The people on this stage have done it.
Not just talked about it.
Early confirmed speakers. More to be announced.
Vishal Arora is the Founder and Managing Partner of PanCosmic Capital, a global early-stage venture capital firm investing in B2B enterprise technology companies transforming industries through artificial intelligence, SaaS, cybersecurity, fintech, enterprise infrastructure, mobility, and IoT. The fund backs visionary founders across the United States, Europe, and Asia, with a particular focus on technologies driving innovation in healthcare, climate and energy, financial services, and retail.
At PanCosmic Capital, Vishal champions a globally integrated investment model that transcends traditional geographic boundaries, creating a more decentralized, inclusive, and collaborative venture capital ecosystem. His investment philosophy is centered on providing entrepreneurs with equitable access to capital while fostering international cooperation to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, including healthcare, climate resilience, and digital transformation.
Prior to founding PanCosmic Capital, Vishal was an investor at Blumberg Capital, where he worked closely with category-defining technology companies including DoubleVerify, Braze, WorkJam, and BioCatch. Earlier, he was part of Salesforce's Corporate Development team, contributing to strategic investments and acquisitions involving companies such as MuleSoft, Apttus, SteelBrick, and Vlocity, helping shape one of the technology industry's most active corporate investment platforms.
Vishal began his career in the Technology Investment Banking division at Goldman Sachs, advising high-growth technology companies on strategic transactions, including participating in Uber's Series B financing during its early growth phase.
A frequent keynote speaker at international venture capital and technology conferences, Vishal shares insights on venture investing, AI, enterprise innovation, and the future of global entrepreneurship. He is a strong advocate for technology-driven innovation as a catalyst for breaking down barriers, expanding opportunity, and shaping a more connected and prosperous global economy.
Gbenga Olomola is an international venture capitalist, capital activation strategist, entrepreneur, and author with more than 25 years of experience building businesses, advising founders, and mobilizing investment across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. He is widely recognized for connecting entrepreneurs, venture funds, family offices, corporations, and institutional investors to accelerate innovation and unlock cross-border growth.
He is the Founder and Managing Partner of FiftyPoints VC, an AI-native venture capital firm investing in transformative healthcare, consumer technology, and artificial intelligence startups. As the Founder of the Intuitive Investors Forum (IIF), he has built a global platform that brings together founders, General Partners (GPs), Limited Partners (LPs), family offices, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders to facilitate capital formation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation.
Gbenga also serves as Founder and Chairman of Mighty Oaks Holdings, Founder of ImportCredit Global, Founder of StartupUserSpace, Venture Partner at Network VC, and mentor at Ignyte Dubai, an initiative of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, where he supports founders and emerging fund managers in scaling globally and accessing international capital networks.
Known for challenging conventional investment thinking, Gbenga is the creator of the Intuitive Capital philosophy — an approach that combines analytical rigor, human intuition, strategic insight, and emerging technologies to improve investment and leadership decision-making. His work encourages investors to move beyond consensus thinking and build enduring value through independent judgment and purposeful capital allocation.
He is the author of the forthcoming book, Intuitive Capital, and the visionary behind the Dubai Capital Activation Summit, a global platform designed to connect venture capital, private equity, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, governments, and high-growth founders to accelerate investment, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
Through every initiative he leads, Gbenga is driven by a singular mission: to transform how capital is activated, allocated, and aligned with the ideas, entrepreneurs, and innovations shaping the future of the global economy.
Mopelola Abudu is the Managing Partner of AfriGloCal VC, a women-led pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital firm investing in high-potential startups across Nigeria and West Africa. The fund focuses on cross-border fintech and digital infrastructure that enable consumer commerce, while applying a gender-inclusive investment lens to support diverse founders and strengthen innovation across the region.
AfriGloCal VC positions itself as an Operator VC, working closely with portfolio companies to accelerate growth beyond capital. Through its strategically backed product-market-fit accelerator, Knight Ventures, the firm provides hands-on operational support, market access, strategic partnerships, and technology-enabled resources that help founders validate, scale, and expand into new markets.
With deep experience across venture investing, innovation, and ecosystem development, Mopelola is passionate about empowering founders who are building the digital infrastructure that will power Africa's next generation of economic growth and cross-border commerce.
Natnael (Nat) Asmerom is the Head of Investor Relations at Launch Africa Ventures, based in Dubai, where he leads investor engagement, capital formation, and strategic partnerships across the Middle East and global investment markets. He plays a key role in connecting institutional investors, family offices, and strategic partners with one of Africa's leading early-stage venture capital platforms.
Before joining Launch Africa Ventures, Natnael spent seven years at Goldman Sachs, where he managed institutional and private wealth client relationships, driving strategic growth, portfolio development, and long-term investor engagement. His experience across global financial markets has equipped him with deep expertise in capital raising, investor relations, and cross-border investment strategies.
Passionate about unlocking investment opportunities across Africa's innovation economy, Natnael specializes in bridging global capital networks with the continent's high-growth technology ecosystem. He works closely with investors and founders to foster meaningful partnerships that accelerate venture growth, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and expand access to transformative investment opportunities.
Loïc Kuate Lowe is the Managing Partner of Infinite Capital, an independent investment bank specializing in debt and equity fundraising for high-growth startups and mid-sized companies (ETIs). He advises founders, executives, and investors on capital raising strategies, corporate finance, and growth transactions, helping businesses secure the funding needed to scale and expand internationally.
Prior to founding Infinite Capital France, Loïc served as Head of Investment at a leading French investment platform, where he played a pivotal role in financing more than 100 startups and SMEs, facilitating over €150 million in capital raised. His experience spans venture financing, private capital markets, investor relations, and strategic fundraising across multiple sectors.
With a strong track record in connecting entrepreneurs with institutional investors, family offices, and private capital providers, Loïc is passionate about building long-term financing solutions that enable innovation, sustainable growth, and cross-border expansion. His expertise in capital structuring and fundraising makes him a trusted advisor to founders and growth-stage businesses navigating today's evolving investment landscape.
Philip Ade-Akanbi is an AI strategist, innovation leader, entrepreneur, investor, and global keynote speaker dedicated to advancing human decision-making through artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. He is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of DecisionSpaak, an innovation and analytics technology group focused on supercharging human decisions for businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide.
He is also the Managing Partner of SLVS Fund, where he invests in exceptional African innovators and industry-agnostic AI ventures shaping the future of technology and enterprise. In addition, Philip serves as Partner and Chief Business & AI Officer at StareNow, an advertising innovation company leveraging AI to transform brand engagement and business growth.
A published academic researcher and recognized thought leader, Philip has completed executive education, professional certifications, fellowships, and affiliations with leading institutions including the University of East London, Lagos Business School, University of Ilorin, the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), the Institute of Management Consultants, and global platforms such as the Qatar Economic Forum, Forbes, and Blacks in Technology.
Philip is a sought-after international speaker, regularly delivering keynote presentations on artificial intelligence, innovation, digital transformation, and the future of work. In 2025, he was recognized among Africa's Top 100 Most Influential Tech Minds and Africa's Tech Power List, reflecting his growing impact on the continent's technology ecosystem.
Driven by a bold vision to democratize AI knowledge, Philip is leading initiatives to equip 10 million Africans with AI skills by 2026 while supporting the creation of 200 high-impact ventures by 2031 that address Africa's most pressing challenges and contribute to solving global problems through technology and innovation.
Ayman Al Awadhi is an internationally respected Emirati Global Business & Investment Ecosystem Leader, investor, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor dedicated to accelerating investment, innovation, and economic transformation across the GCC and global markets. As Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of The Corporate Group (TCG), Founder of AXD Space, and Executive Director of Global Chamber UAE, he has spent more than two decades helping governments, multinational corporations, family businesses, investors, and high-growth entrepreneurs establish, scale, and expand across one of the world's most dynamic economic regions.
Widely recognized as a leading authority on foreign direct investment (FDI), market entry, corporate structuring, and cross-border business expansion, Ayman has advised organizations ranging from innovative startups to Fortune 500 companies on entering and growing within the UAE and wider GCC. As an active investor, he is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and innovation-driven businesses that are shaping the future of the region's economy. Through The Corporate Group, he has enabled organizations across technology, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, education, and professional services to navigate complex markets, attract investment, and achieve sustainable growth through strategic advisory, governance, mergers and acquisitions, and investment facilitation.
Driven by a vision to strengthen the region's innovation economy, Ayman founded AXD Space, an integrated entrepreneurial ecosystem that combines startup incubation, founder education, investor readiness, licensing support, strategic partnerships, and direct engagement with investors. His philosophy is that thriving innovation ecosystems are built by connecting ambitious founders with the right networks, capital, expertise, and opportunities to scale globally.
As Executive Director of Global Chamber UAE, Ayman works at the forefront of international trade, investment promotion, and economic diplomacy, connecting businesses, investors, governments, and innovation ecosystems across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. His work continues to reinforce the UAE's position as a global gateway for investment, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration.
A sought-after international keynote speaker and moderator, Ayman regularly speaks at leading global forums on foreign direct investment, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, leadership, family business transformation, and the future of international business. Recognized for combining strategic vision with practical execution, he is committed to building bridges between capital and opportunity, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering globally connected ecosystems that create lasting economic impact.
Guillaume Kloof is the Managing Director of Valley Date Tech, a venture infrastructure platform powering capital discovery, investor engagement, and startup readiness for the global innovation ecosystem. Based in Amsterdam, he works at the intersection of technology, venture capital, and ecosystem development, helping founders, investors, venture capital funds, accelerators, and family offices connect more efficiently across international markets.
In addition to building venture infrastructure, Guillaume actively invests in early-stage venture capital funds and accelerator programs, supporting the organizations that cultivate the next generation of high-growth startups. Through Valley Date Tech, he helps streamline capital discovery, strengthen investor readiness, optimize deal flow, and facilitate meaningful connections between startups and investors around the world.
With a background spanning entrepreneurship, technology, digital product development, and venture ecosystem building, Guillaume has dedicated his career to reducing friction in startup fundraising and improving the efficiency of venture investing. He collaborates with venture funds, accelerators, angel investors, corporate innovation teams, governments, and ecosystem builders to create scalable solutions that enhance capital formation and cross-border collaboration.
A recognized thought leader in venture capital and startup fundraising, Guillaume regularly shares insights on investor sourcing, capital allocation, deal-flow optimization, AI-enabled venture operations, and the future of venture infrastructure. He advocates for technology-enabled, data-driven investment processes that help investors identify exceptional opportunities while enabling founders to become investment-ready and scale globally.
Guillaume is also the author of Go Get It! Achieve Above Expectations, a motivational book encouraging entrepreneurs and emerging leaders to pursue ambitious goals with resilience, discipline, and purpose. Through his work, he remains committed to democratizing access to capital, strengthening venture ecosystems, and building a more connected and efficient global innovation economy.
Wahid A. Kamalian is an internationally recognized leader in private capital, impact investing, strategic philanthropy, and innovation finance, with extensive experience advising institutional investors, family offices, governments, corporations, and nonprofit organizations on capital allocation, investment strategy, and sustainable value creation.
As Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Amaly Legacy, Wahid is reimagining how the world funds impact through an integrated platform spanning asset management, fintech, and an innovation studio. Working in close collaboration with nonprofits, NGOs, investors, and development partners, Amaly Legacy mobilizes capital through innovative financing models, strategic philanthropy, blended finance, and cross-sector partnerships to generate measurable social, environmental, and financial outcomes.
Throughout his career, Wahid has advised on multi-billion-dollar and mid-market debt and equity transactions involving some of the world's leading institutional investors, including Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), Temasek, GIC, and Khazanah Nasional, supporting transactions across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.
Deeply engaged in the global venture ecosystem, Wahid has advised a United Nations agency on the development of a venture builder and venture studio, supported a Bain & Company Venture Studio on portfolio value creation, and worked with ventures across energy transition, climate technology, sustainability, food systems, manufacturing, and agriculture. He also scouts investment opportunities for venture capital funds and regularly serves as a mentor, judge, and advisor for leading international innovation and venture programs, including IRENA and Plug and Play.
Wahid is also a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Finance, reflecting his ongoing commitment to strengthening the UAE's innovation ecosystem and advancing entrepreneurship through strategic collaboration.
A sought-after international keynote speaker and ecosystem convener, Wahid shares insights on impact investing, private capital, blended finance, family office engagement, strategic philanthropy, and venture ecosystem development. His mission is to bridge capital with purpose, empowering investors, institutions, and entrepreneurs to build enduring legacies while creating meaningful economic and societal impact.
Saeed Alnofeli is one of the UAE's leading innovation ecosystem builders, dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship, venture creation, and startup growth across the region. As Vice President & Head of in5, Dubai Holding's flagship innovation hub, he leads strategy, investor relations, and industry development initiatives supporting more than 500 innovative ventures across technology, design, media, and science. His work focuses on helping founders scale from pre-seed through Series B while strengthening Dubai's position as a global destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.
Recognized as "Ecosystem Enabler of the Year" (2025), Saeed has become a driving force behind the UAE's entrepreneurial landscape, working closely with founders, investors, corporates, universities, and government entities to accelerate venture growth, foster strategic partnerships, and cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem.
In addition to his role at in5, Saeed serves as Managing Director of Government Relations at Amaly Legacy, where he supports initiatives that leverage technology, asset management, and innovation to unlock sustainable funding for charitable organizations and underserved communities through strategic public-private collaboration.
Prior to joining in5, Saeed was Programs Manager at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), where he designed venture-building programs and mentored early-stage founders. He also co-founded Maia Systems (Jamalytic), an award-winning IoT and sports analytics company that pioneered advanced data and monitoring technologies, reflecting his firsthand experience of the entrepreneurial journey.
A respected advisor, mentor, and international speaker, Saeed regularly shares insights on startup ecosystem development, venture building, founder readiness, innovation strategy, investor engagement, corporate innovation, and public-private partnerships. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and build meaningful connections between founders, investors, and institutions that drive sustainable economic growth.
Vatsala Arunachalam is an internationally recognized investment banker, venture investor, and private capital strategist with more than 25 years of experience advising businesses, investors, family offices, and institutions across Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and emerging markets. As Partner at Maroon Invest Global and Founder & CEO of VA Advisory, she specializes in connecting institutional capital with high-growth businesses through strategic fundraising, cross-border transactions, and long-term value creation.
Throughout her career, Vatsala has advised founders, corporates, family offices, private equity firms, and institutional investors on venture capital, private markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and alternative investments. Her expertise spans capital raising, investment structuring, investor readiness, financial strategy, and cross-border expansion, enabling businesses to navigate complex transactions and access global sources of capital.
A respected voice in private capital and family office investing, Vatsala is passionate about strengthening investment corridors between Asia, the Middle East, and emerging markets. She has extensive experience supporting transactions across technology, infrastructure, healthcare, renewable energy, sustainable finance, and climate innovation, combining commercial discipline with a long-term perspective on sustainable growth.
A sought-after international speaker and strategic advisor, Vatsala regularly shares insights on institutional fundraising, venture capital, private markets, family office investment, and cross-border capital formation. Her ability to bridge founders, investors, and global capital networks has made her a trusted advisor to organizations seeking to scale internationally and build resilient, investment-ready businesses.
A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Vatsala has also completed executive programs in Private Markets at the University of Oxford, Circular Economy and Sustainability at the University of Cambridge, and FinTech through HarvardX, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and leadership in the evolving global investment landscape.
Mohammad Arshad Ahmad is an internationally recognized AI strategist, Principal Data Scientist, entrepreneur, and global AI educator dedicated to helping organizations harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence, data science, and advanced analytics. As the Founder and CEO of Decoding Data Science, he leads one of the Middle East's fastest-growing AI education, consulting, and innovation platforms, empowering businesses, professionals, and governments to accelerate AI adoption and digital transformation.
With more than two decades of experience, Mohammad has advised multinational corporations, government entities, startups, and SMEs on developing AI strategies, implementing enterprise data solutions, and unlocking measurable business value through machine learning, generative AI, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation. His career includes delivering AI and data initiatives for global organizations such as Accenture, Hewlett Packard (HP), Dell Technologies, Majid Al Futtaim, and Nakheel.
A passionate ecosystem builder and advocate for AI literacy, Mohammad has mentored more than 3,000 aspiring AI and data professionals while cultivating a thriving global community of over 127,000 AI practitioners, innovators, and technology leaders. Through executive masterclasses, industry workshops, hackathons, and advisory engagements, he equips leaders with the knowledge and practical frameworks needed to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
A sought-after international keynote speaker, Mohammad regularly addresses leading technology and innovation forums, including GITEX, LEAP, the Global AI Show, and other prominent global conferences. His presentations focus on artificial intelligence strategy, enterprise transformation, responsible AI adoption, and the future of work, offering practical insights that help founders, investors, family offices, executives, and policymakers leverage AI as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and long-term competitive advantage.
Through his work, Mohammad remains committed to democratizing AI knowledge, empowering organizations to become AI-ready, and shaping a future where intelligent technologies drive sustainable economic growth and human potential.
Adel Alawadhi is an internationally respected Emirati investor, business leader, and corporate strategist with more than two decades of experience advancing foreign direct investment (FDI), cross-border business expansion, and public-private collaboration across the GCC and global markets. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of The Corporate Group (TCG), and Vice Chairman, Edris Alawadhi Group, he leads one of the region's leading corporate advisory and business services organizations, helping multinational corporations, family offices, investors, and entrepreneurs establish, scale, and expand throughout the Middle East.
Since founding The Corporate Group in 2007, Adel has built a diversified platform providing strategic advisory, investment facilitation, corporate governance, business setup, compliance, and market-entry solutions. Through his leadership, the firm has become a trusted partner for organizations navigating the UAE and wider GCC, enabling investment, sustainable growth, and long-term value creation across sectors including healthcare, technology, AI, energy, aviation, transportation, education, retail, infrastructure, and professional services.
Before establishing The Corporate Group, Adel held senior leadership roles with globally recognized organizations including Dubai Ports, Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), and Serco, where he led government relations, business development, strategic partnerships, and corporate affairs on major infrastructure and economic development initiatives. His ability to bridge government priorities with private sector opportunity has made him a trusted advisor to business leaders, investors, family enterprises, and public institutions across the region.
Beyond his executive leadership, Adel serves on several regional and international advisory boards and industry organizations, including as Vice Chairman of Rail Operations for UITP MENA and President of the GCC Alumni Chapter of IMD Business School. He has also held leadership roles with the British Business Group, GulfTalent Advisory Board, and the Arabian Leaders of the Future Association, reflecting his commitment to leadership, innovation, and regional economic development.
A sought-after international keynote speaker, Adel regularly shares insights on foreign direct investment, corporate governance, investment ecosystems, cross-border expansion, leadership, and the future of business in the GCC. His mission is to strengthen collaboration between governments, investors, and enterprises, positioning the UAE as a global gateway for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Murtaza Manji is a business growth strategist, entrepreneur, investor, board advisor, and internationally recognized expert in leadership and organizational transformation. As the Managing Partner of Kaizen Consulting Group, he works with founders, business owners, and executive leadership teams across more than 45 countries, helping organizations scale sustainably, strengthen leadership, and build enduring, high-value businesses.
Through Kaizen Consulting Group, Murtaza advises growth-stage companies on leadership development, organizational design, governance, operational excellence, succession planning, and investment readiness. Together with the Kaizen team, he has supported more than 1,610 business leaders across 22+ industries, enabling organizations to accelerate growth, improve profitability, reduce founder dependency, attract investment, and successfully navigate strategic transactions and exits.
An entrepreneur and investor himself, Murtaza has founded and invested in multiple businesses across the GCC and East Africa, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing high-growth companies. His work bridges the gap between operational excellence and investor expectations, helping founders build organizations that are scalable, resilient, professionally managed, and positioned for long-term value creation.
A sought-after international keynote speaker and moderator, Murtaza regularly shares insights on business growth, founder evolution, leadership, governance, organizational resilience, and enterprise value creation. He is widely recognized for helping founders transition from building businesses that depend on them to building organizations that thrive beyond them — creating stronger companies, more confident leadership teams, and greater value for investors and stakeholders alike.
Driven by the belief that exceptional businesses are built long before a funding round or exit, Murtaza is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs with the leadership, systems, and strategic foundations needed to build globally competitive companies that stand the test of time.
