How I Became One of the Top 1% on Freelancer.com and Earned the Verified & Preferred Badge

Ahmed Askar — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 19:39:19 +0000

After a year and a half of grinding on Freelancer.com, I’ve seen both sides of the game. It’s been one hell of a ride—some days were amazing, others just straight up draining. But through it all, it’s been a chapter full of growth—technically, professionally, and personally.

When I first joined the platform, I had no roadmap. Just vibes, ambition, and a drive to figure things out. I was juggling everything—learning how to communicate with clients, refining my development skills, managing projects solo, and slowly gaining awareness of how the tech and freelance industry really operates.

Over time, the wins started stacking up. I completed 80+ projects, built strong relationships, and made sure every client left a positive review. That consistency helped me stand out. Eventually, I was recognized among the top 1% of freelancers on the platform. I earned the Verified and Preferred Freelancer badges, which they give to what they call their elite freelancers. And honestly? That meant something. Not just the badge, but what it represented: trust, reliability, and proof that I’d built something real from scratch.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I had some tough experiences with clients that forced me to learn the hard way. I’ve dealt with unclear expectations, unfair demands, and people who just didn’t value the work. That taught me to be selective, to ask the right questions upfront, and to protect my time and energy.

Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: freelancing in tech is not easy. It’s competitive. Brutally so. You can’t just know code—you’ve got to understand people, business, and sales. You need to know how to win clients, earn their trust, and retain them. You’ve got to be more than a developer—you’ve got to be the person they think of first when they have a new idea, a new problem, or a new product.

I was lucky enough to get a head start because of my journey building my first startup. That experience? Wild. It forced me to learn fast—branding, execution, handling failure, and thinking beyond code. All of that translated into skills that shaped my freelance profile and made it stronger.

So, do I love freelancing?

Truth is—I’m still figuring it out. It’s been rewarding, but I’m not sure if this is the end goal for me. Right now, I’m focused on building something bigger—a tech business that gives me more creative freedom, more stability, and better reflects the value I bring to the table.

Freelancing gave me the launchpad. Now it’s time to level up.

How I Secured $50K in Startup Support from NVIDIA and Google – And How You Can Too!

Ahmed Askar — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 02:30:34 +0000

Hello everyone,

I’m Ahmed Askar, a second-time AI startup founder. Building deep-tech startups has given me invaluable experience in navigating the challenges of securing funding and sustaining innovation.

Developing AI-powered solutions requires significant investment in infrastructure, research, and production models—something many startups struggle with in the early stages.

Through my journey, I’ve successfully secured around $50,000 in funding from both NVIDIA and Google for each of my startups. These programs have been instrumental in supporting R&D, computational resources, and scaling production models. If you’re an AI-driven startup, you can also benefit from these incredible opportunities.

Why Apply for NVIDIA Inception and Google for Startups?

Both NVIDIA Inception and Google for Startups provide more than just financial support. They offer:

Cloud credits and hardware resources
Exclusive mentorship and technical guidance
Networking opportunities with industry leaders
Go-to-market support and partnership benefits

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

🚀 NVIDIA Inception Program

Check Eligibility – Your startup should focus on AI, deep learning, or data science.
Visit the Application Page – NVIDIA Inception Application
Sign Up and Complete the Application – Provide details on your product, AI use cases, and technical needs.
Submit and Wait for Approval – If approved, you’ll gain access to exclusive benefits and resources.

🚀 Google for Startups

Choose the Right Program – Google offers multiple programs based on your startup's needs.
Apply Online – Google for Startups
Fill in Business & Tech Details – Explain your mission, team, and how you leverage AI or cloud technologies.
Submit and Monitor Your Application – Shortlisted startups may be invited for an interview.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an AI or deep-tech startup looking for funding and resources, these programs can be a game-changer. I encourage you to apply and take full advantage of what they offer. If you have any questions or need help with your application, feel free to drop a comment below!

Also, if you’ve already secured funding from NVIDIA or Google, share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear your journey! 🚀

DEV Community: Ahmed Askar

How I Became One of the Top 1% on Freelancer.com and Earned the Verified & Preferred Badge

How I Secured $50K in Startup Support from NVIDIA and Google – And How You Can Too!