Meet Mohamed Benzakour, the former professional footballer who swapped stadiums for startups. Today, he’s the co-founder of Stay Here, the Moroccan hospitality tech brand turning short-term rentals into high-end, local experiences — and reshaping how a new generation travels.
What does a career in professional football have in common with tech-driven hospitality? For Mohamed Benzakour, the answer lies in teamwork, vision, and delivering unforgettable experiences. Once an athlete chasing goals on the field, he’s now setting bold goals off it — as the co-founder and CEO of Stay Here, one of Morocco’s most exciting startups in the short-term rental space.
Born and raised in Morocco, Mohamed left for the U.S. in 2014 to pursue a dream in professional soccer. But after retiring from sports, his ambition only grew — this time in business. Starting with sales and real estate, he gradually developed a passion for creating spaces that combine comfort, design, and hospitality.
In 2020, Mohamed returned to Morocco and teamed up with co-founder Mohamed Lachgar to launch Stay Here. Their idea was simple, but powerful: provide stylish, short- to mid-term rental properties in Morocco’s top cities — and offer hotel-quality services with a local soul.
From Startup to Movement: Stay Here’s Fast Growth
Today, Stay Here operates in Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir, with plans to expand to Tangier and Marrakech. Their growing portfolio of over 200 high-end apartments, penthouses, and studios is a testament to their understanding of a market craving both authenticity and convenience.
What sets them apart? A seamless digital booking experience, high-quality furnishings, and a hospitality-first approach that blends Moroccan warmth with global standards. It’s more than a stay — it’s a curated lifestyle.
Tech Meets Tradition
Mohamed’s vision for Stay Here goes beyond real estate. It’s about elevating Moroccan hospitality through tech. By combining automated services, smart design, and local know-how, the startup caters to both business travelers and digital nomads looking for meaningful stays.
With a brand voice that celebrates “proudly Moroccan” values, Stay Here is also telling a bigger story: one where the future of travel in North Africa is being built by its own innovators — not just global hotel chains.
Leading by Example and Inspiring the Youth
Benzakour is more than a CEO — he’s an example of how young Moroccans can pivot, innovate, and lead. His journey from sports to entrepreneurship is now a source of motivation for many, and his growing presence in leadership seminars and entrepreneurial talks is helping to quietly shape the mindset of a rising generation.
Conclusion
At his core, Mohamed remains focused on experience — whether it's guests enjoying their stay or youth inspired by his path. In both cases, his mission is to create space: for growth, for connection, for something unforgettable.