Unicorn Leaders – Tony Jamous, Co-founder and CEO, Oyster

Tony Jamous, co-founder and CEO of Oyster from Cyprus talked about Oyster, founded in 2020, which is a global employment platform designed to eliminate the barriers to remote work and distributed hiring, enabling companies to recruit talent regardless of geographical location. The company’s innovative approach and rapid growth led it to achieve unicorn status in under two years, with over $280 million raised across various funding rounds.

Jamous explained the motivation behind founding Oyster, rooted in his personal journey. Originally from Lebanon, he shared his experiences of fleeing a country with limited opportunities to seek a brighter economic future. As a serial entrepreneur, he previously managed a business that operated across 45 countries, where he witnessed the transformative power of global hiring—not only in accessing talent but also in positively impacting individuals’ lives. Recognising the lack of a comprehensive solution to simplify global hiring, Jamous founded Oyster to address this gap.

At its core, Oyster is mission-driven. Jamous spoke passionately about the company’s goal to create a more equitable world by removing obstacles to hiring global talent. Highlighting startling statistics, he noted that 80 million jobs remain unfilled in Western economies while over a billion knowledge workers are entering the workforce from emerging economies over the next decade. By making global hiring as straightforward as local recruitment, Oyster aims to address these imbalances, reduce brain drain, and drive economic growth in underdeveloped regions.

Oyster’s mission was further validated by achieving B Corp certification in 2023, reflecting the company’s dedication to a purpose that extends beyond profit. Jamous stressed that the company embeds its mission into every aspect of its operations, from strategy and product development to hiring practices and customer engagement. The certification symbolises its commitment to social and economic impact, particularly in fostering opportunities in emerging economies.

The discussion also explored Oyster’s annual *Global Impact Report*, which measures the company’s tangible contributions to economic and social progress. Jamous shared key findings, such as the increase in the percentage of employees placed in emerging economies—rising from 30% to over 40% in two years—and the hundreds of millions of dollars sent annually in salaries and taxes to these regions. These funds not only boost local economies but also provide stability to workers and their families, furthering Oyster’s mission to drive global equality.

Technological innovation plays a crucial role in Oyster’s operations, with AI at the forefront. Jamous explained how the company leverages AI to simplify the complexities of employment laws, tax regulations, and payroll systems across different countries. This has enabled Oyster to launch new products, such as global payroll, complementing its contractor and full-time employee solutions. These advancements position the company as a comprehensive platform for cross-border employment. Jamous also noted how AI improves internal productivity and customer experiences, enabling the company to remain competitive in an ever-evolving market.

The conversation turned to Oyster’s organisational culture as a fully remote business. With 550 employees across 70 countries, representing over 100 nationalities and achieving gender parity, Oyster exemplifies diversity and inclusion. Jamous described how the company’s mission informs its hiring, attracting mission-driven employees, socially conscious customers, and impact-focused investors. He emphasised the importance of trust, flexibility, and psychological safety in building a positive and high-performing work environment. Rejecting the push for return-to-office mandates seen in some organisations, Jamous argued that remote work, when properly supported, is more productive and conducive to employee well-being.

The hosts also asked Jamous about his leadership philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the buffalo—an animal symbolised in his surname, Jamous (Arabic for buffalo)—he shared how the buffalo’s protective nature within its herd influences his leadership style. He described his role as creating a safe environment for his team, ensuring their growth and success while providing the resources and support they need to thrive.

When discussing the term “unicorn,” Jamous acknowledged its evolving significance, explaining that while it still resonates with some audiences, it is ultimately just a label. He emphasised the importance of remaining strategically flexible, ensuring Oyster can adapt to opportunities such as IPOs, mergers, or new market developments, while maintaining its focus on profitability and long-term impact.

Looking ahead, Jamous outlined Oyster’s priorities for the next 12 to 18 months. With a clear path to profitability, the company is focused on operational improvements and expanding its product offerings, including the launch of global payroll solutions. This new chapter represents an opportunity for Oyster to further solidify its position as a leader in global employment solutions.