SpeakUp, a Dubai-based startup, is revolutionising how speakers and event organisers connect globally. Launched only five months ago by entrepreneurs Nick Zhuchkov and Helen Kareva, the platform is the world’s first AI-powered speaker booking app. It has already gained significant attention, with users from around the globe flocking to the app despite no traditional marketing efforts.
In the past month alone, SpeakUp has gone viral across social media, reaching influencer audiences with followings from 100,000 to over a million. This organic growth has propelled SpeakUp to the forefront of Dubai’s burgeoning tech scene, positioning it as one of the region’s most promising exports.
How SpeakUp Works
SpeakUp is transforming the speaker booking process by replacing the outdated, agent-led model with a more accessible, user-friendly approach. Event organisers, podcasters, and journalists can post a request, similar to a job ad, and verified speakers apply directly through the app. The platform’s AI then recommends the best speaker matches, cutting out hours of manual searching.
Additional features of the app include collaboration tools for teams and agencies, a direct in-app chat to remove intermediaries, and a Growth Marketplace offering exclusive discounts and professional services. The app’s one-tap application process for speakers makes booking as easy as hailing a ride.
Rapid Growth and Recognition
The app’s innovative approach has attracted a wide range of high-profile users, including Uzair Merchant, an award-winning Hollywood and Bollywood director, and Laura Buckwell, one of the most recognised event hosts in the Middle East.
But SpeakUp’s rise hasn’t just been about user growth. After co-founder Helen Kareva appeared on a regional startup show earlier this year, she was diagnosed with a rare tumour in her knee and underwent multiple surgeries. Despite her health challenges, Kareva continued to lead product and strategy development from her hospital bed.
“We were watching our real-time user dashboard when over 400 new users joined within an hour podcasters, organisers, and speakers from across the world,” said Zhuchkov. “That was our moment.”
The Bigger Picture
SpeakUp is more than just a tech company. Its founders aim to empower individuals by providing a platform where more people can speak, share ideas, and be heard. As a result, the startup is part of a new wave of UAE-based ventures that combine cutting-edge technology with a human-first mission.
The app has already made a significant impact in the UAE’s startup ecosystem, which continues to grow as more innovative companies emerge. In a city that is becoming increasingly known for its tech-driven approach to business, SpeakUp stands out as an example of how Dubai is fostering the next generation of global companies.
For entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach, the rapid rise of SpeakUp is a testament to the power of new technology and the resilience of its founders. SpeakUp is positioning itself as a key player in the global speaker booking industry, offering a fresh, streamlined approach that continues to resonate with users around the world.
