Issam Hijazi

Issam Hijazi is a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist and entrepreneur best known as the founder and chief executive officer of the social media platform UpScrolled. The platform is designed to offer users a social networking experience with a chronological feed and transparent content visibility, positioning itself as an alternative to algorithm-driven networks.^[1]

Early life and education

Details about Hijazi’s date of birth and early childhood are not widely published. He holds a multicultural heritage, identifying as Palestinian, Jordanian, and Australian. Hijazi’s educational background includes a Master of Business Administration from INSEAD, a Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning and Computer Vision from The Australian National University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Jordan.^[2]

Career

Before founding UpScrolled, Hijazi accumulated extensive experience across major technology companies. His career includes leadership and engineering roles in areas such as data management, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He has held positions in companies including IBM, Oracle, Hitachi Vantara, and Quantexa, where he worked on enterprise solutions and scalable systems.^[3]

In 2025, Hijazi founded the social media platform UpScrolled, under the Australian company Recursive Methods Pty Ltd. The app emphasizes user control, reduced algorithmic curation, and aims to address concerns over shadowbanning and opaque moderation practices. UpScrolled gained notable attention in early 2026 amid shifts in ownership and policy at other social platforms, resulting in a surge in downloads and user interest.

Hijazi also serves as an advisor at Loyal VC, where he contributes strategic guidance on data, artificial intelligence, and cloud infrastructure for portfolio companies.

Personal life

Hijazi is based in Sydney, Australia. He maintains a professional network spanning technology and business sectors and is occasionally featured as a speaker at industry events focusing on data, AI, and digital platforms.

References

[1] ttps://www.fastcompany.com/91481890/upscrolled-skylight-tiktok-alternatives-surge-after-us-takeover-censorship-anti-ice-videos

[2] ttps://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/issam-hijazi-upscrolled-creator-tiktok-article-153510995

[3] ttps://5pillarsuk.com/2026/01/26/tiktok-users-flee-to-censorship-free-palestinian-owned-app-upscrolled/

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