Scaling emerging markets with accessible people resources
We’re your
commercial people partner & growth accelerator.
In a way you didn’t think was necessary.
90% of startups fail.
One major reason cited is the inability to hire & retain the right talent.
We’re here to even the odds.
To give you the competitive edge. From Day zero through to growth & scale.
Navigating your founder journey
MVP
Milestones
Funding
Expansion
M & A
IPO
How we accelerate growth
People strategy formulation
Organization design
Compensation & benefits
Hiring & onboarding
Performance management
Culture & experience
Alata
Alice
Open Sans
Noto Sans
Bebas Neue
Great Vibes
Rock Salt
Exo
Belgrano
Overlock
Cinzel
Indie Flower
Staatliches
Roboto Slab
Lato
Noto Serif
Open Sans
Montserrat
Ubuntu
Rubik
Delius
Amiri
Montserrat
Our Purpose
We’re passionate about putting people at the center of business.
We’ve
been there, done that.
We understand the
“cost of not”, and “being fit for purpose”.
And we truly care about emerging markets getting a slice of best practice.
ABOUT US
Natasha Corbin – HR & Talent Advisory Leader | Certified Board Chair | Founder, START MEA
Natasha is a seasoned Talent Acquisition and HR leader with over 15 years of global experience spanning the VC-backed startup ecosystem, high-growth technology firms, and established enterprises. As the founder and director of START MEA, Natasha is a strategic business partner who aligns people's strategies with key business milestones and objectives. Natasha is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting companies in scaling to meet the demands of an ever-evolving digital economy.
With a proven track record in executive search, talent strategy, employer branding, workforce planning and building technology functions, Natasha has successfully led workforce transformations, M&A transitions, and IPO readiness hiring. Her expertise includes recruitment process optimisation, talent analytics, and scaling People & Culture functions that drive business performance.
A Certified Advisory Board Chair and a recognised leader in the HR and startup landscape, Natasha works closely with founders, investors, and executive teams to attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent in competitive markets. Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and employer branding, she helps businesses create strategies that are scalable and optimised for long-term success.
ABOUT US
Thuvi Wijenathan
The last 13 years have given Thuvi a wealth of experience spanning renowned organizations such as Jumia and HSBC. Thuvi is a seasoned HR leader specializing in the MENA and Africa regions. Leveraging a strategic blend of innovative HR practices and a deep understanding of the complexities of emerging markets, Thuvi has consistently driven organizational excellence and employee engagement initiatives. With a passion for fostering inclusive cultures and nurturing talent, Thuvi is dedicated to shaping the future of work in highly dynamic environments.
Thuvi holds a Bachelors in Commerce (Finance & Economics specialization) from Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK.
Copyright START 2025