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Abbas Kazmi

Background​

  • Serial entrepreneur, investor, and advisor who attended Oxford University as an academic scholar
  • Highly recognized in startup and venture capital ecosystems globally
  • Academic scholar at both Westminster School and Oxford University
  • Founded his first successful company at age 16

Education & Academic Involvement​

  • Oxford University: Academic scholar
  • Westminster School: Academic scholar
  • Teaching Experience: Guest lectured and taught at Oxford, Cambridge, LBS, LSE, UCL, INSEAD, and more
  • The Oxford Guild: Chairman of the largest university society in the world, hosting high-profile guests including Sam Altman, Kanye West, Woody Harrelson, and Malala

Professional Experience​

Entrepreneurship & Investment​

  • Oxford Accelerator: CEO and Co-founder, business incubator hosted by Oxford University
  • Collegiate Capital: Co-founder, venture capital firm
  • BlackWood Ventures: Co-founder and partner
  • SABAH.fund: Co-founder and partner
  • Multiple VC fund partnerships and investment roles

Technology & Innovation Focus​

  • Passionate about blockchain, metaverse, and AI technologies with active involvement since 2014
  • Advisor to governments including UK and Azerbaijan on innovation, blockchain, and metaverse
  • Judges leading startup competitions including MIT Innovators Under 35
  • Speaks at major global conferences including Davos and Forbes 30Under30 Summit

Awards & Recognition​

  • Forbes 30Under30 Standout
  • Maserati 100
  • Great British Entrepreneur Awards: Entrepreneurs' Champion of the Year
  • StartupsUK: Young Entrepreneurs of the Year and Business Growth Enablers of the Year
  • United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Fellow
  • World Economic Forum Global Shaper

Leadership & Advisory Roles​

  • Chairman of The Oxford Guild (largest university society globally)
  • Government advisor on innovation, blockchain, and metaverse (UK and Azerbaijan)
  • United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Fellow
  • World Economic Forum Global Shaper
  • Judge for leading startup competitions and conferences

Other Initiatives & Interests​

  • Co-founder: Horizon Global Network, All In startup diversity pledge
  • Co-founder: Global Fintech & Blockchain Conference
  • Co-founder: Spirited Network Covid-19 relief platform
  • Film Industry: Co-producer of several films
  • Active in diversity and inclusion initiatives in startup ecosystem

Connection to Gary Sheng and Network​

  • Introduced by Marcus Noel as strategic contact for Saudi Arabia education partnerships
  • Part of Marcus's international expansion strategy for kingdom building initiatives
  • Potential facilitator for connecting Alpha Schools/Gary with Middle Eastern education markets
  • Connected to billionaire contacts Marcus met in London
  • Positioned as key to international business development and educational partnerships

Strategic Value for Kingdom Building​

  • Global Network: Extensive connections across Oxford, venture capital, and government advisory roles
  • Educational Focus: Experience with educational initiatives and university partnerships
  • International Reach: Government advisory experience and global conference presence
  • Technology Expertise: Deep knowledge in blockchain, AI, and metaverse technologies
  • Investment Access: Co-founder of multiple VC funds with access to capital and deal flow

Potential Collaboration Areas​

  • Saudi Arabia education market expansion
  • Technology integration in educational initiatives
  • International university partnership development
  • Venture capital introductions and funding opportunities
  • Government relations and policy advisory
  • Blockchain and AI implementation in education

Interactions​

  • 2025-07-13: First mentioned by Marcus Noel in conversation with Gary Sheng as key contact for Saudi Arabia education partnerships. Marcus outlined strategic plan involving Abbas for international education deals and billionaire introductions.

Next Steps​

  • Formal introduction through Marcus Noel
  • Explore specific Saudi Arabia education partnership opportunities
  • Understand potential collaboration on Alpha Schools international expansion
  • Leverage Oxford connections for educational innovation
  • Explore VC fund connections for kingdom building initiatives

Notes​

  • Represents high-level strategic contact with significant influence in Oxford academic circles
  • Strong government advisory background could be valuable for policy-level educational initiatives
  • Technology focus aligns with potential AI-enhanced educational models
  • Global conference presence and UN fellowship indicate international credibility
  • Film industry involvement suggests creative and media production capabilities

Key Opportunities​

  • International education partnerships through Oxford network
  • Government-level educational policy influence
  • Technology integration and AI enhancement of educational models
  • Access to high-net-worth individuals and VC funding
  • Global conference platforms for kingdom building messaging
  • Cross-cultural bridge building through UN and WEF connections