Biography of Zia Imran: Entrepreneur, Investor and Startup Advisor from Pakistan
Biography of Zia Imran:
Early Life and Academic Pursuits
Zia Imran, a visionary entrepreneur and technologist from
Lahore, Pakistan, embarked on his academic journey by earning a Bachelor's
degree in Computer Science from the University of the Punjab. He further honed
his expertise with a Master's degree in Computer Science from the Lahore
University of Management Sciences (LUMS). These formative years laid the
groundwork for his future endeavors in the tech industry.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Global Expansion
In 2006, Imran co-founded VahZay, a startup specializing in
location-based services and mobile applications. The company's innovative
approach caught the attention of NAVTEQ (now part of Nokia), leading to its
acquisition in 2008. This success propelled Imran into the global tech arena,
where he collaborated with industry giants like Oracle and Altera in Silicon
Valley, gaining invaluable experience and insights.
Pioneering Pakistan’s Tech Ecosystem
Upon returning to Pakistan, Imran played a pivotal role in
establishing Plan 9, the nation's first technology incubator, under the Punjab
Information Technology Board (PITB). This initiative aimed to nurture startups
and foster innovation within the country. His leadership at PITB also led to
the development of over 300 projects, including the E-Rozgaar program, which
empowered thousands of freelancers.
Biography of Zia Imran: Entrepreneur, Investor and Startup Advisor/Pakistan/Angel Investor/Journey of Zia Imran/ Founder of VahZay and Trueface
Leadership in Technology and Innovation
Imran's entrepreneurial spirit continued with the founding
of Ripples, a social media platform that attracted high-profile clients such as
the NBA and the US Olympic Committee. The platform's success culminated in its
acquisition by Fresh Digital Group in 2017. In 2020, he launched Trueface, a
company specializing in facial recognition and computer vision solutions, which
has since been recognized for its accuracy and efficiency in identity
verification.
Contributions to Policy and Economic Development
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Imran has served in
significant governmental roles, including Managing Director of the Pakistan
Software Export Board (PSEB), where he promoted IT exports globally. Currently,
he serves as the Executive Vice President at the Centre for Economic Research
in Pakistan (CERP), influencing economic policies and fostering
innovation-driven growth.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Zia Imran's journey from Lahore to Silicon Valley and back
exemplifies resilience, vision, and leadership in the tech industry. His
contributions have not only transformed Pakistan's technological landscape but
have also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to push the boundaries of
innovation.
Timeline of Zia Imran’s Career:
- Early
Education: Completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer
Science from the University of the Punjab and LUMS, respectively.
- 2006:
Co-founded VahZay, which was acquired by NAVTEQ in 2008.
- 2008-2012:
Worked with Oracle and Altera in Silicon Valley.
- 2012:
Established Plan 9 under PITB, launching over 300 projects including the
E-Rozgaar program.
- 2015:
Co-founded Ripples, which was acquired by Fresh Digital Group in 2017.
- 2020:
Founded Trueface, specializing in facial recognition and computer vision
solutions.
- Ongoing:
Serves as Executive Vice President at CERP, shaping economic policies and
promoting innovation.
Recognition and Awards:
- Young
Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
- Google
Faculty Research Award.
- Sitara-i-Imtiaz,
one of Pakistan's highest civilian awards.
- UNESCO
Chair for contributions to ICT for Development.
- Recognized
among the 500 Most Influential Muslims globally.
Zia Imran's career trajectory underscores his transformative impact on Pakistan's tech sector and his ongoing commitment to innovation and leadership in global technology initiatives.
