Evaluating the Impact of Corporate Culture on the Success of the Egyptian Fintech Startups: The Mediating Role of the Employee Engagement

Abstract The financial technology (Fintech) sector in Egypt is rapidly evolving, contributing significantly to financial inclusion and economic growth. However, many Fintech startups struggle with sustainability due to challenges related to internal organizational dynamics, particularly corporate culture and employee engagement. This research investigates the impact of corporate culture on the success of Egyptian Fintech startups, considering employee engagement as a mediating variable. Grounded in Denison’s organizational culture model and Gallup’s engagement hierarchy, the study employs a quantitative methodology using structured questionnaires distributed to employees across 177 Egyptian Fintech startups. The results reveal that internal cultural dimensions, particularly involvement and consistency significantly influence employee engagement, which in turn mediates their effect on organizational success. The findings offer empirical support for the strategic alignment of corporate culture with employee engagement initiatives to enhance performance outcomes in Fintech startups. The research contributes to understanding the internal dynamics critical to sustaining innovation and competitiveness in emerging financial markets. Keywords: Corporate Culture; Employee Engagement; Fintech Startups; Organizational Success; Egypt; Denison Model; Gallup Engagement; Balanced Scorecard