Biography of Asif Keshodia: Co Founder Zip24 - Angel Investor & Entrepreneur
Biography of Asif Keshodia:
Professional Background:
Asif Keshodia is an Angel Investor based in Dubai, UAE, and
co-founder of Storfox.com. He is renowned for his role as the Group CFO at
Souq.com, which was acquired by Amazon, marking a significant milestone in the
Middle East tech sector. Joining Souq in 2011 as an early investor, he played a
pivotal role in securing over $400 million in funding, propelling Souq to
become the region's leading online retailer. Post-acquisition by Amazon in
2017, he served as MENA Regional Finance Director.
Education and Recognition:
Asif holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce & Economics
from the University of Karachi and is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) from the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. In 2016, he was honored as the
Best Retail CFO of the MENA Region by The CFO, a respected Middle Eastern
publication.
Experience and Expertise:
With over 20 years of experience, Asif has worked with
global giants such as PwC, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and Amazon, spanning
across the UK, South Africa, Russia, and Pakistan. Leveraging his extensive
corporate background, he now focuses on nurturing early-stage startups to
success, particularly in bolstering the e-commerce ecosystem in the MENA region
and South Asia.
Asif Keshodia is an Angel Investor based in Dubai, UAE, and
co-founder of Zip24.com, Shipox.com, and Storfox.com. He gained prominence as
the Group CFO of Souq.com, a leading Middle East tech company acquired by
Amazon. Joining Souq in 2011 as an early investor, he played a crucial role in
raising over $400 million, propelling Souq to regional dominance.
Post-acquisition by Amazon in 2017, he served as MENA Regional Finance
Director.
Asif Keshodia has accumulated extensive experience over the
span of his career, showcasing a robust history of leadership and strategic
roles across various industries. His journey began at PwC, where he served as
an Audit Supervising Senior for five years, gaining foundational skills in
financial oversight and audit practices.
Transition to Corporate Leadership
Moving into corporate roles, Asif Keshodia took on diverse
leadership positions at Gillette, spanning over 16 years. His roles included
Manager of Strategic Projects for Gillette European Group in London and various
senior management positions in South Africa, Russia, the UK, and Pakistan.
Notably, he served as CFO for Gillette Pakistan, contributing significantly to
the company's financial management and operational strategies.
Biography of Asif Keshodia: Co Founder Zip24- Angel Investor & Entrepreneur/ CFO at Souq.com/Dubai, UAE/MENA Regional Finance Director/CFO Gillette
Expansion into E-commerce and Technology
Asif's career expanded further into the e-commerce and
technology sectors. He held the position of Group CFO at Jabbar Internet Group
and later at Souq.com, where he played a pivotal role until its acquisition by
Amazon. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Amazon MENA Regional Finance
Director and Souq.com Group CFO, overseeing financial operations across the
Middle East and North Africa region.
Investment Focus:
Asif's investment interests primarily center around
e-commerce, marketplace platforms, and consumer goods. He typically invests at
the seed, pre-seed, and Series A stages, targeting markets in Pakistan, UAE,
and Australia.
Portfolio Highlights:
Some of Asif Keshodia's notable investments include:
Kamel Pay: A fintech company offering digital financial
solutions, catering to the underbanked expat population in the GCC and their
families abroad.
CLICKY.PK: Pakistan's leading online platform offering a
wide range of fashion and lifestyle products, including jewelry, handbags,
clothing, and more.
PriceOye: Pakistan's top marketplace for purchasing original
mobile phones and electronics, known for its competitive pricing and trusted
service.
GrocerApp: Simplifying Online Shopping in Pakistan
GrocerApp, led by Rai Bilal as its Founder and Chief
Operating Officer, is a leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan. It specializes
in offering a wide variety of affordable and stylish fashion and lifestyle
products online. From jewelry and handbags to clothing and sunglasses,
GrocerApp aims to provide a convenient and extensive shopping experience for
its customers across Pakistan.
Accolades:
In 2016, Asif was recognized as the Best Retail CFO of the
MENA Region by prominent Middle Eastern publication, The CFO.
This summary provides an overview of Asif Keshodia's career
trajectory, investment focus, notable contributions, and accolades in the
business world.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Board Membership
Demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen, Asif co-founded and
led a MENA Regional Building Materials company, showcasing his ability to start
and scale ventures. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for
prominent companies like InstaShop and GrocerApp, where he contributed to
strategic decision-making and governance.
Current Focus and Leadership
Currently, Asif Keshodia continues to make an impact as the
Co-Founder of Zip24, a role that underscores his commitment to innovation and
leadership in the logistics and technology space. His career journey reflects a
blend of corporate leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic foresight
in navigating diverse sectors and markets.
Board Memberships and Investments:
Asif has served on the boards of Souq, Payfort.com, and
Instashop.com (acquired by Delivery Hero). He actively invests in startups such
as GrocerApp.pk, Clicky.pk, and EzHire, aiming to empower young entrepreneurs.
