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Entrepreneurs Solve Muslim Name Biases with Ethical Innovation

When LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform for the Muslim community, faced rejection from three banks and payment processors, it highlighted the systemic challenges confronting Muslim-founded businesses.

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When LaunchGood, a crowdfunding platform for the Muslim community, faced rejection from three banks and payment processors, it highlighted the systemic challenges confronting Muslim-founded businesses.

These institutions cited concerns over international humanitarian work in sanctioned jurisdictions, such as Syria, or difficulties in verifying names commonly found in Muslim communities against sanction lists.

Amany Killawi, LaunchGood’s co-founder, observed that “Muhammad is the most sanctioned name,” reflecting a significant bias within financial systems.

The inability to process payments could have been catastrophic, but LaunchGood’s founders responded by building a network of banks and payment providers to ensure operational stability.

This strategy exemplifies how Muslim entrepreneurs are addressing systemic barriers by creating resilient and innovative solutions tailored to their communities.

Such challenges are not unique to LaunchGood. The rising demand for ethical consumerism and inclusive platforms has spurred a wave of Muslim-led innovation.

Boycat, founded by Adil Abbuthalha, allows consumers to identify and avoid brands complicit in human rights violations, especially those supporting Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

The app also suggests ethical alternatives, making values-driven shopping accessible to over a million users within a year of its launch.

Boycat has partnered with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement to amplify its impact.

Makani Homes, a home-swapping and rental platform founded by Nourin Abubaker and Yara Ourfali, caters to Muslim travelers by providing alcohol-free accommodations and other community-specific preferences.

While initially focused on serving Muslim consumers, Makani has become a direct competitor to Airbnb, which has faced criticism for listing properties in illegal West Bank settlements.

Makani’s recent expansion into rental services further positions it as an ethical alternative, enabling users to align their travel spending with their values.

Islamic finance has also played a critical role in fostering financial inclusion for Muslims worldwide. Platforms like Wahed, a halal investment service, and Ethis Group, a Shariah-compliant crowdfunding platform, offer ethical financial solutions rooted in Islamic principles.

These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of the economic potential in serving the Muslim community while adhering to ethical practices.

Consumer behavior is shifting, with more individuals seeking services and products that reflect their values. This trend has encouraged the growth of Muslim-focused startups, which now operate in a less hostile fundraising environment.

For example, Wahed has raised nearly USD95 million and achieved a valuation of USD300 million, while Tech for Palestine supports pro-Palestinian businesses with advice and infrastructure.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Many venture capital firms remain hesitant to back Muslim-led or pro-Palestinian companies.

Nevertheless, the rise of platforms like LaunchGood, Boycat, and Makani Homes demonstrates how Muslim entrepreneurs are creating inclusive, ethical, and community-driven alternatives to mainstream services.

These businesses are not only addressing systemic barriers but also paving the way for a more equitable global marketplace.

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