Biography of Umair Sheikh: Founder & CEO of Arazi Ventures & M-Khata & MD of Innovate47
Introduction to Umair Sheikh
Umair Sheikh is an award-winning fintech founder and a
passionate advocate for sustainability and responsible AI. Over the years, he
has established himself as a leader in promoting innovation, technology, and
entrepreneurship. His work spans across various industries, with a particular
focus on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and financial
inclusion. Umair is deeply committed to creating opportunities for growth and
development in emerging markets, particularly through the use of technology and
strategic collaborations.
Innovate47: Empowering Climate-Focused Entrepreneurs
Umair Sheikh is currently the Managing Director of
Innovate47, a program designed to empower climate-focused entrepreneurs.
Innovate47 recognizes the urgency of the climate crisis and the vast potential
that innovators hold in addressing environmental challenges. Through this
accelerator program, Umair and his team provide startups with the tools,
knowledge, and connections they need to scale their solutions and make a
significant impact on climate change. The program serves as a vital platform
for the next generation of entrepreneurs who are driven by environmental
consciousness.
The Founder Institute: Building Global Startups
In addition to his role at Innovate47, Umair is also a
Director at the Founder Institute, a renowned global network that helps turn
ideas into fundable startups. The institute has been instrumental in launching
over 7,500 companies across more than 200 cities worldwide. As a mentor and
advisor, Umair plays a critical role in guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and
startups, helping them transform their ideas into sustainable businesses. His
experience with the Founder Institute reflects his dedication to fostering
entrepreneurial growth on a global scale.
Supporting Global Commerce through the International Trade
Council
Umair's commitment to global business development extends to
his role as Chapter Chairperson of the International Trade Council. The council
is dedicated to promoting international trade by minimizing barriers and
enhancing global commerce through education, networking, and insightful
business intelligence. As a leader in the council, Umair actively works to
create opportunities for businesses to expand into international markets,
helping them navigate the complexities of global trade.
GreenTec Capital Partners: Climate Adaptation Investments
Furthering his passion for sustainability, Umair serves as
the Country Consultant for GreenTec Capital Partners in Pakistan. GreenTec
focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that provide
innovative climate change adaptation solutions. Through his role, Umair helps
these businesses access the capital they need to scale up their operations and
enter new markets. His work with GreenTec reflects his dedication to fostering
sustainable businesses that contribute to the fight against climate change.
Mentoring Breakthrough Startups at Orbit Startups
As a mentor at Orbit Startups, Umair plays a pivotal role in
scaling breakthrough startups across emerging markets, including Southeast
Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Orbit Startups
invests in innovative companies that have the potential to drive positive
change in these regions. Through his mentorship, Umair provides valuable
insights and guidance to startups, helping them refine their strategies and
reach their full potential. His involvement with Orbit Startups further demonstrates
his commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent.
Biography of Umair Sheikh: Founder & CEO of Arazi Ventures & M-Khata & MD of Innovate47/mobile-based bookkeeping and payment solution/Arazi Ventures
Stanford Seed: Mentoring Future Leaders
Umair also contributes as a mentor at Stanford Seed, a
program designed to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses. The
five-month program, led by Stanford Graduate School of Business faculty,
combines expert sessions, practical insights, and mentorship to help
entrepreneurs grow their ventures. Umair's role in the program is crucial in
providing startups with the necessary tools to position themselves for success.
His participation in Stanford Seed reflects his dedication to empowering the next
generation of business leaders.
Advising SAWiE Ecosystems on Revolutionizing Agriculture
Umair’s strategic guidance extends to SAWiE Ecosystems, an
agricultural startup in Pakistan. As an advisor, Umair provides his expertise
to help SAWiE achieve its mission of revolutionizing agriculture in Pakistan.
His insights help the company navigate the challenges of modern agriculture,
driving innovation and sustainable practices in the sector. Umair's work with
SAWiE Ecosystems highlights his ability to apply his expertise across a range
of industries, from fintech to agriculture.
Arazi Ventures: Promoting Financial Inclusion
In 2017, Umair founded Arazi Ventures, a technology company
focused on promoting financial inclusion. Arazi Ventures connects retail
investors with institutional-quality investment opportunities, making it easier
for individuals to invest in high-quality assets. The company is a pioneer in
alternative finance in Pakistan, providing innovative solutions that help
increase access to capital. Arazi Ventures is recognized as one of the leading
fintech companies in the region, reflecting Umair’s leadership in driving
financial inclusion and democratizing access to investment opportunities.
M-Khata: Empowering Small Businesses in Pakistan
Umair is also the founder and CEO of M-Khata, a rapidly
growing fintech company aimed at empowering small businesses in Pakistan. The
company's flagship product is a bilingual mobile application that simplifies
bookkeeping and payments for small businesses. With over 100,000 downloads and
more than 60,000 active users, M-Khata is helping businesses streamline their
financial operations and boost their profitability. Umair’s work with M-Khata
is a testament to his dedication to improving the financial well-being of small
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.
Timeline for Umair Sheikh:
2017 - Founded Arazi Ventures, promoting financial inclusion
and alternative finance in Pakistan.
2017 onwards - Launched M-Khata, empowering small businesses
with mobile-based bookkeeping and payment solutions.
Role in GreenTec Capital Partners - Served as Country
Consultant in Pakistan, supporting climate adaptation solutions.
Role at Orbit Startups - Mentored startups in emerging
markets, scaling breakthrough companies.
Role at Stanford Seed - Mentored entrepreneurs in a program
helping businesses scale.
Role at Innovate47 - Managing Director of Innovate47,
empowering climate-focused entrepreneurs.
Role at The Founder Institute - Director, guiding global
startups toward sustainable growth.
Role at International Trade Council - Chapter Chairperson,
promoting global commerce and trade.
Advising SAWiE Ecosystems - Guided agricultural innovation
and sustainability in Pakistan.
