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SPEAKERS

Jehan Ara

Jehan Ara

Founder & CEO, Katalyst Labs

Naeem Zamindar

Naeem Zamindar

Co- Founder, Neem

Naureen Hyat

Naureen Hyat

CEO - Zood Pakistan

Shah Talha Sohail

Shah Talha Sohail

Co- Founder & CEO, Mode Mobility

Hira Q Haq

Hira Q Haq

Managing Director, District 19

Ali Moeen

Ali Moeen

Co-Founder, ezBike

Miral Sharif

Miral Sharif

Country Head, Yango Pakistan

Hassaan Khan

Hassaan Khan

Co-Founder, Mashion

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Founder & CEO, Polly & Other Stories

Mansoor Ali

Mansoor Ali

CEO, VCast Online

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Climate Consultant, Investment Banking Professional

Faizan Khan

Faizan Khan

Co-Founder & Chief of Strategy & Staff, Nukta

Fannie Soubiele

Fannie Soubiele

Head of Venture Capital Business Development, SEA, Google Cloud

Shoaib Arshad

Shoaib Arshad

Founder, Funoon Forum

Maira Siddiqui

Maira Siddiqui

Co-Founder & CEO, Chiragh Education Technologies

Ahsan Mashkoor

Ahsan Mashkoor

Co-founder C Square and wAI Industries

Sabeena Abbasi

Sabeena Abbasi

Co-Founder & Chief Digital Learning Officer, Taleemabad

Zayaan Bawany

Zayaan Bawany

Founding Partner & Managing Director, Ticket Wala

Khizra Munir

Khizra Munir

CEO - Brand Scheme of Things, Founder & Host - Sister Plz

Danish Khaliq

Danish Khaliq

VP Sales & Strategy, BYD Pakistan - Mega Motor Company

Jaya Rajwani

Jaya Rajwani

AI Technologist and Product Leader

Osamah Nasir

Osamah Nasir

Digital Content Creator & Storyteller

Daniyal Baig

Daniyal Baig

Co-founder at MyAlice and Raven AI

Riffat Rashid

Riffat Rashid

Digital Content Creator

Arsalan Khatri

Arsalan Khatri

Head of Design - PureSquare

Sarah Munir

Sarah Munir

CEO, Invest 2 Innovate

Nayab Babar

Nayab Babar

Chief Investment Officer, Pakistan Startup Fund

Hira Fareed

Hira Fareed

Senior User Experience Designer, Candybox Marketing

Asad Abdulla

Asad Abdulla

Executive Director, Genesis Holdings Pvt.

Kiran Ahmad

Kiran Ahmad

Multidisciplinary Graphic Designer, Researcher and Academic

Owais Zaidi

Owais Zaidi

Founder & Executive Chairman, The Hive / Venture Builder - OURPOL

Maheen Adamjee

Maheen Adamjee

Co-Founder and CEO, Dot & Line

Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed

CEO, Green Man’s Ark

Fatin Nawaz

Fatin Nawaz

Design Strategist | Faculty , Indus Value School of Art and Architecture

Faizan Sadi Syed

Faizan Sadi Syed

Founder & CEO, East River

Gulfishan Shaikh

Gulfishan Shaikh

Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance, Easypaisa Digital Bank

Muhammad Raza

Muhammad Raza

Chief Growth Officer, Switch

Ahsan Hussain

Ahsan Hussain

Country Head Pakistan, Simpaisa

Aly Rana

Aly Rana

COO, Tapmad

Saif Ali

Saif Ali

Startup Consultant and Advisor

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Jehan Ara

Jehan Ara

Founder & CEO, Katalyst Labs

Jehan Ara is the Founder & CEO of Katalyst Labs, a Startup Accelerator Innovation Hub and Women Leadership Fellows program. She is the former President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA), where she spearheaded efforts for over 20 years and was responsible for developing the P@SHA brand and creating linkages between P@SHA and local and international partners.

Jehan has vast experience in Marketing, Communications and interactive New media in Hong Kong, the Far East, the UAE and Pakistan. She is a motivator, an entrepreneur, a social activist and a strong propagator of extending the power and use of Information and Communication Technologies beyond pure traditional business to empower and enable communities.

Currently Jehan serves as a Member of the PM’s Taskforce for IT & the Digital Economy, as a Member of the APAC Content Safety Advisory Board for TikTok and is on the Advisory Boards of the Punjab IT Board, the Governing Body of the Sindh Digital Advisory Board and on the Industry Advisory Board of various local universities including Habib University and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Jehan is also on the World Bank Advisory Group on Gender Diversity. She is a Board Member of the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives (IDEAS) and an International Expert for the World Summit Awards (WSA), a nonprofit research organization established to promote, assist, support, simulate, undertake and manage policy research and advocacy. She is an Independent Director on the board of the Central Depository Company and is on the Steering Committee of the Women on Board Allies and is on the Board of Trustees of the Karachi Biennale Trust. Jehan has recently been nominated for the Tamgha e Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan.

In January 2015, Jehan set up The Nest IO – a technology incubator, accelerator and innovation community hub in Karachi with the support of Google for Entrepreneurs to help provide a platform for aspiring technology businesses in the buzzing city of Karachi. The Nest IO incubated 217+ startup businesses and created a strong community of young people. Under her leadership The Nest I/O also organized the flagship innovation and entrepreneurship conference 021Disrupt/+92Disrupt which has become the go-to premier event that brings together startups, innovators professionals, investors and students on a platform to engage, learn and collaborate. She has been identified by Rest of World (ROW) as amongst the top global 100 Changemakers in Tech outside Silicon Valley.

Naeem Zamindar

Naeem Zamindar

Co- Founder, Neem

Naeem Zamindar is a pioneering entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and transformative leader with over 30 years of experience in scaling businesses and driving technological innovation. As the co-founder of Neem, he focuses on financial wellness for underserved communities through embedded finance solutions. Naeem has held pivotal roles, including Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Board of Investment, CEO of Acumen Fund Pakistan, and CEO of Wateen Telecom.

Naureen Hyat

Naureen Hyat

CEO - Zood Pakistan

Naureen is currently the Chief Executive Officer – Zood Pakistan. She is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital lending expert with over 13 years of experience in digital finance, risk management, and microfinance. She founded Tez Financial Services, Pakistan’s first fintech to obtain an NBFC license, and CheckIn Solutions. Under her leadership, Tez pioneered lending for unbanked communities and became the first Pakistani fintech to achieve an M&A milestone when acquired by Zood in 2022. She now leads Zood’s Pakistan operations and global projects. Naureen has also shaped financial inclusion policies through board roles and collaborations with regulators and global organizations. Naureen has also contributed to women’s empowerment and reproductive health via the Pakistan Society for Planned Parenthood. Internationally recognized by Forbes, Reuters, and the Women in Fintech Powerlist, Naureen studied Inclusive Finance at Harvard Business School and is affiliated with the CFA program, reflecting her deep commitment to expanding financial access.

Shah Talha Sohail

Shah Talha Sohail

Co- Founder & CEO, Mode Mobility

Shah Talha Sohail is a serial entrepreneur passionate about building and scaling companies. He is the co- founder and CEO of Mode Mobility, an automotive design and manufacturing company developing battery-electric motorcycles designed in Pakistan. Mode Mobility aims to empower local designers and engineers to create world-class products and drive the transition toward sustainable mobility in Pakistan.

Hira Q Haq

Hira Q Haq

Managing Director, District 19

Hira Q Haq is the Managing Director of District 19, a creative hub in Karachi she founded five years ago. With expertise in creative strategy and community engagement, she has built a space for innovation, collaboration, and cultural expression. District 19 offers offices and studios for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and creators, providing them a platform to thrive. Hira curates events, workshops, and programs that foster dialogue and growth, emphasizing the importance of creative hubs in a city’s cultural and economic fabric.

Ali Moeen

Ali Moeen

Co-Founder, ezBike

Ali Moeen is the co-founder of ezBike, Pakistan’s pioneering electric scooter-sharing service. With a background in software engineering, he has driven the company’s growth, onboarding over 100,000 customers. Ali is passionate about sustainable transportation and leveraging technology to address environmental challenges. His innovative solutions are transforming urban mobility in Pakistan.

Miral Sharif

Miral Sharif

Country Head, Yango Pakistan

Miral Sharif is the Country Head at Yango Pakistan, responsible for leading operations, enhancing market presence, optimizing service delivery, and driving growth within the region. She previously managed local operations as City Manager at Yango and oversaw profitability at Daraz. Miral has held key roles at Swvl, Ufone, and Zong CMPak Ltd. She holds a degree from the Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Hassaan Khan

Hassaan Khan

Co-Founder, Mashion

Hassaan Khan is a multidisciplinary creative and entrepreneur based in Karachi, Pakistan. He is the co-founder, leads content and brand strategy at Mashion, one of Pakistan’s leading digital media platforms, and oversees innovative projects across media, fashion, and events. With a passion for storytelling, culture, and community building, Hassaan is known for launching impactful initiatives—from pop-up festivals and digital shows to youth-focused brands. His work blends creativity with strategy, always pushing the envelope of what’s possible in the South Asian cultural landscape.

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Founder & CEO, Polly & Other Stories

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui is a social entrepreneur with two decades of experience in Pakistan’s impact sector. She has led and managed diverse teams across the women’s empowerment, gender mainstreaming, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, consulting and cultural sectors. Amneh’s approach is defined by her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices by leveraging the full spectrum of human potential across organizations, using storytelling for change and enabling people to embrace their authentic voice. She is passionate about helping women and young people discover their personal strengths and in creating more rungs on the ladder for diverse leadership to rise. She is the Chair and Curator of the international Women of the World festivals in Pakistan, the Founder of Polly and Other Stories, an artisan-focused marketplace and the CSO for The Blue Company, a coaching for business transformation and leadership company. Amneh is also an Acumen, Miller Center Social Enterprise and IVLP fellow and author of the book “Fearless,” which profiles 50 remarkable women from Pakistan.

Mansoor Ali

Mansoor Ali

CEO, VCast Online

Mansoor Ali is the CEO of VCast Online, a digital media platform focusing on stories that shape Pakistan’s business landscape. He previously led a top media agency in Pakistan, managing clients like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, and served as project manager for Coke Studio. Mansoor also worked in Dubai for a management consulting firm, gaining insights into finance and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from LUMS.

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Climate Consultant, Investment Banking Professional

Naveen Ahmed, CFA is a finance and strategy consultant who partners with early-stage businesses to drive growth, financial planning, and capital raising. With 20+ years of experience across banking, consulting, and academia, she brings a cross-functional perspective to strategic decision-making. Her sector expertise spans electric vehicles, clean energy, and technology, with a strong emphasis on delivering climate, economic, and social impact. Drawing on her background in investment banking, Naveen helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes, especially in project finance and advisory. As Visiting Faculty at IBA Karachi, she connects theory with practice, offering insights into investment activity shaped by broader economic, political, and policy dynamics. She contributes to platforms such as Renewables First, Agora Energiewende, the World Future Energy Summit, i2i, and SEED Ventures, and her commentary appears in outlets including Dawn and Profit.
Naveen also serves on the boards of Universal Network Systems Ltd., Cordoba Leasing Limited, and MatrixFit (Pvt.) Ltd., where she provides oversight and strategic input. She holds an MBA (Finance) and BBA (Hons.) from IBA Karachi, is a CFA Charterholder, and has completed executive education at London Business School.

Faizan Khan

Faizan Khan

Co-Founder & Chief of Strategy & Staff, Nukta

Faizan is the Chief of Strategy & Staff at Nukta, a digital content platform he co-founded. Nukta aims to transform digital journalism across the Middle East and South Asia by providing unbiased, credible news and thoughtful narratives. Faizan plays a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s strategic direction and content strategy. He is also the CEO of FRIM Ventures and has been featured as an economic expert in leading Pakistani publications.

Fannie Soubiele

Fannie Soubiele

Head of Venture Capital Business Development, SEA, Google Cloud

Fannie brings 15+ years of deep engagement with Asia’s startup ecosystem, from founding ventures and leading Southeast Asia’s pioneering accelerator to investing as a VC and angel. Her experience spans leadership roles within hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services and Google. Currently, Fannie spearheads the Venture Capital and Startups team for Google Cloud in Southeast Asia, where she empowers VC-backed companies through strategic business and technology partnerships within Google. She holds a Master’s in Technopreneurship from Nanyang Technological University.

Shoaib Arshad

Shoaib Arshad

Founder, Funoon Forum

Shoaib Arshad is a young civil society leader, educator, and curator. He founded Funoon Forum, directs the Nixor Literature Festival, and teaches at leading Karachi colleges. A top graduate in International Political Economy from Bridgeport University, he earned the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. He specializes in Global Perspectives and Urdu Literature, holds teaching certifications from prestigious institutions, and actively participates in youth development initiatives and events.

Maira Siddiqui

Maira Siddiqui

Co-Founder & CEO, Chiragh Education Technologies

Maira is the CEO & Co-founder of Chiragh Education Technologies, an Ed-Tech company focused on decolonizing Pakistani education through cartoons and physical games in local languages. She is also an Entrepreneurship lecturer at KSBL and a third-generation educator. Maira’s venture has secured funding from platforms like Shark Tank, K-electric, and Standard Chartered Bank, and has also forged B2B partnerships with various large corporations.

Ahsan Mashkoor

Ahsan Mashkoor

Co-founder C Square and wAI Industries

Ahsan Mashkoor is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and AI innovator, pioneering digital transformation across the Middle East and Asia. As Co-Founder of C Square (A premier CX and Digital Transformation company) and wAI Industries (a Company focused on enterprise AI Intelligent Systems), he has driven advancements in Swarm AI Agents, knowledge graphs, and customizable AI models. His leadership has earned C Square prestigious awards and wAI Industries global recognition for optimizing industrial operations and providing predictive maintenance solutions.

Sabeena Abbasi

Sabeena Abbasi

Co-Founder & Chief Digital Learning Officer, Taleemabad

Ms. Sabeena holds an MSc in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester and has conducted research on policy implications on poverty and inequality in developing countries, including the impact of microfinance institutions, financial markets, education financing, and various facets of capitalism. She is passionate about empowering communities and has demonstrated this through her work on a startup that provided opportunities for female artisans, connecting them with global markets. At Taleemabad, she has developed several impactful products, including Pakistan’s first digital teacher training program, an animated curriculum for students, and scripted lesson plans, collectively resulting in an additional 1.5 years of learning. Ms. Sabeena collaborates closely with the government on various policy interventions to transform the education ecosystem. She is also a WISE Emerging Leader and has spoken at numerous forums, including TED-Ed.

Zayaan Bawany

Zayaan Bawany

Founding Partner & Managing Director, Ticket Wala

Zayaan Bawany is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Ticket Wala, Pakistan’s largest live entertainment marketplace. The platform has collaborated with over 1,000 event organizers and brands like Red Bull, Nestlé, and Pepsi, managing seven top artists including Hasan Raheem. Ticket Wala has also worked with Sony Music and Universal Music Group, promoting Pakistani talent globally. Recognized as the Fastest Growing Brand in 2021, it won Gold at the Pakistan ICT Awards and Silver at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards in 2024.

Khizra Munir

Khizra Munir

CEO - Brand Scheme of Things, Founder & Host - Sister Plz

Khizra Munir is a Communications Strategist with a background in digital journalism and a strong interest in how technology shapes media, storytelling, and culture. Alongside her work in communications, she has hosted podcasts covering a range of topics from television and women’s issues to entrepreneurship. Her experience across editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and content creation gives her a broad lens on the ways emerging platforms are reshaping how voices are shared and heard.

Danish Khaliq

Danish Khaliq

VP Sales & Strategy, BYD Pakistan - Mega Motor Company

Danish Khaliq leads Sales and Strategy at Mega Motor Company Pvt. Ltd, the local partner of BYD – the world’s largest New Energy Vehicle company. With over 18 years of experience in management consulting, project development, and corporate strategy, he has worked with the Canadian government, USAID, ADB, the World Bank, and multinational entities across North America and South Asia. His expertise spans energy, power, clean tech, and commodity trading. Danish holds a Master’s in Operations Research from Columbia University and an MBA from Ivey Business School.

Jaya Rajwani

Jaya Rajwani

AI Technologist and Product Leader

Jaya Rajwani is dedicated to creating impactful AI solutions across transportation, reproductive health, and agriculture. She has led the development of Agentic AI for roadway asset management, health education chatbots, and crop intelligence tools. Her work blends technical depth with a focus on practical, measurable outcomes. Jaya’s work, recognized by Fulbright, MIT Solve, USC, and the Commonwealth, emphasizes practical outcomes. As a respected AI expert, she shares insights through speaking engagements, mentoring, and thought leadership.

Osamah Nasir

Osamah Nasir

Digital Content Creator & Storyteller

With over a decade of experience in content creation, Osamah Nasir brings a unique perspective to his reels, primarily focusing on showcasing the vibrant food scene and the essence of Karachi. His distinct emphasis on women entrepreneurs and commitment to supporting the local economy set his content apart. He aims to uplift communities by uncovering household stories and occasionally shares personal experiences to support people in their recovery and healing journey. Osamah has a master’s degree from the University of Buckingham and seamlessly blends his professional life in the fintech space with his passion for storytelling.

Daniyal Baig

Daniyal Baig

Co-founder at MyAlice and Raven AI

Daniyal Baig is the co-founder of MyAlice, an AI-powered customer support platform for e-commerce merchants in MENAP markets. He leads growth, sales, marketing, customer success, and strategic partnerships. Daniyal also co-founded Raven AI, providing advanced AI assistants for global businesses. With leadership experience in multinational corporations and startups, he specializes in regional expansion and revenue growth.

Riffat Rashid

Riffat Rashid

Digital Content Creator

Riffat Rashid is a digital content creator and food and culture writer. Her blog, GirlGottaEat, has over 100K followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She is developing a website called HungryInKarachi, which will feature menus, restaurant recommendations, travel guides, and event information. With a background in filmmaking and journalism, Riffat has worked in marketing but chose to build her own content platforms. Her work has been featured in international publications like BBC and Bon Appetit, and she contributes to BuzzFeed. Currently, she writes for Dawn and Aurora on topics related to food, social media trends, and internet language.

Arsalan Khatri

Arsalan Khatri

Head of Design - PureSquare

Arsalan currently leads the Design Team at PureSquare. Previously, he was Head of Design and a founding member at Bazaar Tech, where he built the product and brand design teams. He pursued an Interaction Design Specialization from the University of San Diego and is passionate about design for social change. Arsalan also teaches interaction and experience design at IBA and supports various product and design teams, academia, and non-profits in his free time.

Sarah Munir

Sarah Munir

CEO, Invest 2 Innovate

Sarah Munir is a strategic storyteller, Fulbright Scholar, and business leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of media, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She specializes in crafting narratives that drive growth, shape brand identity, and elevate purpose-led ventures. A founding team member of a women’s health startup, Sarah has worked with global tech companies like Meta and X, blending editorial expertise with business strategy. Her writing has appeared in outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BuzzFeed, and Forbes. She advises early-stage startups on brand strategy, market positioning, and growth, particularly those focused on innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Nayab Babar

Nayab Babar

Chief Investment Officer, Pakistan Startup Fund

Nayab Babar is the Chief Investment Officer of Pakistan Startup Fund under Ignite and MoITT. He is a CFA Charterholder with experience in digital investments. He has previously worked with VEON Ventures (Jazz ParentCo), led strategy at JazzCash, and consulted for the World Bank and USAID in Project Finance and Venture Capital. He did his MSc in Banking & Finance from Queen Mary, London.

Hira Fareed

Hira Fareed

Senior User Experience Designer, Candybox Marketing

Hira Fareed is a product and visual designer with 10+ years of experience. She has worked with a wide range of brands, from early-stage startups to global companies like Lyft, Instacart, and Shopify, bringing websites, apps, and campaigns to life across industries. Over the years, she has built design systems, refined digital experiences, and supported brand growth through user-centered design. Hira is passionate about mentoring new designers and contributes as a mentor at Designlab, where she supports and guides aspiring creatives. Originally from Karachi, she spent several years in Canada working with global teams and continues to collaborate internationally while championing creative talent.

Asad Abdulla

Asad Abdulla

Executive Director, Genesis Holdings Pvt.

Asad Abdulla is an active angel investor and the Executive Director of Genesis Holdings, where he backs early-stage startups across logistics, technology, media, and consumer sectors. Under his leadership, Genesis Holdings has invested in several promising ventures. Notably, Trax Logistics, a leading last-mile delivery company that has raised over $4 million to date. Asad has also invested in ventures like Hustle (a media company) and PegaSync (a Tech-enabled Solutions Company). These investments reflect Asad’s strategic vision and commitment to supporting founders, innovation, and sustainable growth across diverse sectors.

Kiran Ahmad

Kiran Ahmad

Multidisciplinary Graphic Designer, Researcher and Academic

Kiran Ahmad is a multidisciplinary graphic designer based in Karachi, Pakistan. Her studio creates innovative solutions across media, art, and design, inspired by minimalism and the interplay of space and form. The studio has developed design identities and branding guidelines for start-ups, NGOs, and educational institutions, focusing on branding and editorial design. Ahmad’s ongoing research project, Print Archive Pakistan, aims to document and preserve Pakistan’s history through print media. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Communication Design at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS).

Owais Zaidi

Owais Zaidi

Founder & Executive Chairman, The Hive / Venture Builder - OURPOL

Owais Zaidi is an experienced entrepreneur and fintech innovator with over 25 years in launching and scaling tech-led businesses in Pakistan and internationally. He founded The Hive, a coworking and innovation platform, and co-founded CreditPer, Pakistan’s first digital lending platform, and Ourpol, a real estate tokenization platform in the US.

As a co-founder and General Partner of AsheriTech, a U.S.-based Private Equity fund, he helps Pakistani tech companies expand globally, addressing challenges like skilled manpower, global presence, capital, and corporate governance. AsheriTech has invested in five growth-stage companies from Pakistan and the Middle East and completed its first acquisition in the US. Owais has held senior roles at Zong CMPak, Access Group, and Verity Technologies. He is a charter member of TiE, a founding member of OPEN Islamabad, and an Independent Director at The Organic Meat Company Limited. He frequently speaks at innovation and fintech conferences, supporting emerging market entrepreneurs.

Maheen Adamjee

Maheen Adamjee

Co-Founder and CEO, Dot & Line

Maheen Adamjee is a graduate from the London School of Economics (LSE), an award-winning journalist and educationalist. She serves on boards of various companies and was a featured speaker at the World Bank conference in Washington DC. She is the founder and CEO of Dot & Line which is an education-technology platform connecting instructors with students. Today, Dot and Line has teachers and students in 14 countries and has completed half a million classes this year.

Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed

CEO, Green Man’s Ark

Adnan is a seasoned design and branding consultant and an NLP and mBIT certified life coach. With over 25 years of experience, he has led award-winning campaigns for top local and multinational brands as Creative Director and Chief Innovation Officer at Adcom Leo Burnett / Zenith. Trained as an architect, he blends design thinking with coaching to help individuals unlock their potential through mentoring and creative workshops. He actively bridges academia and industry by teaching design, writing for trade publications, and serving on juries for academic and professional awards, including the Effie Awards (Steering Committee member since 2019) and Spikes Asia. A passionate watercolorist, he finds creative inspiration in the art of design and painting.

Fatin Nawaz

Fatin Nawaz

Design Strategist | Faculty , Indus Value School of Art and Architecture

Fatin Nawaz is a design strategist and educator focused on customer experience and service design. With a background in tech and a track record of building 0–1 products in fintech and banking, she helps teams design experiences that are intuitive, meaningful, and grounded in real user needs. She’s passionate about shaping design that is both emotionally intelligent and business-aware, and about making space for ambiguity, curiosity, and transformation in design.

Faizan Sadi Syed

Faizan Sadi Syed

Founder & CEO, East River

Faizan is an experienced entrepreneur and founder with two successful businesses in growing sectors digital media and consumer lifestyle. Faizan has a demonstrated history of working across functions and industries and is skilled in Analysis, Management, Leadership, Team Building, Collaboration, Finance and Marketing. Prior to being a founder, Faizan spent time in investment banking with Lehman Brothers/BarCap in the Industrials Group. He also gained operations and marketing experience early in his career with General Motors. Faizan has an undergrad degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA in Finance from Cornell University. He is also a global entrepreneur with experience in digital marketing, digital marketplaces, health & lifestyle publishing, finance and audit, manufacturing, marketing, and business development. Strategised and financially supported a variety of industries from healthcare and beauty to technology, beverage, real estate and finance. An Emerging Global Leader recognised by the US State Department, and Effie award winner for their full service digital marketing agency.

Gulfishan Shaikh

Gulfishan Shaikh

Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance, Easypaisa Digital Bank

Accomplished financial services executive with 19 years of expertise in digital banking, investment banking, and treasury management. Led the successful conversion of easypaisa into Pakistan’s first Digital Retail Bank, driving strategy, innovation, and regulatory execution. Proven ability to lead M&A transactions, structure funding strategies, and deliver revenue growth through digital transformation.

Muhammad Raza

Muhammad Raza

Chief Growth Officer, Switch

Recognized as the 27th most influential voice in fintech on LinkedIn globally by Favikon. Raza has extensive experience in driving innovation and growth in the fintech industry. He specializes in digital payment solutions, including softPOS and QR payments, for both retail and online channels along with extensive experience within the digital communication space. Skilled in P&L management, strategic partnerships, and delivering merchant- focused solutions to transform payment experiences.

Ahsan Hussain

Ahsan Hussain

Country Head Pakistan, Simpaisa

Ahsan Hussain is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in digital payments, customer relationship management, and business operations. Before becoming Simpaisa’s Country Manager for Pakistan, Ahsan served as the company’s Head of Institutional Sales and Head of Operations, leading strategic initiatives that grew revenue, enhanced client experiences, and improved operational excellence. His expertise in stakeholder management, cross-functional problem-solving, and customer-centric digital solutions has helped Simpaisa tailor services to meet the evolving market needs. Prior to Simpaisa, Ahsan gained significant experience at UBL as Regional Corporate Sales Manager and Business Support Analyst, overseeing business development and client relationship management in commercial banking. At Ufone, he successfully managed a portfolio of high-revenue clients, driving retention and customer satisfaction through personalized services. At Simpaisa, Ahsan leads with a vision for digital banking and financial innovation, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring the company remains agile and responsive to the dynamic financial landscape. His commitment to coaching and mentoring his team has been instrumental in Simpaisa’s sustained growth and market leadership in Pakistan.

Aly Rana

Aly Rana

COO, Tapmad

Aly Rana is an accomplished executive with close to 20 years of leadership experience across sports media and investment banking in Pakistan and the UAE. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Tapmad, where he leads operations for one of Pakistan’s leading digital streaming platforms. Prior to this, Aly was heading Tower Sports (Ten Sports Pakistan). During his tenure, he spearheaded the acquisition of some of the largest sports rights in the country and led the launch of the sonyliv platform in Pakistan. He also oversaw major production projects, delivering large-scale cricket broadcasts across Pakistan, the UAE, and Zimbabwe.

Saif Ali

Saif Ali

Startup Consultant and Advisor

Saif Ali is a venture and startup operator with over a decade of experience across technology, media, and professional services. He has worked with more than 200 businesses, from early-stage startups to Fortune 50 companies, providing strategic support in business development, marketing, and corporate growth.

He previously served as Executive Director at Dastgyr, raising Pakistan’s largest Series A round of $37 million. He also helped launch the Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit in Saudi Arabia, supporting emerging-market founders. Saif’s perspectives have been featured in outlets including The New York Times, Reuters, Asharq Bloomberg, Wamda, and Branding in Asia. He has also spoken at leading platforms such as Step Dubai, +92Disrupt, Delivery Hero, Unilever, KAUST, and IBA.

Saif is currently working on a new initiative to improve early-stage venture capital access in Pakistan, while consulting and advising startups.

Jehan Ara

Jehan Ara

Founder & CEO, Katalyst Labs

Jehan Ara is the Founder & CEO of Katalyst Labs, a Startup Accelerator Innovation Hub and Women Leadership Fellows program. She is the former President of the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA), where she spearheaded efforts for over 20 years and was responsible for developing the P@SHA brand and creating linkages between P@SHA and local and international partners. Jehan has vast experience in Marketing, Communications and interactive New media in Hong Kong, the Far East, the UAE and Pakistan. She is a motivator, an entrepreneur, a social activist and a strong propagator of extending the power and use of Information and Communication Technologies beyond pure traditional business to empower and enable communities. Currently Jehan serves as a Member of the PM's Taskforce for IT & the Digital Economy, as a Member of the APAC Content Safety Advisory Board for TikTok and is on the Advisory Boards of the Punjab IT Board, the Governing Body of the Sindh Digital Advisory Board and on the Industry Advisory Board of various local universities including Habib University and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA). Jehan is also on the World Bank Advisory Group on Gender Diversity. She is a Board Member of the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives (IDEAS) and an International Expert for the World Summit Awards (WSA), a nonprofit research organization established to promote, assist, support, simulate, undertake and manage policy research and advocacy. She is an Independent Director on the board of the Central Depository Company and is on the Steering Committee of the Women on Board Allies and is on the Board of Trustees of the Karachi Biennale Trust. Jehan has recently been nominated for the Tamgha e Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan. In January 2015, Jehan set up The Nest IO – a technology incubator, accelerator and innovation community hub in Karachi with the support of Google for Entrepreneurs to help provide a platform for aspiring technology businesses in the buzzing city of Karachi. The Nest IO incubated 217+ startup businesses and created a strong community of young people. Under her leadership The Nest I/O also organized the flagship innovation and entrepreneurship conference 021Disrupt/+92Disrupt which has become the go-to premier event that brings together startups, innovators professionals, investors and students on a platform to engage, learn and collaborate. She has been identified by Rest of World (ROW) as amongst the top global 100 Changemakers in Tech outside Silicon Valley.

Naeem Zamindar

Naeem Zamindar

Co- Founder, Neem

Naeem Zamindar is a pioneering entrepreneur, seasoned investor, and transformative leader with over 30 years of experience in scaling businesses and driving technological innovation. As the co-founder of Neem, he focuses on financial wellness for underserved communities through embedded finance solutions. Naeem has held pivotal roles, including Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Board of Investment, CEO of Acumen Fund Pakistan, and CEO of Wateen Telecom.

Naureen Hyat

Naureen Hyat

CEO - Zood Pakistan

Naureen is currently the Chief Executive Officer - Zood Pakistan. She is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital lending expert with over 13 years of experience in digital finance, risk management, and microfinance. She founded Tez Financial Services, Pakistan’s first fintech to obtain an NBFC license, and CheckIn Solutions. Under her leadership, Tez pioneered lending for unbanked communities and became the first Pakistani fintech to achieve an M&A milestone when acquired by Zood in 2022. She now leads Zood’s Pakistan operations and global projects. Naureen has also shaped financial inclusion policies through board roles and collaborations with regulators and global organizations. Naureen has also contributed to women’s empowerment and reproductive health via the Pakistan Society for Planned Parenthood. Internationally recognized by Forbes, Reuters, and the Women in Fintech Powerlist, Naureen studied Inclusive Finance at Harvard Business School and is affiliated with the CFA program, reflecting her deep commitment to expanding financial access.

Shah Talha Sohail

Shah Talha Sohail

Co- Founder & CEO, Mode Mobility

Shah Talha Sohail is a serial entrepreneur passionate about building and scaling companies. He is the co- founder and CEO of Mode Mobility, an automotive design and manufacturing company developing battery-electric motorcycles designed in Pakistan. Mode Mobility aims to empower local designers and engineers to create world-class products and drive the transition toward sustainable mobility in Pakistan.

Hira Q Haq

Hira Q Haq

Managing Director, District 19

Hira Q Haq is the Managing Director of District 19, a creative hub in Karachi she founded five years ago. With expertise in creative strategy and community engagement, she has built a space for innovation, collaboration, and cultural expression. District 19 offers offices and studios for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and creators, providing them a platform to thrive. Hira curates events, workshops, and programs that foster dialogue and growth, emphasizing the importance of creative hubs in a city's cultural and economic fabric.

Ali Moeen

Ali Moeen

Co-Founder, ezBike

Ali Moeen is the co-founder of ezBike, Pakistan's pioneering electric scooter-sharing service. With a background in software engineering, he has driven the company's growth, onboarding over 100,000 customers. Ali is passionate about sustainable transportation and leveraging technology to address environmental challenges. His innovative solutions are transforming urban mobility in Pakistan.

Miral Sharif

Miral Sharif

Country Head, Yango Pakistan

Miral Sharif is the Country Head at Yango Pakistan, responsible for leading operations, enhancing market presence, optimizing service delivery, and driving growth within the region. She previously managed local operations as City Manager at Yango and oversaw profitability at Daraz. Miral has held key roles at Swvl, Ufone, and Zong CMPak Ltd. She holds a degree from the Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Hassaan Khan

Hassaan Khan

Co-Founder, Mashion

Hassaan Khan is a multidisciplinary creative and entrepreneur based in Karachi, Pakistan. He is the co-founder, leads content and brand strategy at Mashion, one of Pakistan’s leading digital media platforms, and oversees innovative projects across media, fashion, and events. With a passion for storytelling, culture, and community building, Hassaan is known for launching impactful initiatives—from pop-up festivals and digital shows to youth-focused brands. His work blends creativity with strategy, always pushing the envelope of what’s possible in the South Asian cultural landscape.

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui

Founder & CEO, Polly & Other Stories

Amneh Shaikh-Farooqui is a social entrepreneur with two decades of experience in Pakistan's impact sector. She has led and managed diverse teams across the women's empowerment, gender mainstreaming, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, consulting and cultural sectors. Amneh's approach is defined by her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices by leveraging the full spectrum of human potential across organizations, using storytelling for change and enabling people to embrace their authentic voice. She is passionate about helping women and young people discover their personal strengths and in creating more rungs on the ladder for diverse leadership to rise. She is the Chair and Curator of the international Women of the World festivals in Pakistan, the Founder of Polly and Other Stories, an artisan-focused marketplace and the CSO for The Blue Company, a coaching for business transformation and leadership company. Amneh is also an Acumen, Miller Center Social Enterprise and IVLP fellow and author of the book "Fearless," which profiles 50 remarkable women from Pakistan.

Mansoor Ali

Mansoor Ali

CEO, VCast Online

Mansoor Ali is the CEO of VCast Online, a digital media platform focusing on stories that shape Pakistan's business landscape. He previously led a top media agency in Pakistan, managing clients like Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, and served as project manager for Coke Studio. Mansoor also worked in Dubai for a management consulting firm, gaining insights into finance and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from LUMS.

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Naveen Ahmed CFA

Climate Consultant, Investment Banking Professional

Naveen Ahmed, CFA is a finance and strategy consultant who partners with early-stage businesses to drive growth, financial planning, and capital raising. With 20+ years of experience across banking, consulting, and academia, she brings a cross-functional perspective to strategic decision-making. Her sector expertise spans electric vehicles, clean energy, and technology, with a strong emphasis on delivering climate, economic, and social impact. Drawing on her background in investment banking, Naveen helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes, especially in project finance and advisory. As Visiting Faculty at IBA Karachi, she connects theory with practice, offering insights into investment activity shaped by broader economic, political, and policy dynamics. She contributes to platforms such as Renewables First, Agora Energiewende, the World Future Energy Summit, i2i, and SEED Ventures, and her commentary appears in outlets including Dawn and Profit. Naveen also serves on the boards of Universal Network Systems Ltd., Cordoba Leasing Limited, and MatrixFit (Pvt.) Ltd., where she provides oversight and strategic input. She holds an MBA (Finance) and BBA (Hons.) from IBA Karachi, is a CFA Charterholder, and has completed executive education at London Business School.

Faizan Khan

Faizan Khan

Co-Founder & Chief of Strategy & Staff, Nukta

Faizan is the Chief of Strategy & Staff at Nukta, a digital content platform he co-founded. Nukta aims to transform digital journalism across the Middle East and South Asia by providing unbiased, credible news and thoughtful narratives. Faizan plays a pivotal role in shaping the platform's strategic direction and content strategy. He is also the CEO of FRIM Ventures and has been featured as an economic expert in leading Pakistani publications.

Fannie Soubiele

Fannie Soubiele

Head of Venture Capital Business Development, SEA, Google Cloud

Fannie brings 15+ years of deep engagement with Asia's startup ecosystem, from founding ventures and leading Southeast Asia's pioneering accelerator to investing as a VC and angel. Her experience spans leadership roles within hyperscalers like Amazon Web Services and Google. Currently, Fannie spearheads the Venture Capital and Startups team for Google Cloud in Southeast Asia, where she empowers VC-backed companies through strategic business and technology partnerships within Google. She holds a Master's in Technopreneurship from Nanyang Technological University.

Shoaib Arshad

Shoaib Arshad

Founder, Funoon Forum

Shoaib Arshad is a young civil society leader, educator, and curator. He founded Funoon Forum, directs the Nixor Literature Festival, and teaches at leading Karachi colleges. A top graduate in International Political Economy from Bridgeport University, he earned the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship. He specializes in Global Perspectives and Urdu Literature, holds teaching certifications from prestigious institutions, and actively participates in youth development initiatives and events.

Maira Siddiqui

Maira Siddiqui

Co-Founder & CEO, Chiragh Education Technologies

Maira is the CEO & Co-founder of Chiragh Education Technologies, an Ed-Tech company focused on decolonizing Pakistani education through cartoons and physical games in local languages. She is also an Entrepreneurship lecturer at KSBL and a third-generation educator. Maira’s venture has secured funding from platforms like Shark Tank, K-electric, and Standard Chartered Bank, and has also forged B2B partnerships with various large corporations.

Ahsan Mashkoor

Ahsan Mashkoor

Co-founder C Square and wAI Industries

Ahsan Mashkoor is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and AI innovator, pioneering digital transformation across the Middle East and Asia. As Co-Founder of C Square (A premier CX and Digital Transformation company) and wAI Industries (a Company focused on enterprise AI Intelligent Systems), he has driven advancements in Swarm AI Agents, knowledge graphs, and customizable AI models. His leadership has earned C Square prestigious awards and wAI Industries global recognition for optimizing industrial operations and providing predictive maintenance solutions.

Sabeena Abbasi

Sabeena Abbasi

Co-Founder & Chief Digital Learning Officer, Taleemabad

Ms. Sabeena holds an MSc in Development Economics and Policy from the University of Manchester and has conducted research on policy implications on poverty and inequality in developing countries, including the impact of microfinance institutions, financial markets, education financing, and various facets of capitalism. She is passionate about empowering communities and has demonstrated this through her work on a startup that provided opportunities for female artisans, connecting them with global markets. At Taleemabad, she has developed several impactful products, including Pakistan’s first digital teacher training program, an animated curriculum for students, and scripted lesson plans, collectively resulting in an additional 1.5 years of learning. Ms. Sabeena collaborates closely with the government on various policy interventions to transform the education ecosystem. She is also a WISE Emerging Leader and has spoken at numerous forums, including TED-Ed.

Zayaan Bawany

Zayaan Bawany

Founding Partner & Managing Director, Ticket Wala

Zayaan Bawany is the Founding Partner and Managing Director of Ticket Wala, Pakistan’s largest live entertainment marketplace. The platform has collaborated with over 1,000 event organizers and brands like Red Bull, Nestlé, and Pepsi, managing seven top artists including Hasan Raheem. Ticket Wala has also worked with Sony Music and Universal Music Group, promoting Pakistani talent globally. Recognized as the Fastest Growing Brand in 2021, it won Gold at the Pakistan ICT Awards and Silver at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards in 2024.

Khizra Munir

Khizra Munir

CEO - Brand Scheme of Things, Founder & Host - Sister Plz

Khizra Munir is a Communications Strategist with a background in digital journalism and a strong interest in how technology shapes media, storytelling, and culture. Alongside her work in communications, she has hosted podcasts covering a range of topics from television and women’s issues to entrepreneurship. Her experience across editorial strategy, brand storytelling, and content creation gives her a broad lens on the ways emerging platforms are reshaping how voices are shared and heard.

Danish Khaliq

Danish Khaliq

VP Sales & Strategy, BYD Pakistan - Mega Motor Company

Danish Khaliq leads Sales and Strategy at Mega Motor Company Pvt. Ltd, the local partner of BYD – the world’s largest New Energy Vehicle company. With over 18 years of experience in management consulting, project development, and corporate strategy, he has worked with the Canadian government, USAID, ADB, the World Bank, and multinational entities across North America and South Asia. His expertise spans energy, power, clean tech, and commodity trading. Danish holds a Master’s in Operations Research from Columbia University and an MBA from Ivey Business School.

Jaya Rajwani

Jaya Rajwani

AI Technologist and Product Leader

Jaya Rajwani is dedicated to creating impactful AI solutions across transportation, reproductive health, and agriculture. She has led the development of Agentic AI for roadway asset management, health education chatbots, and crop intelligence tools. Her work blends technical depth with a focus on practical, measurable outcomes. Jaya’s work, recognized by Fulbright, MIT Solve, USC, and the Commonwealth, emphasizes practical outcomes. As a respected AI expert, she shares insights through speaking engagements, mentoring, and thought leadership.

Osamah Nasir

Osamah Nasir

Digital Content Creator & Storyteller

With over a decade of experience in content creation, Osamah Nasir brings a unique perspective to his reels, primarily focusing on showcasing the vibrant food scene and the essence of Karachi. His distinct emphasis on women entrepreneurs and commitment to supporting the local economy set his content apart. He aims to uplift communities by uncovering household stories and occasionally shares personal experiences to support people in their recovery and healing journey. Osamah has a master’s degree from the University of Buckingham and seamlessly blends his professional life in the fintech space with his passion for storytelling.

Daniyal Baig

Daniyal Baig

Co-founder at MyAlice and Raven AI

Daniyal Baig is the co-founder of MyAlice, an AI-powered customer support platform for e-commerce merchants in MENAP markets. He leads growth, sales, marketing, customer success, and strategic partnerships. Daniyal also co-founded Raven AI, providing advanced AI assistants for global businesses. With leadership experience in multinational corporations and startups, he specializes in regional expansion and revenue growth.

Riffat Rashid

Riffat Rashid

Digital Content Creator

Riffat Rashid is a digital content creator and food and culture writer. Her blog, GirlGottaEat, has over 100K followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. She is developing a website called HungryInKarachi, which will feature menus, restaurant recommendations, travel guides, and event information. With a background in filmmaking and journalism, Riffat has worked in marketing but chose to build her own content platforms. Her work has been featured in international publications like BBC and Bon Appetit, and she contributes to BuzzFeed. Currently, she writes for Dawn and Aurora on topics related to food, social media trends, and internet language.

Arsalan Khatri

Arsalan Khatri

Head of Design - PureSquare

Arsalan currently leads the Design Team at PureSquare. Previously, he was Head of Design and a founding member at Bazaar Tech, where he built the product and brand design teams. He pursued an Interaction Design Specialization from the University of San Diego and is passionate about design for social change. Arsalan also teaches interaction and experience design at IBA and supports various product and design teams, academia, and non-profits in his free time.

Sarah Munir

Sarah Munir

CEO, Invest 2 Innovate

Sarah Munir is a strategic storyteller, Fulbright Scholar, and business leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of media, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She specializes in crafting narratives that drive growth, shape brand identity, and elevate purpose-led ventures. A founding team member of a women’s health startup, Sarah has worked with global tech companies like Meta and X, blending editorial expertise with business strategy. Her writing has appeared in outlets such as The Guardian, Al Jazeera, BuzzFeed, and Forbes. She advises early-stage startups on brand strategy, market positioning, and growth, particularly those focused on innovation, inclusion, and impact.

Nayab Babar

Nayab Babar

Chief Investment Officer, Pakistan Startup Fund

Nayab Babar is the Chief Investment Officer of Pakistan Startup Fund under Ignite and MoITT. He is a CFA Charterholder with experience in digital investments. He has previously worked with VEON Ventures (Jazz ParentCo), led strategy at JazzCash, and consulted for the World Bank and USAID in Project Finance and Venture Capital. He did his MSc in Banking & Finance from Queen Mary, London.

Hira Fareed

Hira Fareed

Senior User Experience Designer, Candybox Marketing

Hira Fareed is a product and visual designer with 10+ years of experience. She has worked with a wide range of brands, from early-stage startups to global companies like Lyft, Instacart, and Shopify, bringing websites, apps, and campaigns to life across industries. Over the years, she has built design systems, refined digital experiences, and supported brand growth through user-centered design. Hira is passionate about mentoring new designers and contributes as a mentor at Designlab, where she supports and guides aspiring creatives. Originally from Karachi, she spent several years in Canada working with global teams and continues to collaborate internationally while championing creative talent.

Asad Abdulla

Asad Abdulla

Executive Director, Genesis Holdings Pvt.

Asad Abdulla is an active angel investor and the Executive Director of Genesis Holdings, where he backs early-stage startups across logistics, technology, media, and consumer sectors. Under his leadership, Genesis Holdings has invested in several promising ventures. Notably, Trax Logistics, a leading last-mile delivery company that has raised over $4 million to date. Asad has also invested in ventures like Hustle (a media company) and PegaSync (a Tech-enabled Solutions Company). These investments reflect Asad’s strategic vision and commitment to supporting founders, innovation, and sustainable growth across diverse sectors.

Kiran Ahmad

Kiran Ahmad

Multidisciplinary Graphic Designer, Researcher and Academic

Kiran Ahmad is a multidisciplinary graphic designer based in Karachi, Pakistan. Her studio creates innovative solutions across media, art, and design, inspired by minimalism and the interplay of space and form. The studio has developed design identities and branding guidelines for start-ups, NGOs, and educational institutions, focusing on branding and editorial design. Ahmad's ongoing research project, Print Archive Pakistan, aims to document and preserve Pakistan's history through print media. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Communication Design at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS).

Owais Zaidi

Owais Zaidi

Founder & Executive Chairman, The Hive / Venture Builder - OURPOL

Owais Zaidi is an experienced entrepreneur and fintech innovator with over 25 years in launching and scaling tech-led businesses in Pakistan and internationally. He founded The Hive, a coworking and innovation platform, and co-founded CreditPer, Pakistan’s first digital lending platform, and Ourpol, a real estate tokenization platform in the US. As a co-founder and General Partner of AsheriTech, a U.S.-based Private Equity fund, he helps Pakistani tech companies expand globally, addressing challenges like skilled manpower, global presence, capital, and corporate governance. AsheriTech has invested in five growth-stage companies from Pakistan and the Middle East and completed its first acquisition in the US. Owais has held senior roles at Zong CMPak, Access Group, and Verity Technologies. He is a charter member of TiE, a founding member of OPEN Islamabad, and an Independent Director at The Organic Meat Company Limited. He frequently speaks at innovation and fintech conferences, supporting emerging market entrepreneurs.

Maheen Adamjee

Maheen Adamjee

Co-Founder and CEO, Dot & Line

Maheen Adamjee is a graduate from the London School of Economics (LSE), an award-winning journalist and educationalist. She serves on boards of various companies and was a featured speaker at the World Bank conference in Washington DC. She is the founder and CEO of Dot & Line which is an education-technology platform connecting instructors with students. Today, Dot and Line has teachers and students in 14 countries and has completed half a million classes this year.

Adnan Syed

Adnan Syed

CEO, Green Man’s Ark

Adnan is a seasoned design and branding consultant and an NLP and mBIT certified life coach. With over 25 years of experience, he has led award-winning campaigns for top local and multinational brands as Creative Director and Chief Innovation Officer at Adcom Leo Burnett / Zenith. Trained as an architect, he blends design thinking with coaching to help individuals unlock their potential through mentoring and creative workshops. He actively bridges academia and industry by teaching design, writing for trade publications, and serving on juries for academic and professional awards, including the Effie Awards (Steering Committee member since 2019) and Spikes Asia. A passionate watercolorist, he finds creative inspiration in the art of design and painting.

Fatin Nawaz

Fatin Nawaz

Design Strategist | Faculty , Indus Value School of Art and Architecture

Fatin Nawaz is a design strategist and educator focused on customer experience and service design. With a background in tech and a track record of building 0–1 products in fintech and banking, she helps teams design experiences that are intuitive, meaningful, and grounded in real user needs. She’s passionate about shaping design that is both emotionally intelligent and business-aware, and about making space for ambiguity, curiosity, and transformation in design.

Faizan Sadi Syed

Faizan Sadi Syed

Founder & CEO, East River

Faizan is an experienced entrepreneur and founder with two successful businesses in growing sectors digital media and consumer lifestyle. Faizan has a demonstrated history of working across functions and industries and is skilled in Analysis, Management, Leadership, Team Building, Collaboration, Finance and Marketing. Prior to being a founder, Faizan spent time in investment banking with Lehman Brothers/BarCap in the Industrials Group. He also gained operations and marketing experience early in his career with General Motors. Faizan has an undergrad degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA in Finance from Cornell University. He is also a global entrepreneur with experience in digital marketing, digital marketplaces, health & lifestyle publishing, finance and audit, manufacturing, marketing, and business development. Strategised and financially supported a variety of industries from healthcare and beauty to technology, beverage, real estate and finance. An Emerging Global Leader recognised by the US State Department, and Effie award winner for their full service digital marketing agency.

Gulfishan Shaikh

Gulfishan Shaikh

Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance, Easypaisa Digital Bank

Accomplished financial services executive with 19 years of expertise in digital banking, investment banking, and treasury management. Led the successful conversion of easypaisa into Pakistan’s first Digital Retail Bank, driving strategy, innovation, and regulatory execution. Proven ability to lead M&A transactions, structure funding strategies, and deliver revenue growth through digital transformation.

Muhammad Raza

Muhammad Raza

Chief Growth Officer, Switch

Recognized as the 27th most influential voice in fintech on LinkedIn globally by Favikon. Raza has extensive experience in driving innovation and growth in the fintech industry. He specializes in digital payment solutions, including softPOS and QR payments, for both retail and online channels along with extensive experience within the digital communication space. Skilled in P&L management, strategic partnerships, and delivering merchant- focused solutions to transform payment experiences.

Ahsan Hussain

Ahsan Hussain

Country Head Pakistan, Simpaisa

Ahsan Hussain is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in digital payments, customer relationship management, and business operations. Before becoming Simpaisa's Country Manager for Pakistan, Ahsan served as the company’s Head of Institutional Sales and Head of Operations, leading strategic initiatives that grew revenue, enhanced client experiences, and improved operational excellence. His expertise in stakeholder management, cross-functional problem-solving, and customer-centric digital solutions has helped Simpaisa tailor services to meet the evolving market needs. Prior to Simpaisa, Ahsan gained significant experience at UBL as Regional Corporate Sales Manager and Business Support Analyst, overseeing business development and client relationship management in commercial banking. At Ufone, he successfully managed a portfolio of high-revenue clients, driving retention and customer satisfaction through personalized services. At Simpaisa, Ahsan leads with a vision for digital banking and financial innovation, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring the company remains agile and responsive to the dynamic financial landscape. His commitment to coaching and mentoring his team has been instrumental in Simpaisa’s sustained growth and market leadership in Pakistan.

Aly Rana

Aly Rana

COO, Tapmad

Aly Rana is an accomplished executive with close to 20 years of leadership experience across sports media and investment banking in Pakistan and the UAE. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Tapmad, where he leads operations for one of Pakistan’s leading digital streaming platforms. Prior to this, Aly was heading Tower Sports (Ten Sports Pakistan). During his tenure, he spearheaded the acquisition of some of the largest sports rights in the country and led the launch of the sonyliv platform in Pakistan. He also oversaw major production projects, delivering large-scale cricket broadcasts across Pakistan, the UAE, and Zimbabwe.

Saif Ali

Saif Ali

Startup Consultant and Advisor

Saif Ali is a venture and startup operator with over a decade of experience across technology, media, and professional services. He has worked with more than 200 businesses, from early-stage startups to Fortune 50 companies, providing strategic support in business development, marketing, and corporate growth. He previously served as Executive Director at Dastgyr, raising Pakistan’s largest Series A round of $37 million. He also helped launch the Sanabil Accelerator by Orbit in Saudi Arabia, supporting emerging-market founders. Saif’s perspectives have been featured in outlets including The New York Times, Reuters, Asharq Bloomberg, Wamda, and Branding in Asia. He has also spoken at leading platforms such as Step Dubai, +92Disrupt, Delivery Hero, Unilever, KAUST, and IBA. Saif is currently working on a new initiative to improve early-stage venture capital access in Pakistan, while consulting and advising startups.

GO BACK

RESTART

A RECRUITMENT DRIVE BY KATALYST LABS

Date: 19 Aug 2023
Time: 11:00 - 17:00

Location: Katalyst Labs, NICL building, Main Korangi Rd, Karachi Cantonment

Looking for a job? Join us at Restart, an official Karachi Slush’D side event!
A networking and recruitment hotspot for unassigned talent in the startup ecosystem of Pakistan.
The day will bring together recruiters from some of the biggest companies in Karachi – candidates can explore different avenues to move forward in their careers as they expand their network and interview with recruiters in break-out rooms!

Please Note:
  • Karachi Slush'D ticket holders will have free entry.
  • Non-ticket holders will be required to pay an entry of Rs. 500.
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