Amr Shady is the CEO and Co-founder of Tribal Credit, a San Francisco-based financial technology company that has been reshaping the way small and medium-sized businesses access credit, make payments, and grow in the global economy. With a strong belief that financial tools should be intuitive, accessible, and equitable, Amr Shady has guided Tribal Credit from a bold idea into a respected global fintech platform. His work has helped bridge gaps in financial services for companies operating across borders, including those linking emerging markets with the United States.
Early Background and Experience
Amr Shady’s journey in technology and finance began long before Tribal Credit. With a foundation in engineering and business analytics, he combined technical expertise with entrepreneurial ambition early in his career. Amr Shady co-founded his first company, TA Telecom, at the age of 22 and grew it into a multimillion-dollar business operating in several emerging markets, attracting attention from industry analysts and media for its rapid success.
His academic path included advanced studies in business analytics at New York University, where his research on artificial intelligence and startup success would later inform Tribal Credit’s innovative use of data and AI in underwriting. This blend of practical startup experience and analytical rigor positioned Shady not just as a founder, but as a thoughtful leader seeking systemic change in how financial services support modern companies.
About Tribal Credit
Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, Tribal Credit is a fintech platform created to serve the real needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, especially those in emerging markets. The company’s core mission is to provide fast, flexible, and intelligent financial tools that help businesses grow without the constraints of traditional banking infrastructure. Tribal’s suite of services includes multi-currency Visa corporate cards, international and local payment capabilities, spend management tools, and financing solutions.
At its heart, Tribal Credit aims to make financial services simpler and more transparent. By leveraging modern technology, including AI-driven underwriting, the platform approves credit lines without relying on founders’ personal credit, a critical advantage for fast-moving startups. Through Tribal Pay and other products, the company also enables smoother cross-border transactions, streamlining payments between regions like Latin America and the United States, where Mexican corporate transfers to U.S. businesses make up a substantial share of international traffic.
The Founding Team and Leadership
Amr Shady did not build Tribal Credit alone. The leadership team includes co-founders and executives with diverse expertise in banking, technology, data science, and fintech operations. Among them is Duane Good, Tribal’s President and a veteran of major financial institutions such as HSBC, where he held executive roles; Mark Graves, with experience in card networks and financial regulation; Mohamed Elkasstawi, a specialist in blockchain strategy; and others who bring deep technical and commercial insight.
This blend of experience allows Tribal to tackle both operational and strategic challenges effectively. Under Shady’s leadership, the team has built a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and responsiveness to the real challenges faced by SMEs navigating global commerce. Their complementary skills help shape a company that is both technically capable and customer-focused.
Leadership Style and Vision
Amr Shady’s leadership style is grounded in clarity of purpose and practical execution. He combines a data-informed approach with a hands-on mindset, encouraging teams to experiment, learn quickly, and prioritize customer outcomes. Shady emphasizes transparency, both in how Tribal operates and in how its products work for customers. This approach has helped Tribal earn trust among entrepreneurs and financial partners alike.
Shady also places a strong emphasis on empowering businesses in underserved markets. His vision extends beyond growth metrics to include financial inclusion, enabling companies to compete in the global economy, access credit, and manage payments efficiently and cost-effectively.
Achievements and Impact
Under Shady’s leadership, Tribal Credit has attracted significant investor confidence and capital. The company has raised substantial funding from notable backers such as QED Investors, Partners for Growth, BECO Capital, Global Ventures, the Stellar Development Foundation, and Coinbase Ventures. It has also expanded its debt facilities, notably securing and increasing a $150 million facility with Partners for Growth, which supports Tribal’s ambitious growth strategy across Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
These investments have enabled Tribal to push deeper into global markets, refine its product offerings, and scale operations that directly support SMEs. The company has processed over $150 million in B2B international transactions, a testament to its growing role in facilitating global trade and nearshoring trends between regions such as Mexico and the U.S.
Tribal’s presence in the U.S. financial landscape is significant as well. While the company is focused on emerging markets, its Silicon Valley base and use of U.S. financial networks, including Visa integration, allow U.S. businesses and startups to benefit from its platform, whether through cross-border transactions, access to modern payment tools, or connection to a growing global client base.
Personal Approach and Future Plans
Amr Shady’s approach blends visionary thinking with practical problem-solving. He stays close to product development, customer feedback, and market trends, believing that strong leadership means understanding both the strategic and technical sides of a business. Shady communicates openly about ambitions for the future, including continued expansion into new regions, deeper integration with financial partners, and eventual public offerings that could further solidify Tribal’s position in global fintech.
Looking ahead, Amr Shady envisions a world where financial services are genuinely accessible to all businesses, regardless of size or geography, a world where startups in emerging markets can compete on equal footing with their peers in developed economies. With Tribal Credit’s progress and growing impact, this vision is steadily becoming a reality.
The Road Ahead
Amr Shady’s leadership at Tribal Credit reflects a blend of entrepreneurial insight, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to inclusive financial innovation. Through thoughtful product design, strategic funding, and a strong global team, he has guided Tribal Credit to become a force in modern financial services. As the company continues to grow, its influence on SMEs, including connections with the U.S. economy, will likely expand, helping shape a more inclusive and efficient future for business finance.
