of time. I knew that by the time you start a family, there's going to be other responsibilities - getting up to speed, paying off my loans, my debt, getting part of my family started. It would require a lot of work before I got to that point."
El-Darahali credits his parents, who immigrated from Kuwait in 1992, for giving him lots of responsibility at a young age.
The eldest of five, El-Darahali took his first job at 13, the year the family came to Canada.
His parents didn't speak much English then, so at age 14 and 15, he was communicating with banks, the city and other officials on their behalf.
"That built my confidence early on. It built my business acumen."
He held several jobs in his teens, and eventually ran his own business, selling popcorn and cotton candy between 1997 and 1999. He squirrelled money away for a down payment on a rental property.
In 1998, he joined the reserves, just in time for the Swissair disaster. El-Darahali's unit was the first on the scene; he set up security, helped the rescuers and guided grieving family members around the site.
For the first couple of hours, El-Darahali and a couple of others also picked up human remains.
"It wasn't the greatest experience, but I was happy to help the families who were coming to the scene at the time.
"
In high school, he wrote a software program to calculate mortgage amortization, and won a competition that eventually led him to Saint Mary's University.
He joined InNOVAcorp in January 2004, where he now analyzes new technologies and recommends whether they should get venture capital funding.
Eventually, he hopes to run for city council - a way of giving back, he says.
"If I didn't come to Canada, I wouldn't have the opportunities I had. I honestly feel I need to give back."
rboomer@hfxnews.ca
http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=10466&sc=2
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Venture capitalist got an early start
By Rachel Boomer
Saeed El-Darahali is only 27, but he's already accomplished more than most of us manage by 40.
El-Darahali, a venture capitalist at InNOVAcorp, bought his first investment property at age 19, a year after he'd saved up the down payment.
He's spent three years in the military reserves, ran his own business in high school, finished his MBA, and paid off his student debt. And he's also a new dad.
"I had a very ambitious goal: to get as much done as possible in a very short period of time. I knew that by the time you start a family, there's going to be other responsibilities - getting up to speed, paying off my loans, my debt, getting part of my family started. It would require a lot of work before I got to that point."
El-Darahali credits his parents, who immigrated from Kuwait in 1992, for giving him lots of responsibility at a young age.
The eldest of five, El-Darahali took his first job at 13, the year the family came to Canada.
His parents didn't speak much English then, so at age 14 and 15, he was communicating with banks, the city and other officials on their behalf.
"That built my confidence early on. It built my business acumen."
He held several jobs in his teens, and eventually ran his own business, selling popcorn and cotton candy between 1997 and 1999. He squirrelled money away for a down payment on a rental property.
In 1998, he joined the reserves, just in time for the Swissair disaster. El-Darahali's unit was the first on the scene; he set up security, helped the rescuers and guided grieving family members around the site.
For the first couple of hours, El-Darahali and a couple of others also picked up human remains.
"It wasn't the greatest experience, but I was happy to help the families who were coming to the scene at the time.
"
In high school, he wrote a software program to calculate mortgage amortization, and won a competition that eventually led him to Saint Mary's University.
He joined InNOVAcorp in January 2004, where he now analyzes new technologies and recommends whether they should get venture capital funding.
Eventually, he hopes to run for city council - a way of giving back, he says.
"If I didn't come to Canada, I wouldn't have the opportunities I had. I honestly feel I need to give back."
rboomer@hfxnews.ca
http://www.hfxnews.ca/index.cfm?sid=10466&sc=2
Friday, December 30, 2005
The Seventh World Congress
If your interested in e-business management check out this upcoming event on July 13-15, 2006. I will be involved as part of the program committee for evaluating submissions. I encourage you to go.
The Seventh World Congress on the Management of e-BusinessJuly 13-15, 2006 Saint Mary's University Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
This yearÂ’s congress theme is eBusiness-IDE: Intelligence, Development, and Execution focusing on strategies, practices, and methods to leverage organizational intelligence, facilitate new services, products, and business development, and demonstrate successful e-business execution in networked organizations. The congress program will consist of invited keynote addresses, tutorials, paper presentations, and vendor demonstrations. Submissions of papers describing leading edge work are invited.
Link: http://eworldcongress.smu.ca/index.php
The Seventh World Congress on the Management of e-BusinessJuly 13-15, 2006 Saint Mary's University Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
This yearÂ’s congress theme is eBusiness-IDE: Intelligence, Development, and Execution focusing on strategies, practices, and methods to leverage organizational intelligence, facilitate new services, products, and business development, and demonstrate successful e-business execution in networked organizations. The congress program will consist of invited keynote addresses, tutorials, paper presentations, and vendor demonstrations. Submissions of papers describing leading edge work are invited.
Link: http://eworldcongress.smu.ca/index.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)