Meet Mehdi Taifi | Tech Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mehdi Taifi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mehdi, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
My ultimate goal is to be known as a tech founder who built something that truly impacted our generation and those that come after us. I want to create meaningful innovation that not only solves real problems but also inspires a shift in how we live, connect, and consume. Legacy matters to me. I’m not just building a product, I’m building a movement, something that leaves a lasting positive footprint on the world. By the end of my career, I hope people will look at what I’ve built and say, “That changed the game.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been anything but linear. I started on Wall Street, grinding through long days in finance, then transitioned into tech, helping scale a unicorn startup in Silicon Valley. That journey taught me discipline, innovation, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. But what truly sets me apart in my humble opinion is my ability to blend both worlds, financial rigor with startup intuition, and turn big ideas into executable products.

I’m most proud of Zéya, a project born out of both vision and lived experience. It’s a modern barter platform that aims to shift how people consume, trade, and interact with value without always needing money. It’s not just an app; it’s a movement that taps into community, sustainability, and cultural relevance. Getting here wasn’t easy. I went through failed startups, personal losses, and times of doubt. But I kept showing up, building, and learning.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that timing, persistence, and alignment matter more than perfection. You won’t always have everything figured out, but if the mission is clear, the pieces start falling into place.

What I want the world to know is that Zéya is more than just another marketplace. It’s the beginning of a new economic mindset where people can swap instead of spend, connect instead of consume, and rediscover the value of what they already have. And I’m here to see that vision through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ok so, if my best friend came to visit Miami for a week, I’d take them on a full cultural ride through the city’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods. We’d start in Brickell with rooftop drinks and dinner at Zuri, my favorite Moroccan restaurant, then cruise through the laid back charm of Coconut Grove for brunch and marina views. We’d hit the beach midweek, maybe jet ski or relax in South Beach maybe SoHo Beach House, then catch sunset at The Standard. A day in Wynwood and the Design District would be a must. For nightlife, we’d grab drinks at Sugar rooftop, Medium Cool or Mila. We’d spend a day on a boat exploring the bay or road tripping to the Keys for a tropical escape. The final day would be all about reflection, brunch at Mandolin and a stroll through Vizcaya Gardens. Miami is a mix of hustle and soul, and I’d want them to experience both. Why don’t you come join us!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no doubt that my journey has been shaped by the people around me. I’d give a big shoutout to my family first for their unconditional support, especially during the uncertain moments of building something from scratch. I also want to recognize the early believers in Zéya, friends, advisors, and even users who saw the vision before it fully existed. And I’ve got to credit the mentors I’ve crossed paths with from my Wall Street days to Silicon Valley, they taught me how to think bigger and move smarter. Lastly, I’ve been influenced by books that challenge conventional thinking, like Plato’s Republic and The Alchemist, they helped fuel the mindset I carry today. None of this happens in a vacuum, and I’m grateful for every bit of encouragement and wisdom I’ve received along the way

Website: https://zeyaapp.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medimeds/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-taifi-bbb54a9