Sometimes, the most powerful stories aren't just about success – they're about the heart behind that success. This is the story of Arslan Berbic, a boy who dared to dream amid the sound of falling bombs, and grew into a man who would reshape the future of genomics.
When war shaped a child's dreams
Picture a young boy in Bosnia during the 1990s, where the rhythm of daily life was punctuated by air raid sirens and the uncertainty of tomorrow. This was Arslan's childhood. Born into a middle-class family that held onto hope like a lifeline, he learned early that resilience isn't just about surviving – it's about keeping your dreams alive when the world around you seems to be falling apart.
A gift of education, A bridge to tomorrow
In what many would call a miracle of determination, young Arslan earned his way into Phillips Exeter Academy, one of America's most prestigious preparatory schools. Imagine the courage it took: a war-survivor from Bosnia walking the same historic halls that had educated generations of American leaders. But Arslan didn't just attend – he excelled, maintaining exceptional grades while navigating a new language, culture, and way of life. Each high mark wasn't just a grade; it was a step toward proving that circumstances don't define destiny.
The American chapter
America, for Arslan, wasn't just a destination – it was a canvas for possibilities. As an immigrant founder in a country where success often feels predetermined by zip codes and last names, he chose to write his own story. The genomics industry, with its explosive growth from $20.1 billion in 2020 to a projected $62.9 billion by 2028, became his arena for innovation. Each successful exit wasn't just a business achievement; it was a statement that talent knows no borders.
Ruya: Where dreams meet science
Today, from his base in the UAE, Arslan's latest venture, Ruya, isn't just another genomics company – it's a testament to the power of persistent vision. In a region where the genomics market is surging toward $4.5 billion by 2025, Ruya stands at the intersection of scientific innovation and personal dreams backed by Venture Capitalist like Fifth Quarter VC, Don’t Quit Ventures, Class 5 Global & top angel investors united around the team. The company's growth mirrors the Middle East's biotechnology renaissance, with investment growth exceeding 300% between 2020 and 2024.
A Letter to every child with a dream
But perhaps the most touching part of Arslan's story isn't in the numbers or achievements – it's in his message to children worldwide, a message that feels like a letter written to his younger self: "Believe in yourself, and always, keep pushing."
These words carry the weight of nights spent studying under emergency lights in Bosnia, of days wondering if dreams were a luxury war-torn children could afford, of moments of doubt in American classrooms, and of victories that seemed impossible until they weren't.
To every child reading this, Arslan's story whispers: Your circumstances are not your destiny. That child in a refugee camp, that student struggling with a new language, that dreamer who's been told their goals are too big – this story is for you. When Arslan says "believe in yourself," it's not just motivation – it's a battle cry backed by proof that it works.
The future writes itself
As the genomics industry continues to evolve, with Ruya at its cutting edge, Arslan's journey reminds us that the most revolutionary innovations often come from those who had to revolutionise their own lives first. His story isn't just about breaking through glass ceilings – it's about showing others that those ceilings were never real in the first place.
In the end, this isn't just a story about a successful entrepreneur. It's about a boy from Bosnia who kept believing, a student who kept pushing, and a man who now builds the future while holding the door open for others to follow. In Arslan's world, success isn't just about reaching the top – it's about sending the elevator back down for the next dreamer.
Noa Khamallah is General Partner at Don't Quit Ventures.