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Saba Kalsoom
Programs @i2i | Growth, Scale & Fundraise
Professional Background
Saba Kalsoom is an accomplished professional with a strong background in technology, entrepreneurship, and community building. As a graduate from the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) in 2020, Saba has held various roles that highlight her leadership abilities and commitment to helping startups thrive in emerging markets. Currently, she is leading the Programs Ecosystem at Invest2Innovate, where she plays a pivotal role in assisting startups to scale their operations effectively within the MENAP region. Saba's journey in the startup ecosystem began in 2017, where she quickly established herself as a key player in Pakistan's digital landscape. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has garnered awards, secured funding, and has been recognized as a TechWomen Emerging Leader by the State Department of the United States.
Previously, Saba was a founding member of aiyin, a virtual reality-based educational startup that caught the attention of industry giants. The venture was recognized as a runner-up in the MIT Solve competition and received a grant of 1.65 million PKR through the Mohammad Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity in the UAE, leading to its successful acquisition in 2020. Her experience working closely with startups from the National Incubation Center in Islamabad and participating in the ScaleX Accelerator program has equipped her with the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary to be an influential figure in the startup community.
Education and Achievements
Saba's educational journey has been integral to her career. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision from NUST, laying a solid foundation for her technical knowledge. Prior to that, she completed her Pre-Engineering studies and Matric at Army Public School (APSACS), which fostered her analytical skills and critical thinking from an early age.
Apart from her academic achievements, Saba has made significant contributions to the tech community during her time as the Google Developers Student Club Lead for the academic year 2019-2020. Under her leadership, the club grew its membership by over 1000 members, empowering students to develop technical skills essential for their future careers. Saba's ability to engage with diverse groups showcases her natural talent for public speaking and community engagement.
Saba's commitment to supporting and leading startup initiatives continued at COLABS, where she spearheaded various programs aimed at fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her roles at COLABS, including Growth Lead for Ecosystem & Partnerships, have been pivotal in connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. Through her multifaceted experiences, Saba has become well-versed in leadership, management, and innovative problem-solving techniques, establishing herself as a trailblazer in the tech ecosystem.
Achievements
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Saba Kalsoom continues to enrich her knowledge and skills as a fellow at the Women Impact Alliance Empowered Leader program. This initiative allows her to further influence the entrepreneurial landscape, especially in empowering women in technology and leadership roles. Saba is driven by her dedication to impact-driven entrepreneurship and is passionate about leveraging technology to tackle everyday problems, creating solutions that benefit communities and individuals alike.
With her amazing foundation in artificial intelligence, experience in navigating the startup landscape, and her commitment to community-building, Saba Kalsoom exemplifies the intersection of technology and social impact. Her range of experiences and her enthusiasm for mentorship and skill development are commendable, positioning her as a thought leader in the innovation space. As she continues on her path, Saba is bound to leave an indelible mark on both the tech industry and the communities she engages with.
