THE TECH VC BROWSER OF THE WORLD
The Speakers
DAVID GIBSON-MOORE
DSRPTD2021 Presenter
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President and CEO, Gulf Analytica.
Global Private and Investment Banking
He was based in Geneva as Chairman of the Boards of Chase Manhattan Suisse, Chase Manhattan Bank and Trust, Jersey and Chase Manhattan Luxembourg. He was also CEO and Country Manager, Switzerland and was personally accredited to Swiss National Bank (Central Bank). He also worked wth the Bank in New York for several years with responsibility for developing global private and investment banking.
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Mr Gibson-Moore subsequently worked in Saudi Arabia until 2000 as Executive Director of Investment Banking and Share Trading at Al Rajhi Bank based in Riyadh . This bank specialises in Islamic finance. New product areas such as direct equity investment, corporate finance, underwriting, real estate and venture capital were developed with international counterparties. The organization was in close contact with the majority of institutions, families and businessmen of any significance in the Kingdom. Investment seminars and receptions were organized throughout the Kingdom (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, Buraidha, Abha, Jizan).
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In 2000 he was based in Bahrain as CEO and General Manager of Robeco’s Gulf Regional Office. All major institutions in the Gulf including central banks, social security funds, other banks and insurance companies were regularly visited from C-level suite downwards. Most of the key family offices in the Gulf were also visited.
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Latterly Mr Gibson-Moore was Managing Director and Chief Representative of LGT Bank based in Bahrain with the role of representing and developing the Bank’s interests in the Gulf and the wider MENA region.
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Mr Gibson-Moore speaks French, German, Arabic, Spanish. He is a prolific public speaker and regularly presents and moderates at conferences in the Middle East.
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TALA
AL ANSARI
Keynote Speaker
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Director and Head, Innovation and Scale2Dubai, DISTRICT2020
Tala Al Ansari is the Director of District 2020’s Innovation Ecosystem. She leads the development and execution of District 2020’s ecosystem strategy that supports the curation of its innovation-
driven community. Her role involves building partnerships and engaging with the diverse stakeholders required across government, academia, accelerators, incubators and service providers.
Tala also oversees the implementation of District 2020’s global entrepreneurs’ programme, Scale2Dubai, which is focused on attracting innovative startups and small businesses that are looking to grow and scale their business to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region via the programme.
Previously, Tala worked with the International Participants team at Expo 2020. More than 200 participants and millions of visitors will come during this 6 month mega-event. In this team, Tala
was responsible for securing the participation of 13 strategic countries from Europe and Asia, as well as several International Organizations, NGOs and Academia. She also forged partnerships
for Expo 2020’s programming around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global development agenda.
In her early career, Tala did financial audit with KPMG and led the initiation of a group-wide Innovation Unit and Change Management Programme at Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) which was considered as a ‘Model Scheme’ by global accreditors.
Tala has been recognised as one of a few Expo 2020 Mission leaders by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy. She is one of the UAE’s first Nation Chief Design Officers, a certified trainer in creative lateral thinking, and an accredited change practitioner. She has a masters in International Business and HR alongside a bachelors in Business Finance.
AHMED REFAIE
DSRPTD Host​
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CEO and Global CIO, G.P.I. Global Partners Investments Limited
A mathematician and computer engineer who turned into the entertainment industry at a very young age to run the concerts for the most famous singers and Djs from all over the world at the most sought after and international venues. Shifted tremendously to leading a military troop as a lieutenant in the Air Defense Forces fulfilling his service.
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Switched to business and finance and started the second wave of his career as an equity portfolio and fund manager and FX trader. Deeply experienced in the hedge fund industry. Ahmed instructs the CFA Charter levels 2 and 3 as well as teaching on different topics for banking and investment professionals and practitioners such as Technical Analysis, Asset Selection and Allocation, Alternative Investments, and Risk Management.
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Refaie is a four time entrepreneur in 4 different sectors (Retail, FnB, Education, and Finance) across two regions (Middle East and Europe).
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Refaie leads G.P.I. the London based asset allocator for sovereign wealth and MFO Fund of Funds Manager Selection, as well as FDI Promotion Agency for governments for G2G Startup Acceleration Programmes and PPP Investor Relations and Communication.
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Refaie holds a BEng in Computer Engineering, the PMT Professional Market Trader Certification, Cambridge International Diploma in Business majoring in Marketing and HRM, the European Business Competence Licence Level A, and an MSc in Financial Engineering.
TATIANA KOFFMAN
Forbes Money & Markets columnist, Forbes
Tatiana Koffman is a Forbes Money & Markets columnist, investor and curator of weekly newsletter MythOfMoney.com.
She currently invests in digital assets and equities through her family office, the Koffman Group, and her Angellist syndicate, Moonwalker Capital.
Previously, Koffman worked on Venture Capital investments for Grammy-award winning celebrities the Chainsmokers and Linkin Park in Los Angeles, California. Koffman started her career as a derivatives trader at TD Bank in Toronto, Canada. She holds a JD/MBA from York University, is a member of the New York State Bar.
A recognized thought leader and speaker in finance and technology, Koffman has been featured by Forbes, Economist, Business Insider and TechCrunch. She has spoken on 40+ events in 12+ countries, keynoting and sharing stages with CEO’s and government officials. She has guest lectured at UCLA and is a TEDx speaker.
Koffman’s writings have been quoted and used as teaching material at UCLA, Oxford, Sorbonne University and Michigan Law Review.
ROB CHARLES
Goldfingr/M1NT Deal Club DSRPTD2021 Host​
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CEO, Goldfingr
Rob Charles has demonstrated excellence as an entrepreneur for over 25 years and a sophisticated investor for over 14 years, in the following industries: technology, entertainment, real estate, Oil & Gas, commodities, heavy equipment, art, and M&A. He has the vision of finding niches early on, building top-notch teams, penetrating international markets and creating cash flow businesses. His expertise is finding a niche, creating the concept, and building the company to a $25M to $50M market capitalization. Traditionally, he invests his own capital into his businesses, proving the concept before raising subsequent funding. His expertise is exhibited in a long track record of always executing.
In 1996, during the tech bubble, he Co-Founded his first tech startup and the 1st online art gallery, Universal Artz. After running the company for over 2 ½ years, he moved to New York and became a desired 1st hire for tech companies, leading sales and marketing efforts for several startups, such as Janus and icims.com. In 2001, after the tech bubble burst, he founded a consulting company, DMG, providing enterprise solutions for document process management and content management. From 2003 to 2006, as Founder/CEO he spearheaded international projects for Global Light Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, building schools in India and Africa for underprivileged children. Concurrently, he was investing in real estate from 2004 to 2010. From 2006 to 2009, he was also an executive life coach for select entrepreneurs and investors.
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He is the founder and CEO of Goldfingr the 1st Virtual Mastermind & Global Investment Club.
Founded in New York City (2014)
Goldfingr's exclusive members include:
- 14 Billionaires, 3 Former US Presidential Candidates
- Syndicate of high impact partnerships
- Thousands of World Leaders, Dignitaries, Diplomats, Entrepreneurs, Game-changers
- Over 100,000 accredited Investors (Angels, VC’s, Funds, Family Offices, & SWF's)
ANGEL LORENTE
CEO, FinTech Connector, USA
Connecting the Fintech World for Impact
Bringing emerging technology and intelligent automation to a global Financial Services company. Master FinTech Connector for finance & business enablers, organizations, and fintech entrepreneurs creating the next-generation of financial services innovation.
ANTONIA SAVARIA
Counsel - Cash App, Crypto Product and Program Compliance Management Lead, Square
Antonia is the Crypto Product and Program Compliance Management Lead at Square’s Cash App and
supports product development by providing subject matter expertise on global regulatory frameworks and industry best practices related to cryptocurrencies and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). She is an experienced investment management and regulatory compliance attorney, risk management executive, business adviser, and entrepreneur. Previously, as the Founder and CEO of Atlantia
Advisers, a New York City-based strategic advisory, regulatory compliance, and risk management
boutique, Antonia advised innovative and disruptive technology firms that utilize distributed ledger/blockchain, digital assets and smart contracts and provided strategic, regulatory and
transactional advice on matters related to corporate and securities law, regulatory frameworks in the
US and foreign jurisdictions, the New York BitLicense, digital exchanges licensing requirements, as well as C-suite advisory solutions.
Earlier in her career, Antonia held legal and compliance roles at global multinationals as well as entrepreneurial firms, including Morgan Stanley, KPMG and Focus Financial Partners. Passionate about FinTech, Antonia is a thought leader and frequently writes, speaks, and presents on the blockchain, digital assets, and FinTech topics, as well as cybersecurity and privacy, and teaches continuing legal education courses. She is a member of the Legal Working Group of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance.
ANTHONY SCARAMUCCI
CEO, Skybridge Capital
Anthony Scaramucci is the Founder and Managing Partner of SkyBridge Capital. He is the author of four books: The Little Book of Hedge Funds, Goodbye Gordon Gekko, Hopping Over the Rabbit Hole (a 2016 Wall Street Journal best seller), and Trump: The Blue-Collar President.
Prior to founding SkyBridge in 2005, Scaramucci co-founded investment partnership Oscar Capital Management, which was sold to Neuberger Berman, LLC in 2001. Earlier, he was a vice
president in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs & Co.
In 2016, Scaramucci was ranked #85 in Worth Magazine’s Power 100: The 100 Most Powerful People in Global Finance. In 2011, he received Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year – New York” Award in the Financial Services category. Anthony is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), vice chair of the Kennedy Center Corporate Fund Board, a board member of both The Brain Tumor Foundation and Business Executives for National Security (BENS), and a Trustee of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation. He was a member of the New York City Financial Services Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2012.
In November 2016, he was named to President-Elect Trump’s 16-person Presidential Transition Team Executive Committee. In June 2017, he was named the Chief Strategy Officer of the
EXIM Bank. He served as the White House Communications Director for a period in July 2017.
Scaramucci, a native of Long Island, New York, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Tufts University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.
BAIBA BROKA
Governing Councel Member, UNIDROIT
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President, Biatlon Federation, Latvia
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Former Minister of Justice, Latvia
Athletic Legal Councel and Former Politician
Member of the Governing Councel at The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), Former Minister of Justice of Latvia, and Drafting Working Group on the Regulations of Crypto-currencies at the Ministry of Finance of Latvia, professional practitioner of trade & commercial law, aviation law, and sports law through her positions at the Biathlon Federation, Riga Free Port, and Aviation in Riga.
Baiba is a lecturer on contraact law at a number of universities in Europe, LATAM, and USA, she also co-authored a book on legal writing.
ELENA ASTER
CEO, Aster Venture Capital
Venture Investor
Helping the best technological innovation projects to find the right investor and enter the global market.
Founder of Aster VC, working with Private Investors, family offices and VCs in various regions; China, UAE, Russia, USA, Europe, South Asia.
Graduated from Aerophysics and Space Research Faculty of MIPT (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology), Master degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics.
NICOLE PURIN
Senior Legal Councel, MEA & Pakistan, Standard Chartered.
Financial Derivatives Law.
She is a world citizen, who has lived in Saudi Arabia, India, London, the United States and is now living in Dubai, where she works as an international finance lawyer covering the Middle East and Africa.
Nicole’s success is based on her international outlook and her leadership style is highly ‘inclusive’. Her vision is that in the current global climate where collaboration is key, it is essential to promote a culture of respect and diversity.
Nicole is also an author at the Executive Magazine and has contributed to multiple legal publications. She is the executive producer of a documentary called “Beautiful Life of Women” which examines women’s empowerment in the Middle East through the creative industry.
Nicole Purin has always found her innate strength around ‘passion’ and ‘determination’ and wishes to empower others.
INGO RUEBE
CEO, KILT Protocol, Germany
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CEO, BOTLabs, Germany
Sovereign Identity
Experienced Founder and Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Skilled in Blockchain, Digital Strategy, and Content Management. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Diplom focused in Computer Science from Technische Universität Berlin.
He is the Project Lead at KILT Protocol a Blockchain-based Data Sovereignty, and the CEO of BOTLabs which works on the KILT Protocol for Revocable Verifiable Credentials.
ALI ABUZINJAL
Head of Digital Transformation & Business Development, SRTIP; Sharjah Research, Tech & Innovation Park
Digital Assets Investments
Emirati, engineer and entrepreneur with 18+ years of experience in Telecom, Smart cities, research, data privacy and technology business development.
Holds a master degree of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering for Khalifa University, previously worked in Etisalat the major telecom operator as head of IOE and smart cities and his last experience was in Sharjah research, Technology and innovation park (SRTIP) as head of digitization.
SRTIP is Government research institute established to promote future technologies and create social-economical impact throw the commercialization of research project initiated at universities.
Through his career he participated and launch many major projects such as, The first smart city in Abu Dhabi (Al Reem island), The first Wireless internet and broadband network in UAE and played a leading role on the launch of Etisalat Nigeria.
HANNA
BEREZHNA
Chief Business Officer, SafeHamsters League.
The world's first decentralised game.
Hanna is the co-founder and Chief Business Officer at Safehamsters League; the world's first decentralised game. She is in charge of business development, partnerships and marketing activities.
Prior to Safehamsters she has benn living in China since she was 15 years old. Graduated from Beijing Film Academy's Acting Department and worked as a Film Producer and Actress.
FERNANDO MARTINHO
CEO, Unicorn.win
Profit-driven Innovation.
A serial innovator with a track record of delivering profit-driven technology innovation and solutions.
Blockchain, Cybersecurity, AI, Data are Fernando's passion for many years, he is always experimenting with new technologies and is an early adopter as well.
Extensive expertise in Information Technology, Strategy and Roadmaps, Software Development, Infrastructure and Operations, Strategic Planning, R&D, Product Development and Quality control.
Great business capabilities through global application of technology integrations as versatile executive with a strong software development background shaping flexible solutions and positioning companies for market leadership.
Results-driven executive with expertise envisioning and leading technology-based, multi-million pound revenue and growth initiatives grounded solidly on business and economic value.
Impressive, fast track management career marked by demonstrated ability to build peak-performing teams and achieve cross-functional business objectives.
Valued member of senior teams, contributing a seasoned, broad-based perspective to create pragmatric strategies and implementation plans designed for maximum return at the lowest possible costs.
MATTHIAS MENDE
CEO, Bonuz
Bridging Value
Matthias Mende. A German Entrepreneur who has been based in Dubai since 2007. In 2011 he founded MEMMOS, an social media agency and digital think tank which has specialized in social media marketing, growth hacking, Influencer and Celebrity Campaigns.
In 2016 Mende fell in love with bitcoin, this inspired him to learn more about the blockchain. Besides being a Crypto Influencer on his Social Media Handles, Mende experienced mining crypto and trading crypto extensively too.
In 2018 he joined Block Gemini which is the middle east largest award-winning blockchain software development house and served as Chief Strategic Officer where he helped on some of the most disruptive enterprise blockchain implementations for governments and other billion-dollar enterprises.
Mende holds advisory positions in successful international projects such as the German HYGH AG and advises the CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center, which is the highest government-related blockchain office in the UAE.
Currently, he is focused on building the Bonuz Market Eco System. This is a revolutionary platform on the Solana Blockchain that will connect fans with their favorite celebrities like never before. Mende funded the first round by giving an opportunity to his follower community without giving out any project related details, this showcases his influence in the space.
Hadi has enjoyed working with some of the biggest names in the business intelligence field like Naseba, Aura Events, IQPC and the Dubai World Trade Centre, Al Harithy Group of Exhibitions, and MEED Events, one of the most established Conference organizers in the GCC, and now the CEO of Agora Group. A strong advocate for the power of Exhibitions and Conferences to bridge cultural gaps and to create business opportunities that lead to increased profitability and sustained growth, he thrives on the creativity and the never ending possibilities that this line of work offers.
KRISTINA LUCREZIA CORNER
Editor in Chief, Cointelegraph
Advocate of innovations, environmental consciousness and women's rights
Currently building an editorial strategy and ensuring content-quality for Cointelegraph the leading global media outlet dedicated to cryptocurrencies, blockchain and fintech.
With an M.A. in political science and classical philology, she been working in communication and journalism for over 10 years, covering energy, urban, green, information, financial technologies and other innovations aimed at a sustainable future.
RICO PANG
CEO and Founding Partner, Sanctum Global Ventures.
Global Venture Building.
Rico is the Co-founder and Global Managing Partner of Sanctum Global Ventures - The Ecosystem fund to incubate unicorns with the emerging technologies that contribute towards the development of Global Digital Economy, Smart Cities & Social Impacts.
Rico has been interviewed by media globally including CNBC, ABC News & China News. He is frequently invited as keynote speaker at conferences including Australia National Education Conference, Malaysia-China Entrepreneur Conference, China-ASEAN E-Commerce Summit, Asia Blockshow, Malta AI & Blockchain Summit. Rico also appeared on Live Broadcast for <ASEAN Business Opportunities> production by China Nanning TV Channel.
Rico was the Charter President of New Century Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur City Centre at the aged of 21 after awarded the Top Leo Club President for District 308B1. He was elected as the National President for the Australia International Student Peak Body NLC for two consecutive terms. Since then, he has been a serial entrepreneur and spend most of his time on building businesses that will make a positive impact working with like minded partners.
Website
JIMMY NGUYEN
Founding President, Bitcoin Association
A Better World
Jimmy is a global advocate for Bitcoin SV -the only Bitcoin project following the original protocol, design and "Satoshi Vision" of Bitcoin’s creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Emerging from the November
15, 2018 hard fork of the Bitcoin Cash (BCH) network, BSV has restored Bitcoin's original protocol and is massively scaling to become the world’s peer-to-peer electronic cash system and global
blockchain for enterprises. Educating the world about the power of BSV, Jimmy is a renowned public speaker and media commentator who speaks about Bitcoin and blockchain technology at events
across the globe. Jimmy joined nChain (the leading blockchain research &
development firm), and then helped launch the Bitcoin Association after a 21-year career as an intellectual property and digital technology lawyer. He has been a Certified Information Privacy
Professional/U.S. Over his legal career, Jimmy was a partner at three major U.S. law firms – most recently Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. He represented multinational corporates and emerging
companies in many sectors – including technology, entertainment & media, sports, financial services, consumer products, retail, and automotive.
Jimmy graduated college at age 19 and law school at age 22. In 2008, Lawdragon named him (at only age 36) one of the “500 Leading Lawyers in America” and described him as a “dynamo talent.” He has also been recognized by the Century City Bar Association as “Intellectual Property Lawyer of the Year” (2011);
and by the Association of Media & Entertainment Counsel with its Industry Leader Award (2017). For his diversity leadership, Jimmy has been named a “Top 100 Under 50 Diverse Executive
Leader” (2015) by Diversity MBA magazine and was inducted into California Minority Counsel Program’s Diversity Hall of Fame (2015).
Jimmy was formerly Chair of the State Bar of California’s Intellectual Property Law section, and co-chaired the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s IP, Internet & New Media section. A strong diversity
advocate, he co-chaired the California Minority Counsel Program.
DR. MAZDAK RAFATY
Chairman, AHK German Startup Desk
Foreign Direct Investment
With more than 14 years of international professional experience, Dr. Mazdak Rafaty is specialized on different aspects of Entrepreneurship, Foreign Direct Investment and start-up mentoring. As the Chairman and co-initiator of the AHK Start-up Desk of the German Emirati Join Chamber of Commerce he actively contributes to building a bridge between the German and Middle Eastern start-up communities and tech scenes. He published his views on economic development of MEA Region in fDi Magazine of FT.
HIMANSHU YADAV
Founding Partner & CIO, Woodstock Fund
Strategic Investments
Himanshu has over 10 years experience in Startups, Business Development, Project Management and Investments. He is passionate about Entrepreneurship, Blockchain Technology and Renewable Energy, and loves outdoor sports, meditation and cold showers. Quality education for all is an issue close to his heart and he actively contributes to child education non-profit organizations. Himanshu is currently Founding Partner at Woodstock Fund (www.woodstockfund.com). Woodstock Fund is focused on investing in Public DLT, DeFi, NFTs and Tokenization & Web 3.0 protocols & applications. Himanshu is an Electronics Engineer and Mathematics majors from BITS-Pilani and has represented his state Haryana in National Engineering Olympiad in India. He has certifications in Blockchain Revolution from INSEAD University, Investment and Portfolio Management from RICE University and Private Equity and Venture Capital from Bocconi University. His expertise lies in understanding the technology space and investment opportunities therein, and managing the investment portfolio. He has been able to invest in some of the best blockchain projects in the last 3 years and was recently featured in the list of Blockchain catalysts in India who are keeping the fire burning for DLT in India.
SMIYET
BELRHITI
Head of CorpDev & Venture Investments, Visa
Payment & Fintech
Smiyet is currently the Head of CorpDev and Venture investments for Visa in the CEMEA region. As part of his current role at Visa, he focuses on investment opportunities in the payment and fintech space across Central Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Prior to joining Visa, Smiyet spent 14 years in growth and venture capital across several sectors and several regions. Smiyet holds a bachelor in Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal and a Master in Business Administration from Columbia Business School.
OLIVER VON WOLFF
Managing Director, Crypto Valley Venture Capital
Startups' and Management Buyouts
Oliver von Wolff is Managing Director of CV VC & CV Labs Dubai, an early-stage venture capital investor and blockchain ecosystem builder, headquartered in Switzerland with branches in Liechtenstein, South Africa and Dubai.
Prior, Oliver was Group CFO & Equity Partner of a global crypto asset management and blockchain-focused venture capital group and Managing Director of a joint venture with a stock listed equity company on the Xetra Frankfurt.
Oliver has over 15 year’s management experience, as CFO and Co-Founder responsible for different start-up’s and management buy outs. He has a proven track record in company transformations in different industries and is well connected in Dubai and the GCC region.
Oliver holds an MBA in international management, degrees in economics and business and attended New York University to study international corporate finance.
With an abundance of global experience, Oliver has a strong understanding of various markets and industries, particularly throughout Europe and Middle East.
JAMES BOWATER
Crypto Insider, CITY A.M., Editor-at-Large, CRYPTO A.M.
Global Ambassador and Advisor
James has travelled the world meeting the industry at large and has built a global following and community with the WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal platforms.
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James is the founder of the London Blockchain Forum, the Global Ambassador for World Mobile, an advisor & Foundation board member at MELD, an advisor to Boson Protocol, an advisor to CUDOS, an investor & advisor to Cornucopias “The Island”, and ambassador for BEQUANT.
MELANIE MOHR
CEO, WOMProtocol.io & Yeay.com
Word Of Mouth Marketing
A Berlin-based entrepreneur with 20 years experience in media, marketing and mobile applications. In 2016 she founded YEAY - the leading community for Generation Z to share honest recommendation videos with one another about the lifestyle productsthey love. In 2018 she became the founder and CEO of the WOM Protocol, the blockchain company helping brands tap into peer-to-peer recommendations, and digital publishers monetise their platforms in a user friendly way through word-of-mouth content. Melanie is a four-time founder and a string female presence in the tech and blockchain scenes. She is a member and Global Chapter Chair of the Prestigious H2 network as well as a Chapter Lead of the Disruption Disciples. Melanie is a frequent speaker at tech, blockchain and marketing events around the world.
DR. PETAR
STOJANOV
Practice Lead, Innovation and Future Strategy Partner at Black
Impact extending into the billions
A quantum physicist turned future strategist, Petar applies learnings from science to help governments and organisations solve complex innovation challenges, advising on the impact of disruptive new technologies and business models to shape the future how we will live, work and play. His team has worked to develop regulatory and policy frameworks around disruptive technologies, accelerate national talent, and build innovation portfolios with tangible human and commercial impact extending into the billions.
NADA ABANDAH
OPM3 Advisory Board, PMI; Project Management Institute.
Project Management
With a passion to help organizations transform their potential into real performance, Ms. Abandah uses her 20+ experience consulting and practical experience to enable real and rapid change in organizations across various industries. Nada walks with her clients hand in hand in creating a difference in bottom lines and addresses real pains. She has lead PMOs, managed high-profile programs and projects in private and public sectors, consulted for Fortune 500 companies, started 6 companies, & still refuses to call herself an entrepreneur. Ms. Nada A. Abandah is considered a pillar in the region for matters concerning Organizational Maturity, OPM3, PMOs, Project Management, and Portfolio Management.
Nada just finished being an advisor to the DG of Dubai Health Authority where she lead the COVID-19 PMO, and moves to lead an Agile PMO in Abu Dhabi Maritime in mid-November.
If she's not in the office trying to come up with groundbreaking ideas to turn around the business, you can probably find her climbing a mountain or hiking somewhere.
DR. PAVEL KRAVCHENKO
Co-founder & CEO, Distributed Lab
Building the Financial Internet
Cryptographer and PhD in Information Security. Co-author of 5 books, including 3-volume textbook “Blockchain and Decentralized Systems”. The global public speaker on emerging blockchain trends shaping global business in the future, financial inclusion, FinTech, Tokenizations, innovation & emerging market in the world.
JORGE SEBASTIAO
Co-Founder, EcoX
Going public on Crypto Exchanges
International ICT speaker. Seasoned CTO, with blockchain, AI, IoT, cyber security, managed services, cloud computing, big data, and ICT innovation professional focused on business value; brings experience, creativity, structure, motivation, & agility. Over 30 years of ICT experience, covering, innovation, architecture as well as risk management, compliance, auditing, certification, business continuity, & disaster recovery. Served sectors include Telecom, Oil & Gas, Financial , Government, Defense, HealthCare, & Education. Created the process A6 of security: Assess, Architect, Apply, Administer, Awareness & Agility. He architects practical & business focused solutions using standards & industry best practices.
He has been the speaker at numerous international conferences with topics including: ICS Security, ICT Security, Business Continuity, ICT Architecture (TOGAF), Wireless Security, Regulatory Compliance, Physical Security, Biometrics and Smart Cards, Ethical Hacking, ISO27001, ISO27002 (ISMS), ISO2000 (ITIL), ISO13335 (Risk Management), ISO22301 (BCMS), CobIT, Basel II, EMV-2, PCI-compliance, SOX, Info warfare, Fraud, Identity Theft, SAP-Security, CISSP, Forensics & Incidence Response.
Jorge is action and results oriented with passion to deliver a results in a collaborative approach.
Mr. Sebastiao also co-authored book "La Face Cachée du Credit".
Languages Advanced: English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Learning: Italian, Greek, Arabic, Russian
Quote “Information security is a continuous skilled process…”
Specialties: Cyber Security, Cloud Services, blockchain, big data, IoT, Managed Services, Business Continuity, BCP, Disaster Recovery, DRP, Virtualization, CMS, Workflow, Storage Management, Infrastructure, Information Security, IT Architecture, TOGAF, Satellite, Wireless, VoIP, Managed Services, Physical Security, Homeland Security, CCTV, Training, Security Awareness, Ethical Hacking, Security Monitoring, Forensics, Data Recovery
PATRICK TSANG
Chairman, Tsangs Group (Family Office)
Positive Influence & Positive Impact
Patrick Tsang is Chairman of Tsangs Group, a fourth-generation Single Family Office from Hong Kong. Patrick invests in various companies with a positive influence and positive impact. Born and raised in the United Kingdom with deeply-rooted Chinese heritage, he has a robust global network as a seasoned investor.
He has worked on numerous IPO and M&A transactions globally and has successfully made investments in Asia, mainly in Hong Kong and China, North America, and Europe.
Patrick holds several prestigious appointments, including the Trade Commissioner of Grenada in Macau, to promote international business and investment.
A graduate from the College of Law in England, Patrick is a qualified solicitor in Hong Kong, England, and Wales. As a philanthropic advocate, he is a Young Fellow of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award World Fellowship and past President of the Rotary E-Club of Hong Kong. Notable acknowledgments include being awarded the China Economic Person of the Year during the China Economic Development Forum in
2014. Patrick is an international keynote speaker on China, finance, technology, fintech, blockchain, AI, and leadership.
Patrick's life motto is Anything is Possible; the title of his motivational web series featuring some of the most influential people worldwide, who generously share their insights on their road to success. Anything is Possible is aimed towards the younger generation as a movement to share positivity, overcome challenges, and create One World.
As quoted in CEO Magazine recently, Patrick believes, " We should be the best we can be, and we should learn as if it's our first day and live as if it's our last day," he says. "If everyone follows this principle, you can strive to be the best version of yourself, and that's when the best results come out."
Learn more at anythingispossible.global.
H.E. HUSSAIN AL MAHMOUDI
CEO, SRTIP: Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park
Research, Tech, and Innovation
H.E. Hussain serves a dual role as the
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
American University of Sharjah Enterprises (AUSE) and as the CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Both these entities were established through royal decree by the Ruler of Sharjah, who also directly appointed H.E. Hussain to these responsibilities in order to create
collaborative long-term relationships
between industry, academia and the public sector, fostering an ecosystem of
enterprise and innovation. Previously, H.E. Hussain served as the Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a Member of the UAE Chamber Federation, and GCC Chambers for 8 years. He was responsible for the overall management and operations of the Chamber including the provision of services to its members. In this role, he launched several strategic economic initiatives for Sharjah such as the SME Act, Sharjah Export Centre, Sharjah Commercial Arbitration Centre, and the Sharjah Business Forum.
H.E. Hussain has held leadership roles at leading regional and international
companies such as the Royal Dutch Shell Group, Emirates National Oil
Company (ENOC), and several Dubai Holding entities. He currently serves
as honorary board member of both, the Tatweer Forum and of Maastricht
University in the Netherlands, and as chairman of the Emirates Business
Council for Sustainable Development. He also serves as a board member of
the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).
H.E. Hussain possesses an MBA from the American University of Sharjah
and a BA in Economics and Communications from Seattle Pacific University in the US.
ERSOY ERKAZANCI
Bloomberg HT UAE Correspondent
TV Presenter and Moderator
Reporting daily financial market news on TV. Responsible from Middle East, Asia Markets and oil prices.
Experience in asset management, fund industry, both in sell side and buy side, investment consultancy for all investment products, especially equities and ETF's.
Specialties: Mutual and Pension Funds, equties, ETF's
Sustainability and Responsible Investment, ESG, Climate change
News, broadcasting, oil markets, interviews, moderator, panelist, master of ceremony.
JASON MEYERS
Lead Architect, AuditChain
Private and Public Companies Auditing
Jason Meyers is the inventor and lead architect of the Auditchain Protocol. Jason has 25 years of investment banking and venture capital experience.
Jason led hundreds of financings including the IPO’s of Medarex, Inc. ($2.5 Billion exit) and Alexion Pharmaceuticals ($41 Billion exit).
Jason Built the world’s first multi-jurisdictional equity compensation plan platform IN 2010 which included clients such as Facebook, Steve Madden, Rowan Cos, SIMS Metal Management, Kayak and many more.
Jason has chaired audit committees for private and public companies and sat next to the audit and
financial reporting profession his whole career. His experience lends a substantial amount of insight into
blockchain use cases. His work is shaping the architecture of solutions that he believes will lead to new
standards of transparency and frequency of reporting in the field of accounting, audit and disclosure.
KOKILA ALAGH
Managing Partner, KARM Legal
Digital Economy Law
Kokila is the Founder of KARM Legal Consultants and has 17 years of experience as a Corporate/Commercial and technology lawyer in UAE. She has a significant experience in investments, incorporations, joint ventures, project finance & private equity transactions. She has actively advised on acquisition finance, project finance transaction, corporate restructuring,
real estate finance and asset finance transactions. At KARM, she has provided legal advice to clients providing highly specialized technology offering including Blockchain, Open Banking, MedTech and InsureTech focused entities. Additionally, she has also advised clients on Security Token Offerings, Artificial Intelligence, Crypto-currency exchanges, Digital Wallets and deployment of FinTech services globally.
She holds the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme Certificate, Oxford University, UK, the Fintech Programme Certificate, Harvard Business School, an L.L.M. in Digital Economy Law, Monash University – Australia, and an L.L.B. with Honours from Symbiosis Society’s Law College, University of Pune – India.
SLEEM HASAN
Founder & CEO, Privity
The Father of Startups
Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in Venture Capital and the Japanese Capital Markets. Skilled in Investor Relations, Securities, Asset Management, Investment Advisory, and working with Technology Entrepreneurs. Strong entrepreneurship professional with a Part III Mathematical Tripos from Cambridge University & M.A.(Hons) Mathematics from Oxford University.
RIYAD ABOU JAOUDEH
Partner, MEVP; Middle East Venture Partners.
Tech Investments.
Riyad is a Partner at MEVP, where he has led and closed several investments in technology
companies across the MENA region. Riyad specializes in marketplaces, transportation, on-demand
logistics and SaaS. Riyad is a board member in several technology startup.
Prior to joining MEVP, Riyad was a Senior Associate with Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company) working
in the TMT sector with clients across the region on topics such as strategy, digital transformation and
smart cities. Riyad also helped launched an e-commerce platform focusing on toys and was country
manager for Qatar at Careem in the early period of Careem .
Riyad Holds an MBA from The Wharton School, a masters in Engineering from the University of Southern
California, and a bachelor of Engineering from the American University of Beirut.
MICHAEL GOLOMB
Official Member, Forbes Finance Council
Company building and growth.
As a senior executive, entrepreneur, company builder, and strategic visionary, He has enjoyed a career record of success in launching startup companies and leading them through explosive growth, and profitable exit or IPO, as well as senior leadership roles with mid-size and large, public corporations. He has been a key, transformational leader in two IPOs, multiple M&A transactions, and rapid business growth. He knows how to value businesses, inspire teams, and take organizations to new heights.
A few of his leadership successes include:
• Founder, CEO, and CFO of FanVestor - FINRA-registered equity crowdfunding and engagement platform connecting creators with fans.
• As CFO and Sect-16 Officer at DZSI (NASDAQ), lead $46M Public Offering of Common Stock, $40M senior secured credit facility, cross-border acquisition in Germany, while eliminating "Going Concern" and material misstatements from DZSI' financials. Key leader in 41% growth from $247M to $350M annual revenue run rate.
• As Bitfury’s CFO, Board Member, and 1st employee, helped build hyper-growth, market-leading Blockchain infrastructure company from zero to $500M+ valuation and from 3 to 120+ employees in 7 countries in < 2 years. Oversaw explosive growth to 50% EBITDA; now generating $650M+ in annual revenue.
• As Mayak RE’s Co-Founder and Co-President, formed successful JV with Morgan Stanley and MCP PE Fund in Europe.
• As CFO of Sistema Hals, led highly successful London/LSE IPO with market capitalization of $2.7B.
THIBAULT VERBIEST
President, IOUR Foundation
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Partner, MetaLaw
Fintech, Digital Banking, and Crypto Finance
An attorney in Paris and Brussels since 1993, Thibault Verbiest is partner with Metalaw, where he heads the department dedicated to Fintech, Digital Banking and Crypto-finance.
He is the co-author of several books, including the first book on blockchain in French. He acts as expert with the European Blockchain Observatory and Forum and the World Bank. Thibault is also an entrepreneur as he co-founded CopyrightCoins and Footpay. In 2020 he become chairman of the IOUR Foundation, a public utility foundation aimed at promoting the adoption of a new internet, merging TCP/IP and Blockchain
YASSER ALI
Cybersecurity Expert, Grant Thornton
DLT Security and Auditing, Penetration Testing, and WhiteHat Hacking
​A CyberSecurity Professional with extensive experience in providing consultancy and advisory services to enterprises on implementing CyberSecurity best practices, security architecture and critical infrastructure protection ; Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment ; Incident management and response; Information security and transformation strategy; Authentication and authorization; Web application security assessment.
Security consultant on Blockchain-based applications providing penetration testing, security advisory, ICO and smart contracts setup and protection consultancy.
Advocate speaker and participant in Information security industry discussions, panels, committees and conferences, specialized trainer, and featured regularly on different media platforms
TRIXIE LOHMIRMAND
Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre
Events Content and Management
Trixie LohMirmand the Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre for Events Management. She is also on the board of directors of The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Vice President of Women-in-Biz Engagement at Singapore Business Council, and a Board Member at both The Marketing Society, and the Mobile Marketing Association.
VINEET BUDKI
Partner, Phoenix Crypto VC
Serial Entrepreneur and Crypto VC.
A serial entrepreneur who has had a brilliant run in leading and scaling start-ups in the tech world. He has been an investor in the crypto space for over a year and has connections all over the world within the industry space with personal and fund portfolio of 76+ investments.
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Phoenix VC is a leading Venture Capital Based out of Dubai. They invested in 70+ crytpo projects within a span of 10 months, wherein they have not only received great investor returns but have also been fortunate to work with ground breaking projects such as Casper, Splinterlands, Paid Network, Launchpool and many more
DR. SUSI DATTENBERG-DOYLE
Queen of Gbi Kpoeta, Ghana, Founder of Right for Education Organisation.
Right for education.
Ongoing - Building of school in Kpoeta, Volta Region, Ghana Starting from 50 students to 1000. Crowned Queen Mother of Kpoeta, Mama Ngoryisi Dziwornu 1, Foundation status granted by Ghana to Right for Education for development work in Volta Region. Founded Right for Education (R:Ed) Social Media activities. Currently 7% of social media users in 45 African countries follow the page. 7.5 million users are Followers of the R:Ed Facebook page
