Deeb Aljundi, the Assistant Director of Innovation Programs at startAD in NYUAD, possesses a strong entrepreneurial background, highlighted by his experience co-founding successful businesses and developing innovative software solutions. Currently, his focus lies in nurturing startups and driving innovation, particularly at the intersection of AI and various sectors, with a strong emphasis on achieving positive social impact.

Ashwin Joshi is Director at startAD, a global innovation accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining startAD Ashwin was at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) for ten years. From 2013 to 2018, he was a part of the management team at IIMA’s technology business incubator in India. In this role, he accelerated early-stage technology ventures and helped build entrepreneurial ecosystems in India. He relocated to Dubai in 2019 to establish the institute’s first overseas branch. Between 2019 and 2023 he headed IIMAs Dubai operations which focused on Executive Education. Ashwin has multidisciplinary experience in domains of graphic design, higher education, ed-tech, seed investing, innovation and entrepreneurship. He mentors and advises early-stage ventures in business modeling, customer development and strategy. Ashwin has a Full-time MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas (2012) and Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Mumbai (2004). He currently lives in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Danial Mausoof is an accomplished technology executive with over two decades of leadership in telecommunications and digital transformation. As Vice President and Head of Technology and Solutions Sales for Nokia's Mobile Networks in the Middle East and Africa, Danial oversees operations, steering innovative 5G, Cloud RAN, and enterprise solutions across diverse markets. A globally recognized thought leader, Danial frequently delivers impactful keynotes on topics like 5G evolution, smart cities, Industry 4.0, and data monetization. His presentations resonate with audiences for their insightful blend of technology foresight and practical strategies to future-proof businesses and communities. Throughout his career, Danial has championed the intersection of technology and humanity. He has worked in over 40 countries, leading strategic initiatives that bridge the digital divide and foster economic empowerment. His podcast, Tech Buzzar, and advisory roles with startups reflect his commitment to innovation and mentorship in emerging markets. Beyond his professional pursuits, Danial is the founder of a non-profit organization that supports education for underprivileged children in Southeast Asia, aligning with his core values of equity and lifelong learning. Danial holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University, an MBA from IE Business School, and executive certifications from INSEAD, Duke, and London Business School. He is currently pursuing a Master's in International Affairs with a focus on Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence at King’s College London. Based in Dubai, Danial lives with his wife and two children and is passionate about fostering the next generation of leaders through his engagements and initiatives.

Across her career spanning 28 years in the fields of Telecommunications and IT, Rima Manna has always been drawn to companies that pushed boundaries. This drive for growth brought her to invaluable opportunities across multiple organizations covering the MEA region Alcatel-Lucent, TechData, 3Com, that continuously challenged her capabilities in new fields and environments. In Rima’s current role as Vice President for Nokia’s Network Infrastructure Middle East Market Unit & UAE Country Director, she shaped successful region-wide growth strategies that included business model transformation and sales organizations revitalization. She achieved this by combining strong business acumen, fluency in the latest technologies and passion for delivering value. Early on Rima saw technology as a means to transform our lives and now, as a crucial means to preserving our planet. She is proud to be part of the collective effort to bring about these changes.

As an Investment Manager at Dalma Ventures, I spearhead early-stage investments in DeepTech startups, focusing on identifying and nurturing high-potential companies to drive growth and create value. I leverage my expertise to uncover transformative opportunities and support visionary entrepreneurs.

Keith Ross is a Professor of Computer Science at NYU Abu Dhabi. He also holds affiliated appointments with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at NYU Tandon, with the Department of Computer Science at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at NYU, with the Center for Data Science at NYU, and with NYU Shanghai. He joined NYU Abu Dhabi in September 2023. Previously he was the Dean of Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering at NYU Shanghai (10 years) and the Leonard J. Shustek Professor at NYU Tandon (10 years). Before that he was a professor at University of Pennsylvania (13 years) and a professor at Eurecom Institute (5 years). He received a Ph.D. in Computer and Control Engineering from The University of Michigan. His current research interests are in AI, specifically deep reinforcement learning and deep learning in general. He has also worked in Internet privacy, peer-to-peer networking, Internet measurement, stochastic modeling of computer networks, queuing theory, and Markov decision processes. For the past several years he has been teaching courses on Machine Learning and on Reinforcement Learning. He is an ACM Fellow and an IEEE Fellow. He is also the recipient of several prestigious best paper awards, and his work has been featured in the mainstream press, including New York Times, NPR, Bloomberg Television, Huffington Post, Fast Company, Ars Technia, and the New Scientist. He is co-author (with James F. Kurose) of the popular textbook, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet, published by Pearson (first edition in 2000, ninth edition 2025). It is the most popular textbook on computer networking, both nationally and internationally, and has been translated into fourteen languages. Professor Ross is also the author of the research monograph, Multiservice Loss Models for Broadband Communication Networks, published by Springer in 1995. In 1999, he co-founded and led Wimba, which develops voice and video applications for online learning. He was the Wimba CEO and CTO from 1999 to 2001. Wimba was acquired by Blackboard in 2010.

A researcher specializing in artificial intelligence and natural language processing for Arabic, Bashar Alhafni focuses on controlled natural language generation, including grammatical error correction and text rewriting. He is pursuing a PhD in computer science at New York University while working with the CAMeL Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. With experience at companies like Dataminr and Grammarly, he has also contributed to machine translation research for low-resource languages during his master’s studies at the University of Southern California. Alhafni holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics and has worked as a software engineer for global firms such as Morgan Stanley.

Anne is Chief of Staff of Triton Liquid Fund, a new liquid crypto hedge fund that was seeded with $30m by Tier 1 VC, FJ Labs. Previously, she helped launch Antler VC's $60m Middle East fund in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. During her studies, she co-founded Violet Ventures, the UAE's largest youth startup community, which brought Slush to the Middle East for the 1st time, supported 1,000+ future founders with entrepreneurship education, investor-founder matchmaking and startup job pipelines. She studied Economics and Applied Maths on full scholarship in 4 continents at NYU Abu Dhabi and worked in growth, operations, finance & investment roles (family office, VC, accelerator) throughout.

Eddy is currently executive director at e& capital overseeing technology investments with a special focus on AI. Previously, he held data & analytics, strategy and marketing leadership roles across multiple startups in eCommerce (Markavip), Fintech (Zand) and Healthtech.

Ms. Tuula Yrjölä Born May 14, 1962 in Espoo, Finland ➤ Current position Ambassador of Finland to the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Bahrain, since October 2023. Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre, Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE (2020 - autumn 2023) ➤Ambassador for Democratic and Effective Societies and Education Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Helsinki (2018-2020) ➤ Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (2016-2018) ➤ Ambassador of Finland to Egypt and Sudan with accreditation to the League of Arab States (2013- 2016) ➤ Roving Ambassador of Finland to Central Asia Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, with direct accreditation from Helsinki to Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (2010-2013) ➤ Director, Unit for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Helsinki (2007-2010) ➤ Deputy Director, Unit for Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Helsinki (2004-2007) ➤ Counsellor, EU Enlargement Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Helsinki (2001-2003) ➤ Deputy Consul General, Press and Cultural officer Consulate General of Finland in New York (1998-2001) ➤ Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Finland in Ukraine (1995 - 1998) Prior postings in junior positions at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. Diplomatic career since 1995.

Farah Shamout is an Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, where she leads the Clinical Artificial Intelligence Lab. She is also an Associated Faculty at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (Computer Science & Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Departments) and an Affiliated Faculty at NYU Langone Health (Radiology). At the Clinical AI Lab, Dr. Shamout is interested in developing machine learning methods and systems using heterogeneous real-world data for applications in computational precision health, including electronic health records data and medical imaging. Methodologies of interest pertain to multi-modal learning, foundation models, and trustworthiness, to achieve high performance and utility in clinical practice. Dr. Shamout completed her DPhil (PhD) in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar and was a member of Balliol College. She also completed her BSc in Computer Engineering (cum laude) at NYU Abu Dhabi.

Maimuna Rashid, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and creative visionary. As Founder and CEO of Pupilar, the UAE’s first skill-based career community platform, she is reshaping youth careers by connecting skills to opportunities and inspiring the next generation. Simultaneously, her passion for design fuels her role as Creative Director at EZ Car Events, where she transforms vintage vans into unique photobooths and activation spaces for iconic GCC projects like Formula 1 and Automechanika. A naqabi woman rooted in values, Maimuna is on a mission to inspire women to break barriers and pursue their dreams beyond societal dress codes. With over 50 accolades and features in Forbes 30 Under 30 and Netflix’s Dubai Bling 2, she exemplifies ambition and authenticity. Through her work in youth empowerment and creative design, Maimuna embodies her belief that innovation and purpose can transform lives—one project at a time.

Aqsa Khalifa is a versatile professional, visionary entrepreneur, and catalyst for change in the UAE. As the Co-Founder and COO of Pupilar, she has redefined youth employment and leads the region's first and biggest skill-based career community platform. Her journey began at 20, and Pupilar has since garnered acclaim, being featured in Khaleej Times, The National, and Netflix's Dubai Bling 2, and recognized as a top Women-Led Startup by the Ministry of Economy. Aqsa's multifaceted background spans youth leadership, design, education, and theater, bringing a creative and innovative perspective to her work. She has led and served impactful projects like the COP28 Green Skills Fair, ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2023 Archives Hackathon and many more. As a dynamic speaker, Aqsa engages and inspires young audiences at various events, including the BIG5 Global Leaders Summit. Her dedication to nurturing young talents is also evident in her work with organizations like Project You, Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development and the Dubai Culture Authority. Aqsa is an active member of influential entrepreneurial ecosystems such as in5, DFF x UEP, and Sheraa, further solidifying her role as a leading figure in the region's innovation landscape.

Jules is a seasoned venture capital professional with extensive experience in identifying and conducting due diligence on promising investment opportunities, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He actively manages portfolio companies and partners with founders to stimulate growth and innovation, assisting them with fundraising, strategy, and scaling operations.

Faisal Iqbal leads the innovation practice for Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the Middle East & Africa region for the World-Wide Public Sector organization. He has led transformations across Tier 1 Enterprises for over 15 years, and has built transformation strategies and roadmaps across multiple industries. He has been based in the Middle East for the last 10 years. Faisals focus on transformation programs started in the area of helping organizations undergo Service Management transformations by leveraging the ITIL framework, and enabling IT organizations to become world class service providers for their customers. He then leveraged his transformation expertise to help multiple enterprises build and execute their digital transformation strategies, with a particular focus on ensuring a people and culture focused transformation journey. Most recently Faisal has focused on helping organizations drive their digital transformation vision leveraging innovation as a capability. Faisal is the custodian of Amazons innovation mechanisms at AWS in the region. He works with the executive leadership teams of AWS’s most strategic customers and partners to help them learn and adopt Amazons innovation culture into their organizations. He also coaches them to leverage AWS’s innovation mechanisms to solve their most pressing business challenges or opportunities.

Fabio Piano, Ph.D., is the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of NYU Abu Dhabi and a distinguished biology professor at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU New York. He previously served as the Provost of NYU Abu Dhabi from 2010 to 2020, where he played a key role in developing the University's academic strategy, overseeing academic appointments, curricular developments, and research initiatives during its foundational years. During that period, NYU Abu Dhabi became a globally recognized institution known for its diversity, selectivity, and impactful research. Piano holds a Laurea from the University of Florence and a Ph.D. in Biology from NYU, where he also completed his B.A., M.S., and M.Phil. degrees. In 2001, he co-founded and directed NYU’s Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, a multidisciplinary research hub in New York City. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, gene regulation, and evolution and has been published in top-tier journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell. His work has expanded recently to include research on chronic and infectious diseases. In addition to his academic leadership, Piano spearheaded NYUAD's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, launching research and monitoring initiatives to support the university community. He maintains an active research program in genomics and systems biology and has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has received numerous prestigious fellowships and research grants from the National Human Genome Research Institute of the NIH and the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, among others. Before joining NYU, Piano was a Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fellow at Cornell University.

Rauda Al Dhaheri is the Head of Research & Development at ADGM Academy, with over five years of experience connecting academia with the financial sector. Her work focuses on AI, digital transformation, FinTech, data analytics, and cybersecurity. She also led ADGMA's National Development Programs, advancing Emiratisation through the National Employability Programs. A master's degree holder from Abu Dhabi University, Rauda is dedicated to empowering Emirati talent and driving innovation in the financial sector and beyond.

Currently the co-founder of the first MENA homegrown Health Venture Studio (10FT Ventures) to address the key challenges of the sector & scale beyond. Previously, she joined Plug and Play, a world leading accelerator and early stage VC as one of the first team members to set up their Middle East operations. Since 2020, she strove to support both government and private sector partners across multiple industries to accelerate their digital transformation journey and boost their innovation capabilities through designing and operating industry focused accelerator/incubator programs, Hackathons, Specialized workshops & advising them on how to boost their innovation capabilities. She also supported multiple scale ups and startups to grow their footprint in the region. She remains a strong advocate for innovation and its potential to bring new growth and economic empowerment in the MENA region through various public speaking engagements in major regional and International Tech events (LEAP, GITEX,MENA InsurTech Summit,etc). Finally, as an active angel investor & Female founders supporter, she took part in the launch of the 2022 Female Angels initiative in the UAE and the global female empowerment platform during the COVID-19 pandemic (Wovid Diaries) as well as launched the Plug and Play FoundHER chapter in the Middle East designed to support them.

Christophe is an accomplished software engineer with extensive experience spanning over 14 years in various areas of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. In addition to his technical expertise, he is also a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of launching and scaling successful ventures. As the visionary Founder & CEO of ZAKA, an Artificial Intelligence education & consulting company, Christophe is passionate about promoting the growth of the AI sector, with a particular focus on the MENA region. His dedication to advancing AI is further demonstrated through his role as the Founder & President of Beirut AI, an esteemed NGO. Through his leadership, he brings together the applied Artificial Intelligence community in Lebanon, where he designs engaging community events and technical workshops that inspire and empower people to appreciate and implement AI. With his exceptional leadership skills and technical expertise, Christophe is well positioned to drive the growth of the AI industry and shape its future. His passion for innovation and his ability to bring people together to achieve common goals make him a true asset to the industry.

Swati Trivedi spearheads Marketing Initiatives at MAGNiTT, the leading private capital data platform for emerging venture markets. With a dynamic career rooted in the startup ecosystem, Swati has worked closely with businesses to amplify their digital footprints and guided thought leaders in building compelling personal brands—work she began as early as her college days. Her journey includes leading the marketing department at a prominent early-stage VC firm in India, where she developed impactful branding and communication strategies that continue to shape its identity. At MAGNiTT, Swati combines her deep understanding of the startup and VC landscape with her marketing acumen to expand the brand into new markets, launch innovative products, and streamline internal communication pipelines. Her work reflects a passion for fostering growth and innovation across emerging markets, with transparent and reliable data.

Dr. Hakim Hacid is the Chief Researcher of the Artificial Intelligence and Digital Science Research Center in Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a cutting-edge UAE-based scientific research center, leading the diverse efforts around LLM's and Machine Learning. Prior to joining TII, he was an Associate Professor at Zayed University, a customer analytics head at Zain telecom, and a research department head at Bell Labs Research. He is a published author of many research articles in top journals and conferences and holds several industrial patents to his credit. His research specialization includes machine learning, databases, natural language processing, security. He obtained his PhD in Data Mining/Databases and also a double master's in Computer Sc (Master by Research & Professional Master) from University of Lyon, France.

Raša Karapandža (born January 4, 1978) is a professor of finance at EBS. He serves as a Dean of Business School and as an academic director of Master in Finance program and head of chair of finance. He received a PhD degree in economics and finance from Barcelona Graduate School of Economics, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona. He has been a visiting research scholar at NYU and at UC Berkeley. He also serves as a Visiting professor at NYU. The general focus of Karapandža’s research and teaching activities is investments, empirical asset pricing, and portfolio management. In his recent papers, he studies return predictability of equities, new methods to test return predictability, the role of information on return predictability, and the use of big data to generate robustly predictable portfolio alphas. Karapandža’s work has been featured in top media outlets like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg and Der Spiegel. He advised members of the US congress on the topics of regulating cryptocurrencies and other blockchain related technologies. He was elected favorite professor by the EBS business school’s student body for his teaching ten years in a row — in 2009 through 2019. What makes him really proud is that he was elected an honorary member of the EBS student-body association. Currently at EBS Karapandža is teaching an undergraduate class in Investments, MBA class in Finance, Executive MBA course in Corporate finance and a graduate classes in Asset Pricing/Derivatives and Fintech class. At NYU AD Raša is teaching a Fintech course as well as NYU Stern course on Foundation of Financial Markets. Karapandža serves on the board of directors and as a member of the audit committee of www.rs2.com. A Global Payments Software and Managed Services Provider RS2 is a publicly listed company trusted by Banks, Processors and Payments Service Providers to process over USD$300 billion worth of payments transactions per year. RS2’s BankWORKS is a comprehensive modular payment system used by more than 130 institutions and some of the world’s most innovative and successful payments companies like Bank of America, Barclays and First Data. He is married to Tamara. They have one child, a son named Filip.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, USA and raised in the UAE, Bassel boasts over a decade of experience in management consulting and investment management working with firms across the Middle East and the United States. Graduating from Purdue University in Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Bassel went on to complete an MBA at Harvard Business School. Bringing a wealth of knowledge to Careem, Bassel has been with the company for over eight years. Prior to his current role as Chief Business Officer, Bassel held the position of Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations, handling strategic partnerships and corporate sales across the region, while working closely with governments to develop favorable regulatory frameworks. That position was succeeded by that of Managing Director of Careem Gulf and Pakistan. Today, Bassel focuses on all elements related to product and strategy development, looking after the mobility of people; from ride-hailing to micro-mobility and the mobility of things; food ordering, and grocery shopping. Through his work at Careem, Bassel aims to create an impact on people’s lives, support organizations, and drive tech-leading initiatives in the region that he proudly calls home, all whilst embracing the company’s purpose and people. Amongst his many achievements, Bassel ensured the successful launch of Hala, the joint venture between Careem and RTA. Holding an impressive rating of 4.95 on the Super App – which he uses most frequently for its food services – Bassel likes to spend his free time with family and enjoys playing basketball.

Mr. Alok Kumar is the dynamic co-founder of Zywa and Cozmox AI, two trailblazing ventures at the forefront of fintech and AI innovation. With a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges, Alok has played a pivotal role in shaping Zywa into a leading youth-focused digital banking platform, empowering Gen Z with tailored financial solutions. At Cozmox AI, Alok spearheads efforts to revolutionize real-time conversational AI and hybrid ASR models, driving advancements in telephony-based AI interactions. His visionary leadership and commitment to innovation continue to redefine industry benchmarks, making him a prominent voice in the global tech ecosystem.

Bilal, co-founder and CEO of Vault, leverages over a decade of investment expertise and fintech innovation to transform wealth management in the GCC. A CFA Charterholder since 2018, he has built tailored strategies and fostered excellence among wealth advisors. Under his leadership, Vault, regulated by ADGM/FSRA, offers a digital platform blending cutting-edge technology with personalized advisory services, empowering clients with accessible, sophisticated investment solutions.

Richa Patil, a visionary entrepreneur, and the driving force behind MetaDecrypt's immersive success stories across the Web3 landscape. In the span of 5 months, she built a Blockchain development company, that has delivered blockchain tech products like Defi crypto wallet, Uniswap clone, token migration, bridge smart contract, cryptocurrency exchange, ERC-20, BEP-20, TRC-20 token development, NFT marketplace. Leveraging her unparalleled creativity, she spearheaded groundbreaking events like Dubai Design Week and the Web 3.0 Summit in 2022, at the prestigious Museum of Future in Dubai, UAE. This event remains talked about till today across the MENA Region, as several notable Web OGs and top goverment officials were in attendance.

As a biomedical engineer by training and entrepreneur by passion, Moritz's focus lies at the intersection of science and innovation. He co-founded Futurize to turn young people into entrepreneurs. We are a venture-builder for universities - inspiring early-stage ventures through incubator and entrepreneurship programs across the world. Futurize startups have raised a total of $1,5M in seed capital since our inception in 2022. Moritz previously also co-founded and raised money for a healthtech startup in the UK.

Barbara Scheck researches the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact, focusing on the financing of social enterprises, impact investing, and the evaluation of social outcomes. As a recognized expert in social entrepreneurship, Scheck co-founded the European Center for Social Finance, which supports research and provides technical assistance to foster the growth of impact investing and social finance in Europe. She has published widely on these subjects, authoring numerous articles and books that explore innovative financial models and strategies for social enterprises. Prior to joining NYUAD, Scheck was Professor for Entrepreneurship at Munich Business School and Associate Professor for Social Investment at Hamburg University. She held visiting faculty positions at National University Singapore and Kedge Business School in Bordeaux. Scheck is a member of Mirova’s MILE Private Equity Impact Fund Impact Committee. She has worked in banking with Credit Suisse and insurance with Allianz SE. At Allianz she co-founded Germany’s largest Corporate Volunteering Initiative and served as the subsidiary’s CEO. Scheck has been awarded several research grants on the topics of (social) entrepreneurship and impact finance, amongst others from the European Commission, OECD, EEA Norway Grants, and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Chinny Ogunro is a healthcare executive and an academic professor of management and operations. She is the former Chief Operating Officer of The Africa Center, a New York based non-profit that is shaping a vision for the future of Africa across business, policy, and culture. Prior to that, she was the Chief Executive Officer of WellSpring Health, an Africa-focused integrated care consortium backed by DAI, committed to delivering quality, affordable healthcare at scale. Ogunro is a co-founder of Africa Health Holdings (AHH), a healthcare investment and operations company that was born out of her doctoral research and her first company, CarePoint Hospitals and Clinics. She served as Director of Health Research at the Center for the Study of the Economies of Africa, where her research has explored innovative business models for healthcare delivery in growth economies, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. She was also a Senior Director at BroadReach Group, responsible for technology implementation and operational excellence. She is the founder of Company Is You, a professional development ed-tech firm that prepares individuals and companies for the future of work. Ogunro's work in healthcare operations has delivered high-quality, low-cost healthcare to over 40,000 patients across West Africa and India. Her research has received over USD 700,000 in direct support from organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank. She has previously worked at Morgan Stanley, Veralon Partners, and provided long-term consultancy for the Federal Ministries of Health, the UN Special Envoy for Malaria, as well as multiple other development and partner organizations. Ogunro holds a PhD in Health Management (Technology and Operations Management, Strategy) from the Harvard Business School, an MA in Health Administration from Cornell University, and Bachelors' degrees from Stanford University.

As the founder of PetRepublic, I am deeply passionate about driving innovation and creating impact in the pet care industry. My journey is fueled by my interests in tech, startups, AI, sustainability, and social empowerment. I have a strong focus on negotiations and strategic growth, working to ensure that PetRepublic not only thrives but also leads the way in fostering responsible pet ownership. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition in startup competitions related to PetRepublic, which has further inspired me to keep pushing boundaries and finding new opportunities for growth. I am also committed to youth empowerment, as I believe in nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers. I thrive on creating sustainable solutions, advocating for social impact, and leveraging technology to improve lives.

Before co-founding Dopamine where he helps entrepreneurs fund their journey, Hugo was a startup lawyer and former Head of Legal of a leading VC firm, where he supported founders in fundraising and governance.

Multiple time founder in the FinTech and logistics space. Currently supporting financial service firms with their digital products and transformations.

Karim has over seven years of public equity investing experience, including a tenure at FIM Partners, a major regional asset manager overseeing over $2.5B of AUM. At BECO Capital, Karim has been instrumental in the due diligence for new investments, follow-on investments, and the execution of co-investments for existing portfolio companies throughout his 4 year tenure. Before joining BECO, Karim also held roles at EFG Hermes. Karim holds a BSc in Finance from Pepperdine University and a MSc in Global Finance from Fordham Gabelli School of Business.

Jenny Li is building the UAE’s first AI-native incubator at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), supporting emerging talent and practical AI solutions. With experience in venture capital, business strategy, and building collaborative communities, she works closely with entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders on bridging the gap between innovation and impact.

I lead product at Alpheya building the future of wealth management tech for banks and other wealth managers across the GCC. Previously I was working at McKinsey & Co. in the intersection of digital strategy and banking.

Ayoola is an Engineer and social entrepreneur. He co-founded Cycled Technologies in 2016 to deliver waste management products and services that help buildings and municipalities recycle more and reduce logistics expenses. Since then, he has led operations at the company and championed the development of the Cycled Self Sorting SmartBin Technology which earned him an “MIT Technology Reviews Innovator Under 35” recognition. Ayoola also holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and by virtue of his scientific exploits, he was involved in the development of the Non-contact Multiphysics Probe, which is a groundbreaking addition to the toolkit of the Human Atlas Project -- the world's most ambitious genetic research project. Prior to co-founding Cycled Technologies, Ayoola served as the Executive Director of Nordoest which was the Middle East’s Representative of Innovation Norway — the Norwegian Government’s most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises. He also served as the Technical Director of Nordic Innovation Hub — a cleantech incubator in Masdar City Abu Dhabi, set up as a collaboration between the five Nordic countries and supported by Nordic Innovation. Ayoola will be speaking in the founder panel about passion and mission building through his venture.

Joel Alexander is the Co-Founder & CEO of CrowdPad, formerly working where they're building the next wave of social media by ensuring that creators are able to monetize since day 1, immune to deplatforming and demonetization plays by big-tech platforms.

CrowdPad recently raised $2.5M backed by Balaji S, IVC, Ali Abdaal, FTX Ventures (Serum Ecosystem Fund) & others, was featured as one of Sifted's 13 European Web3 Startups to Watch, and was also named a top creator economy company by both Antler & SpeedInvest (not investors in CrowdPad).

His background includes working for several top European startups in the creator economy & edtech categories, he is also a bit of a YouTuber himself having hustled his way into VC & Tech by doing podcasts with YC-backed founders.

Joel will be speaking in the founder panel about passion and mission building through his venture.

Barbara Scheck is Professor of Entrepreneurship at Munich Business School / Germany and Visiting Faculty at NYUAD. She is the Co-Founder of several startups in the impact space and focuses on the financing of social enterprises, impact and mission-related investing, and impact assessment in her research.

Other significant experiences include consulting for a social venture capital fund and projects for development cooperation agencies on social entrepreneurship. This, together with the time she has spent on startup workshopping, leads her to have tangible awareness of startup roadmapping and key building blocks.

Barbara will be leading workshops in NYUAD Slush'D.

Simran is the Co-founder of BluePhin Technologies, Co-founder of Airtap, a startup Advisor, a UNGC Youth Ambassador, and a Finance graduate from the American University of Sharjah. She is a passionate, self-taught techie and social entrepreneur whose mission is to save the planet by decarbonizing our economy and pave the way for green innovation.

Simran has been featured on Entrepreneur ME, CNN, Dubai Eye, and several other sustainability podcasts for her unique journey building innovative solutions for environmental conservation. After doing several startup weekends and continuously taking part in every competition that came her way, she has since won the Sharjah EF Pitch Competition, Unilever's Young Entrepreneur Award, exhibited at GMIS, Gitex Future Stars, and others.

Simran will be leading several workshops in Slush'D x Violet Ventures and will be speaking about her experiences as a young founder in the UAE.

Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta has extensive knowledge in the entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems in EMEA, having served as the Head of Market Infrastructure, Digital and VC/FinTech for South Asia at ADGM, and as strategic advisors for various Fintech initiatives, amongst many other roles. At ADGM, he was responsible for developing the UAE ecosystem, which saw a substantial increase in Digital Banking, Venture Capital, FinTech, and Sustainable Finance companies listed in ADGM.

Amongst the companies he serves as a Strategic Advisor for include Peregrine Digital (decentralized investment platform), RuDo Wealth (personal finance management), Masary Capital (MENA’s first Emirati owned blockchain and crypto joint venture platform), Saffe (facial recognition technology), and Sheikh Hamdan Bin Ahmad Al Makhtoum’s Private Office.

Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta will be leading the session on the MENA ecosystem together with Devika Raveendrean and will be speaking about the UAE economy, common sectors, key customers, fundraising, and startup environments.

Devika Raveendran is the Founder and CEO of DR Partners- a boutique corporate and wealth structuring advisory practice headquartered in Dubai with presence in Abu Dhabi and Delhi. As a Private Clients lawyer with diverse experience working for global trust companies and multifamily offices, she has been actively advising family enterprises in structuring their personal and business wealth using multi-generational & jurisdictional legacy structures, engaging with members for implementing family governance, coaching the rising generation for leadership & business succession along with crafting residency & relocation plans for ultra-high net worth families.

Devika is a cross border structuring expert advising families and corporates on consolidation of complex business ownership and restructuring for externalization of ownership to create tax optimized businesses. As a strategic advisor, she has been leveraging her 15+ years of experience in legal and corporate advisory to help early-stage companies & founders optimize their market entry in the region & facilitate access to capital from her well-established network of investors.

Amongst the several entities where she serves as an Advisory board Member, Sterve is the first-ever AI-powered integrated platform in the Middle East & Africa region for MSMEs to manage their commerce and finance through one app. The other notable startup is Mirathi that uses innovative technology for safekeeping of cryptos and seamless transfer of digital legacy.

Devika will be hosting the session on the MENA ecosystem together with Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta and will be speaking about an overview of key legal considerations for business owners in the UAE, ranging from licensing to residency.

Aman Merchant is a mission-driven serial parallel entrepreneur, futurist, investor & advisor with 25+ years of experience across 12 ventures in education, social impact, and disruptive innovation. Aman is the Chief Provocateur at Radicle, passionate about transforming industries, cities, and lives through ideating and launching ambitious platforms for solving the wicked system problems that challenge humanity today.

While co-curating RewirEd (global education summit) for Dubai Cares, he launched the MENAP region’s first Edtech collective (ReimaginED Collective), having previously managed a Global Grand Challenges program for Expo2020 & a disruptive innovation program for Dubai Airport Free Zone, curated Abundance 360 Dubai (CEO Summit with Singularity University) with Dr. Peter Diamandis, launched Epiq360 (regional e-commerce & coaching platform for wellness/longevity/peak performance), and co-founded & led Impact Hub Dubai (global entrepreneurial network for positive impact).

Aman is a member of both the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) & Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), he holds a 1st Class Masters (Hons) Degree from Oxford University & is also a Stanford Business School & London School of Economics alum. An Entrepreneur Mentor in Residence at London Business School since 2014, he is the MENA region’s 1st Impact Investing Fellow at AVPN, UAE’s 1st Fellow with OnDeck Edtech, as well as a certified Peak Performance coach from the Flow Genome Project. He serves on the Global Council on SDG4 and was part of the investment committee at a $100m global impact fund (ExpoLive). Flow, biohacking, venture creation, system thinking, moonshots, global education systems & edtech are some of his research and teaching interests which he is pursuing at NYUAD.

At Slush’D, Aman will be hosting workshops and sharing insights stemming from his background and passion for societal and corporate problem-solving, innovation, and technology.

Peter Vesterbacka is an entrepreneur from Helsinki, Finland, at the core of the Finest Bay Area. Branded communities co-created and initiated by Peter include the HP Bazaar, Mobile Monday, Slush and Startup Sauna to name a few. He was the Mighty Eagle at Angry Birds for many years taking that brand to unprecedented heights. Peter is also currently adjunct professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Tongji University, one of the leading universities in China. In 2011 Time Magazine named Peter one of the 100 most influential people on the planet.

HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal is Executive Chairman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), an entity tasked with leading the continued transformation and economic diversification of the emirate of Sharjah.

Marwan Al Sarkal was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shurooq in 2009 at the time of its establishment as per the Emiri Decree no.2 of 2009 that was issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. In his capacity as CEO, he intensified efforts to drive and lead the investment and cultural growth and development of Sharjah.

Operating under the wise directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and under the vision of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal

Played an integral role in transforming Sharjah’s economic infrastructure, diversifying markets and facilitating new investments by leading projects and partnerships across major sectors such as tourism, healthcare, environmental, logistics, real-estate, retail and light manufacturing.

Mira Tabbara is a certified life coach. She holds multiple certifications, including ACC (Associate Certified Coach) and ORSC (Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching) certified facilitator.

With a background of 7+ years in consumer behavior, she brings a deep understanding of human psychology and motivation to her coaching practice.

Mira enables individuals to gain clarity, build confidence, and overcome fear and self-doubt. She has empowered over 100 individuals to pursue their passions and successfully pursue fulfilling careers.

At the core of Mira's coaching philosophy is the belief that everyone has unique strengths and passions. She provides the guidance and support needed to transform those strengths and passions into a dream reality, helping her clients unleash their full potential and create meaningful change and have a sense of purpose in their lives.

A dynamic Co-Founder & PM of an innovative restaurant-based startup in Abu Dhabi. Yedhu's fervent passion for food and hospitality has been the driving force behind his venture. With over 3 years of rich experience in the restaurant industry, he has a proven track record of creating brands that resonate with customers, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional products and experiences. His expertise spans from developing customer-favorite menu items to optimizing the FMCG supply chain and enhancing in-store experiences. A collaborative leader, Yedhu excels in working with diverse stakeholders, from chefs to senior leadership, ensuring products meet both customer and business needs. Beyond his professional realm, Yedhu is also a creative and talented fashion photographer, capturing the essence of style and elegance through his lens. His commitment to continuous learning and sustainability reflects in his approach to product management, making him a valuable asset in the food tech world. Connect with Yedhu on LinkedIn and follow his creative journey on Instagram @yedhu_g.

Shamim is an EDTECH specialist, Coach and Advisor to hundreds of Startups. His mission is to reduce the failure rate in all businesses through Education and Mentoring. He started LETSRISE Academy to empower entrepreneurs to cultivate the right mindset and spirit needed to thrive in businesses. He inspired the "Guiding Principles of Entrepreneurship" that drives clarity and motivation needed to break through the endless challenges entrepreneurs face, regardless of stage and industry. He also coined the term "Failure-Based Learning", a method of teaching that develops deep learning outcomes for the audience so that entrepreneurs are not only educated, but challenged to not make the same failures.

Her role is to understand the specific innovation needs of healthcare providers, payers, regulators, and private Pharma/Biotech/Medical devices corporates in the region, identify potential bottlenecks in their digital transformation journey and finally support them in implementing relevant technology solutions from cutting-edge international startups.

Furthermore, she supports the emerging digital health ventures from the region through Plug and Play venture capital arm & invests in promising technology solutions at pre-seed & seed stages. She is also an active angel investor with more than 5 digital health startups in her portfolio.

Finally, as a FoundHER ambassador for the region & founder of a female empowerment non-profit organization (Wovid Diaries), she strives to provide the necessary support & mentorship to female founders from the region & works with key stakeholders in the field to raise awareness on the gaps that exist in female startup funding & how to address them.

Areas of interest: Innovation, Tech, Digital Health, Pharma, BioTech, R&D, VC investment, Angel investment, mentorship, education, Gender equality, female empowerment, emerging markets.

At 500 Global as the Head of Sanabil 500 MENA Seed Accelerator. Ex-founder and a startup consultant fueling my passion in supporting startups and entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenging journey of building successful businesses.

Maher Al Kaabi, a visionary leader, and a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the Banking, IT industry and Family Business. He has extensive expertise in Board Membership, Islamic Banking, Wholesales & Consumer Banking, Risk Management, Finance, Operation & Technology, Sales & Distribution and Business Development. He also has deep knowledge in innovation and trends in the generation and utilization of data sets and of new technologies. Serves on board of several startup companies, a Chairman of Board of Governance of a Star International School and co-founder of Blink.

Works extensively with various ministries in future technologies, circular economy, and sustainability of family businesses by training NextGen on Venture Studio Module. He is on the advisory board of:

• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Middle East Energy
• MENA Power Projects

Mr. Maher is a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist who shares his expertise and insights on various topics at events covering various topics (FinTech, Building Digital Economy (AI, metaverse, blockchain, web3, etc.), Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Sustainability of Family Businesses (supervise venture studio program for UAE NextGen’s), Banking & Finance, Corporate Governance, and Investments).

He is an advisor to the Group Chairman of Al Serkal Group of Companies (165+ year old family) and serves as an Independent Board Member. He advises the Board on developing a more structured governance model and reviewing and refining the structure of the group with the objective of creating a more flexible, robust and efficient organization that will be better placed to respond to future business opportunities. He also applies his expertise in transitioning businesses digitally.

Hisham is an ecosystem builder and business consultant with extensive experience in the entrepreneurship sphere as part of top-tier startup incubators and accelerators. He has advised founders across the venture life cycle on how to build, fund, launch and grow startups in different business verticals.

Yana Abramova is a Managing Partner at Pretiosum Ventures, a venture capital firm with a particular focus on the Future of Businesses: business infrastructure your company should care about. Despite only launching Pretiosum Ventures in 2019, she has already had a number of high-profile exits within the portfolio.

Prior to launching Pretiosum Ventures, Yana worked in a $1.5bn investment fund and advised start-ups on their expansion into the UK.

She sits on the Cambridge Judge Business School Alumni Board.

Yana is multilingual and speaks five languages, including French, Spanish and Mandarin.

Mustafa is a visionary leader, Co-Founder, and CEO of EYouth Company, a prominent educational organization in Egypt that has positively impacted the lives of over 1,800,000 students, equipping them with essential skills for the labor market. With a team of more than 190 employees and a valuation of over 18.5 million USD, EYouth has established itself as a leader in the education sector.

Mustafa's educational journey includes earning an MBA from AASST in Egypt in 2021. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut in the USA, which he completed in 2016. Additionally, he graduated with a degree in Electrical & Communications Engineering from Assuit University in Egypt in 2016. Mustafa's diverse educational background has equipped him with a strong foundation in business, entrepreneurship, and technology.

Throughout his career, Mustafa has demonstrated his commitment to youth development through his role in managing over 25 successful programs in collaboration with more than 120 international and national organizations. His outstanding leadership and strategic abilities have resulted in securing over 86 million USD in funding, allowing him to make a significant impact on the lives of young individuals.

Currently working as a Principal at Global Ventures, Jules Chasles oversees the Value Creation side of the firm. As part of his role, Jules supports founders on various aspects of their entrepreneurial journey, including fundraising, strategic guidance, talent management, and other strategic business needs. In addition, Jules identifies investment opportunities for the fund, conducting due diligence of target companies, and helping to manage portfolio companies.

Prior to joining Global Ventures, Jules gained experience in the VC industry as a Venture Capital Analyst at Outlierz Ventures, a Morocco-based fund dedicated to African startups, and as a Private Equity Analyst at AfricInvest Group, assisting the team with legal and financial due diligence, business modeling, financial valuation, and deal flow notes, among other responsibilities.

Jules holds an MBA from HEC Paris, an MSc from Bocconi University, and a BSc from Warwick Business School.

Fares is Partner at Wamda Capital, one of the leading venture capital firms in the region with over $200m under management. He is also co-founder at Tuhoon, the Arab World's leading mental health platform.

Hany Sayed is a dynamic leader with over 19 years of experience in Technology, Business Transformation, Consultancy, Training, and Mentorship. He has left an indelible mark on the tech and digital business landscape, having collaborated with notable companies like Microsoft, Crayon, Midis Group, Bespin Global, New Horizons, and Global Knowledge. Hany is a recognized influencer in the industry, spearheading business transformation as the Group Chief Information Officer of D&B Properties Group, a conglomerate of 10 real estate companies with a workforce exceeding 500.

As a visionary, Hany has also co-founded and served as the Chief Information Officer of Evolve Network Hub, a thriving Startup Hub, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He has an impressive track record of founding or co-founding four startups across diverse sectors, including eCommerce, Technology, Education, and Fashion. His innate talent for nurturing talent extends to his role as a Digital Mentor with the Founder Institute and as an Angel Investor in real estate, stocks, and crypto ventures.

Hany's expertise isn't confined to boardrooms and startups; he has been a Certified Trainer for technology giants Microsoft and Amazon since 2007, imparting knowledge through over 450 courses to more than 5,000 students worldwide. His dedication to education extends to universities like Zayed University, Qatar University, and the American University of Cairo, where he's been a featured speaker for years.

Committed to the community, Hany is not only a public speaker but a seasoned community builder with over 15 years of experience. He holds a master's degree in Digital Business and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Global Crisis and Risk Management, cementing his reputation as a forward-thinking expert in an ever-evolving world.

Rami Aljundi is a seasoned entrepreneur with 14 years in the startup world, co-founding three businesses.

His media company collaborated with giants like Google and Microsoft, while his software venture serves the government and energy sectors in the UAE.

Today, Rami is the Assistant Director of Innovation Programs at StartAD in NYU Abu Dhabi.

A business consultant; have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in different aspects of Management. Graduated as a Mechanical Engineer; completed an MBA in 1986 and ABD for PHD. Research was on the Integration of Finance in the Retail Industry Attended and conducted various training courses for “Al Futtaim Motors”, “Oman National” and “Al Futaisi Group” in the UAE from 1977 to 2000.

I have held various positions in various industries. Those positions include: Managing Director, Regional Manager for a group of companies, and working with The UAE Embassy at Washington D.C.

From 2000 to present:
A business consultant, assisted in establishing medium sized companies. Also provided entrepreneurship consulting to several local institutions, mainly for customers of “Khalifa Fund”; a government fund established to support and develop small and medium enterprises. Those customers were looking at either starting up their own companies/ businesses, or potentially purchasing other existing companies. Also provided consultancies related to analyzing companies’ balance sheets, P&\amp;L’s, etc.

From 1990 to 2000:
I established the “Al Futaisi” Group, which was a group containing companies from various industries. Those included: Automotive, Marine, Tire, Furniture, and Stationery. I created all the job descriptions, along with goals and metrics for all the high level managers in the group, regardless of the department (Finance, Marketing, Sales, and HR)

Suraya Turk is Managing Partner of Legal Circle, a forward-thinking UAE-based law firm providing startups, SMEs, multinationals and government entities with optimal legal and commercial solutions. Legal Circle has positioned itself as a leading legal firm in the technology sphere, providing expert advice to diverse clients navigating this ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Suraya has held the role of Managing Director with both international and local law firms in the UAE, and prior to that enjoyed a highly successful career as a qualified lawyer in Australia. This background provides her with a wealth of experience advising clients on a global platform as well as establishing top-performing legal firms and specialist legal teams.

Suraya is focused on cementing Legal Circle’s strong reputation as an agile, adaptive and innovative law firm that provides outstanding levels of service to clients. She is passionate about working with startup founders, investors and women in business to enable them to achieve and exceed their business goals.

With a passion for making a positive change in her community, Latifa Bin Haider is a social entrepreneur with drive, dedication, and discipline, she focuses her efforts on creating startups that address societal needs for the future. She has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration degree from the prestigious American University of Sharjah.

While at university she launched her first startup, Mental Health AE. A platform with the simple aim of raising awareness about mental health, wellness, and associated stigma in the country. With humble beginnings and a great team of volunteers, Mental Health AE today boasts thousands of followers and members. With more than 100 events, and excess of 40 podcasts episodes. They have created a voice for those who were too fearful to speak and a safe space for those who had none.

Baytukum, previously known as Baytuki, was Latifa's next venture, a startup with the aim to empower individuals of all ages and income brackets to invest in real estate. Batuki is a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals of all ages and income brackets towards financial prosperity by making micro-investments in real estate. The platform empowers individuals to make informed investment decisions leading to financial prosperity and supports them on their journey towards financial independence. Baytukum Tech Ltd (“Baytukum”) is an entity registered in the  Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and licensed and regulated by the  Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) .

Moritz Gripp, Co-Founder at Futurize and a seasoned Startup Advisor and VC, seamlessly blends his deep-rooted engineering acumen with a flair for innovation and entrepreneurship. Drawing from his rich educational background with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and a Master's in Entrepreneurship & Management from Imperial College London, Moritz co-founded Futurize to catalyze young minds into entrepreneurial ventures. This initiative, designed as a venture-builder for universities, bridges the gap between academia and corporates, nurturing early-stage ventures through incubator programs. Under his guidance, these startups have secured a commendable $1.5M in seed capital since 2022. With a robust technical foundation in Mechanical & Biomedical Engineering, coupled with his experience as a Management Consultant at PwC and the inception of a healthcare startup in precision medicine, Moritz consistently strives to drive impactful, innovative solutions in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Padmini Gupta is the Co-founder and CEO of Xare. Xare is one of the fastest growing fintechs globally with now more than 3 million+ users across over 180 countries and transactions worth $2+ billion in 2022. Xare won Entrepreneur’s “Fastest Growing Fintech of the Year” for 2021. Xare has raised over $10 million and is backed by global investors – MS&AD Ventures, MEVP, 500 Startups, DIFC Fintech Fund, and others.

She began her entrepreneurial journey with Rise, a fintech platform democratizing access to essential financial services for millions of migrants globally. Rise was Entrepreneur’s “MENA Fintech of the Year” for 2020. Rise launched Xare which was inspired by Rise’s migrant customers, and allows anyone anywhere to share money with anyone, anywhere. Prior to her entrepreneurship journey, she was an award-winning Banker from California and World Economic Forum Global Leadership Fellow, and an Oxford MBA.

Zain Tarawneh is the Co-founder & Chief Growth Officer at Green Future Project, a B-Corporation committed to revolutionizing corporate ESG strategies through cutting-edge technological and innovative solutions. With an educational background from Concordia University and Goldsmiths, University of London, Zain is at the forefront of merging profit with sustainability, emphasizing their integral connection. A passionate innovator, Zain excels in ideating and crafting sustainable products and services. His creativity is fueled by a blend of in-depth analysis and keen intuition, and he boasts a diverse portfolio spanning arts & culture, F&B, sustainability, fin-tech, fashion, and green energy. With a profound appreciation for design, art, and visual culture, Zain is on a perpetual quest to shape an impact-centric future through his projects and collaborations.

Tarek Fouad stands out as a Partner at Shorooq Partners, playing a pivotal role in Abu Dhabi's startup evolution. His leadership stints at Hub71 and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) have left an indelible mark, fostering a thriving community of startups and strategic partnerships. An alumnus of Khalifa University with a Master's in Control Engineering, Tarek also boasts credentials as a certified Neuro-linguistic programmer (NLP) and executive coach. Beyond his academic accolades, he's distinguished for his venture capitalist acumen, particularly in gaming, clean tech, and web3 arenas. Tarek's commitment to innovation is unwavering, as he diligently scouts for groundbreaking opportunities, ensures startups are well-equipped to grow, and consistently drives market-transforming solutions.

Prior to launching Fuze, Mo held leadership positions at some of the most prominent fintech and finance companies in the world, including Checkout.com, Visa, Booz & Company, and Emirates NBD. He was also the founder of two fintech startups. Mo holds a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from a Canadian university and an MBA from the prestigious London Business School. Mo's impressive background and deep expertise in fintech and digital assets make him a highly sought-after thought leader and speaker at industry events worldwide.