Biography of Sonia Bashir Kabir : Only Female Technology Investor in Bangladesh
Biography of Sonia B. Kabir :
Early Years and Academic Journey
Sonia's educational journey began in Bangladesh, where she
completed her Senior Cambridge at Greenherald International School and her
Higher Secondary Certificate from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. She then
ventured to Silicon Valley in Northern California, where she spent two decades
pursuing higher education and professional training. Sonia earned a Bachelor of
Science (BS) degree from California State University, East Bay, followed by a
Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Santa Clara University.
Athletic and Professional Beginnings
During her youth in Bangladesh, Sonia was not only dedicated
to academics but also excelled in sports. She represented Abahani women's
Volleyball and Cricket teams and continued to compete at the national level as
a member of the Bangladesh National Volleyball team.
Diverse Career and Expertise
In Silicon Valley, Sonia gained extensive experience working
for Fortune 100 companies like Sun Microsystems and Oracle, as well as various
startups and financial institutions. Her expertise spans strategic planning and
growth, sales execution, financial management, team building, and change
management.
Leadership and Contributions
Throughout her career, Sonia has been actively involved in numerous
boards and organizations in Bangladesh. She served on the Boards of the
American International School Dhaka, Bangladesh Employers Federation,
Bangladesh Cricket Board (Women's Wing), Abahani Women's Games Development
Committee, and Women Entrepreneur's Association. Additionally, she provided
advisory services to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and
Industries (FBCCI), playing a crucial role in advocating for the private
sector's interests.
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
Sonia's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her founding
roles in various impactful organizations. She established the Bangladesh Women
in IT (BWIT), the first Women's IT Association in Bangladesh, aimed at
empowering women in the tech industry. Sonia also founded the Women Tech
Investors Network (WTIN) and The Angels Network (TAN), platforms dedicated to
fostering entrepreneurship and investment opportunities. Furthermore, she
played a pivotal role as the Founder President and current Advisor of the TiE
Dhaka Chapter, part of a global nonprofit fostering entrepreneurship
headquartered in Silicon Valley.
Sonia's journey from Bangladesh to Silicon Valley and back
has been marked by academic achievement, athletic prowess, and a deep
commitment to empowering women in technology and entrepreneurship. Her
leadership and contributions continue to inspire and shape the landscape of
both the tech industry and social development in Bangladesh and beyond.
From Corporate Leadership to Entrepreneurship
Sonia's career trajectory includes significant roles such as
Managing Director for Microsoft across Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and
Laos. She also served as Country Director for Dell Bangladesh and Chief
Operating Officer at Aamra Technologies Ltd. Her expertise in these positions
laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors.
Founding SBK Tech Ventures and SBK Foundation
As the Founder of SBK Tech Ventures and SBK Foundation,
Sonia focuses on empowering rural communities through technology. SBK
Foundation's initiatives, like "Tech Hubs," aim to bridge the digital
divide and foster innovation in underserved areas. Sonia also leads one of the
few 100 percent women-led venture funds actively investing in South Asia.
Sonia Bashir Kabir's current roles and contributions:
Founder and Managing General Partner of SBK Tech Ventures
Sonia Bashir Kabir leads SBK Tech Ventures, a licensed
Venture Capital (VC) fund aimed at fostering inclusion, bridging the digital
divide, and democratizing technology. She focuses on investing in tech startups
in South Asia, particularly those promoting gender equality and climate action.
Managing a portfolio of over 40 startups, SBK Tech Ventures goes beyond funding
by actively building ecosystems through initiatives like ExcelerateHER and Net
Positive, offering free training, incubation, and guaranteed funding.
Biography of Sonia Bashir Kabir : Only Female Technology Investor in Bangladesh/ Tech Startup/Founder of SBK Tech Ventures/ Journey of Sonia B. Kabir
Founder & Chairman of SBK Foundation
As the Founder & Chairman of SBK Foundation, Sonia heads
a licensed Micro Finance Institution (MFI) dedicated to empowering rural
communities, with a special focus on women and youth, through digital financial
inclusion initiatives. The foundation plays a crucial role in fostering
economic empowerment and sustainable development among underserved populations
in Bangladesh.
Board Member of Brac University
Appointed by Late Sir Abed, Sonia serves as a board member
of Brac University in Bangladesh, regulated by the University Grants Commission
(UGC). Her role involves contributing to strategic governance and educational
initiatives to promote quality higher education and research in the country.
Independent Board Member of IPDC
Sonia Bashir Kabir is an Independent Board Member of IPDC, a
non-banking financial institution (NBFI) regulated by the Bangladesh Bank. In
this capacity, she provides oversight and strategic guidance to ensure
effective financial services delivery and regulatory compliance.
Board Member of Shakti Foundation for Disadvantaged Women
Sonia also serves as a board member of the Shakti Foundation
for Disadvantaged Women, a Micro Finance Institution (MFI) regulated by the
Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA). Through her involvement, she supports
initiatives that empower disadvantaged women with financial services and
opportunities for economic independence.
A Leader's Journey: Sonia's Impact in Technology and
Development
Sonia has carved an impressive career path through various
high-profile roles in the tech industry across South Asia. She began as
Managing Director at Microsoft in several countries, including Bangladesh,
Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Laos. Her leadership extended to Dell Bangladesh as
Country Director and further as Director of Business Development for South East
Asia at Microsoft. Her expertise also shone as the Chief Operating Officer at
Aamra Technologies Ltd.
Global Recognition and Leadership
In 2015, Sonia's commitment to technology and development
was acknowledged by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, appointing her to
the Governing Council of the Technology Bank for the Least Developed Countries.
Her tenure was marked by effective leadership, leading to her election as Vice
Chairman of the UN Technology Bank in 2017. Antonio Guterres, the current UN
Secretary-General, renewed her appointment as Governing Council member, and she
continued as Vice Chair from 2019 to 2022.
A Commitment to Education and Sustainable Development
Beyond her corporate roles, Sonia's influence extended to
global education initiatives. She served as a board member at UNESCO's Mahatma
Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development,
contributing her insights to promote education for sustainable development.
Recognition and Achievements
Sonia's contributions haven't gone unnoticed. In 2019, she
made history by becoming the first woman to win the ICT Business Person of the
Year Award at the Daily Star ICT Awards. Her dedication and impact were further
highlighted when she received the Microsoft Founder's Award in 2016, an
esteemed recognition given by Bill Gates himself.
Championing Sustainable Development Goals
In 2017, Sonia was honored as an SDG pioneer by the UN
Global Compact, joining a select group recognized for integrating the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business strategies. She focused on
goals such as poverty eradication, quality education, gender equality, decent
work and economic growth, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities,
and partnerships for the Goals.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Sonia's passion extends to empowering youth in technology
and promoting gender equality. She actively supports youth-led initiatives
across Bangladesh, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive
growth in the tech sector.
Through her diverse roles and impactful initiatives, Sonia
continues to inspire and lead in the realms of technology, sustainable development,
and gender equality, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and progress.
Trailblazer in Tech: Sonia's Accolades
Sonia's impact and leadership in Bangladesh and globally
have been recognized through several prestigious awards. Her achievements are
not only groundbreaking but also pave the way for future generations of women
in tech and business.
Global Recognition
In 2022, Sonia made history as the first woman from
Bangladesh to be featured on the "Rest of World’s" 100 Global Tech’s
Changemakers’ list. This acknowledgment underscores her influence and
contribution to the global tech industry.
Local Recognition
Back home, Sonia's contributions have been celebrated with
significant awards. She became the first woman in Bangladesh to receive the ICT
Business Person of the Year Award from the Daily Star in 2019, highlighting her
exceptional leadership in the ICT sector.
International Acclaim
Among her numerous accolades, Sonia was one of only five
individuals worldwide, out of Microsoft's extensive workforce of 100,000
employees, to be honored with the Microsoft Founders Award. This recognition,
bestowed by Bill Gates himself, reflects her outstanding contributions to the
company and beyond.
Championing Sustainable Development
Sonia's commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs)
was recognized on a global scale in 2017 when she was named one of the ten SDG
Pioneers by the UN Global Compact. Her strategic integration of SDGs into
business practices sets a standard for global leadership in sustainable development.
Acknowledgment of Excellence
In 2016, Sonia was recognized with the Anannya Top Ten
Awards, further cementing her reputation as a leader in business and technology
in Bangladesh.
