Biography of Kalsoom Lakhani: Founder & CEO of Invest2Innovate - Entrepreneur
Biography of Kalsoom Lakhani:
Kalsoom Lakhani's journey is a testament to her global
upbringing and her unwavering commitment to fostering innovation in Pakistan's
startup ecosystem. Born in Dubai to a Bangladeshi mother and a Pakistani
father, Kalsoom spent her formative years in Dhaka and Islamabad before
pursuing higher education in the United States, earning a B.A. from the
University of Virginia and an M.A. from George Washington University.
Born on September 24, 1982, Kalsoom Lakhani also serves as
the director of Social Vision, the philanthropic arm of ML Resources, LLC, an
investment firm based in Washington, DC. In this role, she evaluates and
supports seed financing for innovative organizations and projects in their
early stages.
Early Life and Education
Born in Pakistan and educated in the United States, Kalsoom
Lakhani's journey as an entrepreneur and investor is rooted in her
international upbringing. She pursued her studies in International Relations at
Mount Holyoke College, setting the stage for a career focused on global
development.
From Blogging to Impact
Kalsoom's professional journey was catalyzed by her
experiences and observations. Following graduate school, she entered the realm
of strategic communications, driven by a desire to influence perceptions and
bridge cultural divides as a Muslim working in defense contracting during
pivotal geopolitical moments. Dissatisfied with the limited scope for change in
her role, Kalsoom turned her attention to a different medium: blogging.
Kalsoom Lakhani: Embracing the Messiness for Impact
A Shift Towards Social Impact
In 2008, Kalsoom Lakhani embarked on a transformative career
shift, moving from defense contracting to venture philanthropy. This change was
driven by her deepening involvement in the global impact sector, where she
identified significant gaps. Attending conferences, managing grants, and
immersing herself in the complexities of global markets, Kalsoom recognized
untapped potential in countries often overlooked due to perceived challenges.
Discovering Opportunity in Complexity
Her journey led her to realize the overlooked beauty and
potential in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Vietnam. Despite prevailing
perceptions, Kalsoom saw these environments not as obstacles but as fertile
ground for innovation and growth. She became determined to address these
overlooked opportunities and make a meaningful impact.
Kalsoom Lakhani: Championing Social Entrepreneurship
Founding Invest 2 Innovate (i2i)
In 2011, Kalsoom founded Invest2Innovate (i2i), a social
impact organization dedicated to nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs in
Pakistan. Under her leadership, i2i has expanded its reach to countries like
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, providing vital support through training, mentorship,
and funding to over 120 startups. The organization's efforts have been
internationally recognized, earning accolades such as being named one of the
"World's Top 50 Innovators" by the University of Cambridge in 2013.
A Voice for Change: CHUP Blog
Since January 2008, Kalsoom has been the driving force
behind CHUP (Changing Up Pakistan), a blog dedicated to raising awareness about
critical issues in Pakistan. Her insightful commentary has garnered widespread
recognition, including a nomination for the Google Awards. Through CHUP, she
fosters dialogue and encourages action on pressing societal challenges.
Global Impact and Training Initiatives
Kalsoom's influence extends beyond Pakistan's borders. As
Washington DC co-ambassador for the SandBox, a global network of young
innovators, she has championed youth-driven solutions worldwide. Her writings
in esteemed publications such as the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Dawn
News, and Foreign Policy amplify her advocacy for social change.
Empowering Through Education and Initiatives
Driven by a passion for education and empowerment, Kalsoom
has conducted training sessions for aspiring entrepreneurs and civil society
leaders in Ireland, Cambodia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Her efforts have also
led to the launch of Thinkchange-Pakistan, a platform highlighting social
entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.
Biography of Kalsoom Lakhani: Founder & CEO of Invest2Innovate- Entrepreneur/ Pakistan/Inspire young entrepreneurs/partner at i2i Ventures/Investor
Kalsoom Lakhani: Championing Innovation and Social Impact
Kalsoom Lakhani, an alumna of the University of Virginia in
Foreign Affairs and Middle East Studies, has carved a remarkable path as an
entrepreneur and advocate for social change. As the Founder and CEO of
Invest2Innovate (i2i), she plays a pivotal role in fostering new businesses and
expanding the entrepreneurial landscape in emerging markets, particularly in
Pakistan.
Empowering Change-makers and Entrepreneurs
Kalsoom's commitment to nurturing talent extends globally.
She has provided training to change-makers, young entrepreneurs, and community
leaders in Cambodia, Ireland, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. Her initiatives aim to
cultivate a culture of innovation and social entrepreneurship across borders.
The Hero Project and Community Engagement
As co-founder of The Hero Project, Kalsoom celebrates and
shares the success stories of Pakistan's unsung heroes. On Facebook, she
actively engages with a vibrant community, fostering discussions with
intellectual minds and mentoring dynamic young leaders eager to make a
difference in society.
Navigating Entrepreneurship's Evolution
Reflecting on the burgeoning entrepreneurial landscape,
Kalsoom acknowledged both the vibrancy and the challenges. While increased
activity indicates growing interest, she emphasized the importance of focusing
on meaningful outcomes over mere outputs. In a space where entrepreneurship
trends as "sexy," she stressed the enduring commitment needed for
long-term success.
Challenges and Future Perspectives
Regarding the proliferation of incubators and accelerators
across Pakistan, Kalsoom noted a critical shift needed from quantity to
quality. Highlighting the value of these programs, she emphasized the necessity
of nurturing startups into robust, sustainable enterprises, rather than merely
graduating numbers.
Looking Ahead
Kalsoom Lakhani's journey from defense contracting to
venture philanthropy underscores her commitment to reshaping narratives and
driving impactful change. Through Invest2Innovate and her ongoing efforts, she
continues to champion resilience, innovation, and the transformative potential
of emerging markets.
Recognition and Impact
Beyond i2i, Kalsoom Lakhani is a respected public speaker
and commentator on entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. She has
graced stages at global conferences and events, sharing insights that have been
featured in prestigious publications like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and
The Economist. Her advocacy for social entrepreneurship continues to inspire
and drive change worldwide.
Influential Contributions and Accolades
Kalsoom's influence in international affairs and social
entrepreneurship has been widely acknowledged. She was featured in Diplomatic
Courier’s Top 99 Foreign Policy Leaders under 33 in 2012 and recognized as an
Ashoka Change-makers/American Express Emerging Innovator in 2013. Her academic
achievements include a Master’s degree from George Washington University’s
Elliott School of International Affairs, specializing in International Affairs
and Conflict Resolution.
Advocacy through Media and Blogging
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Kalsoom is the
founder of the influential blog CHUP (Changing Up Pakistan), established in
January 2008. Her writing has been featured in prominent publications such as
the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, Foreign Policy, Next Billion, and
Pakistan's Dawn Newspaper, contributing insightful perspectives on
socio-political issues.
Conclusion
Kalsoom Lakhani's career exemplifies a dedication to
fostering social impact through entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Her
journey from Pakistan to international acclaim showcases a commitment to
empowering early-stage ventures and shaping a sustainable future through
innovation and mentorship.
Timeline for Kalsoom Lakhani's journey, highlighting key
milestones:
September 24, 1982: Kalsoom Lakhani is born in Dubai, UAE.
Early Education: Spends formative years in Dhaka and
Islamabad.
Education in the United States:
Bachelor's Degree: Earns a B.A. from the University of
Virginia in Foreign Affairs.
Master's Degree: Completes an M.A. from George Washington
University's Elliott School of International Affairs, specializing in
International Affairs and Conflict Resolution.
Career Path:
Strategic Communications: Begins career in defense
contracting and strategic communications.
Shift to Blogging (2008): Starts CHUP (Changing Up Pakistan)
blog to address critical issues in Pakistan.
Founding Invest2Innovate (i2i) (2011): Establishes i2i, a
social impact organization supporting startups in Pakistan and beyond.
Global Impact and Advocacy:
Recognition: Named one of the "World's Top 50
Innovators" by the University of Cambridge in 2013.
Public Speaking and Advocacy: Speaks at global conferences,
writes for prestigious publications.
Philanthropic Work:
Director of Social Vision: Evaluates and supports seed
financing for innovative projects at ML Resources, LLC.
Education and Training Initiatives:
Global Training Sessions: Conducts training sessions for
entrepreneurs and leaders in multiple countries including Cambodia, Ireland,
Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
Thinkchange-Pakistan: Launches platform highlighting social
entrepreneurship in Pakistan.
Accolades and Recognition:
2012: Featured in Diplomatic Courier’s Top 99 Foreign Policy
Leaders under 33.
2013: Recognized as an Ashoka Change-makers/American Express
Emerging Innovator.
Ongoing Impact:
The Hero Project: Co-founds initiative celebrating Pakistani
heroes and fostering community engagement.
Advocacy Through Media: Continues to contribute insights on
entrepreneurship and social impact in publications like Forbes, The Wall Street
Journal, and The Economist.
This timeline encapsulates Kalsoom Lakhani's journey from
her early education to becoming a prominent figure in social entrepreneurship
and advocacy.
