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Varun Sharma
Co-Founder at Laumière Gourmet Fruits - TEDx Speaker
Professional Background
Varun Sharma is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary based in Dubai, where he channels his passion for technology and innovation into creating impactful business initiatives. Currently, he is the co-founder of Laumière Gourmet Fruits, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) company dedicated to revolutionizing the food industry with an emphasis on gourmet health offerings. Varun envisions a world where nature’s bounty is presented in luxurious, unique ways, setting new trends in nutrition, gifting, and self-indulgence.
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Varun honed his skills in various reputable organizations. His early career at Red Bull as a Student Brand Manager taught him the intricacies of effective marketing, while his roles at PwC—the leading professional services firm—allowed him to explore digital platforms and community-building strategies. At PwC, Varun quickly rose to become the youngest project manager in his Business Unit, leading high-impact projects in the Free Zone and Logistics sectors in Dubai. His dedication and innovative approach earned recognition when his last project was awarded the "Most Valuable Project" globally by OutSystems.
Outside of his professional commitments, Varun is deeply passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. He dedicates his time to helping others navigate the complexities of launching digital businesses and undertaking digital transformations, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to empower the next generation of innovators.
Education and Achievements
Varun's academic background is rooted in his studies at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, where he pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) in Computer Science. This solid foundation in computer science has been a significant asset throughout his career, enabling him to leverage technology effectively in various contexts.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Varun has furthered his education by completing the prestigious Certificate in Negotiation Mastery at Harvard Business School Online and obtaining a Core Credential of Readiness from the same institution. These accomplishments have equipped him with essential skills that enhance his business acumen, enabling him to negotiate effectively and make informed decisions in a competitive marketplace.
Varun's commitment to social impact was evident during his undergraduate years when he played a pivotal role in founding and leading Inara, the largest student-run non-profit organization in the UAE. Under his leadership, Inara grew to consist of over 400 volunteers and had an outreach of 10,000 individuals. His experience with Inara also led him to become a TEDx Speaker at the age of 17, where he passionately advocated for the potential of youth to create meaningful change in the world.
Achievements
- Laumière Gourmet Fruits: Co-founded a cutting-edge D2C company that emphasizes luxury and international flavors, aiming to transform how consumers perceive nutrition and healthy eating.
- Project Management Excellence: As the youngest project manager at PwC, successfully led multiple projects resulting in high customer satisfaction and significant business achievements, most notably the recognition of his project as the "Most Valuable Project" globally by OutSystems.
- TEDx Speaker: Inspiring youth and community members through a TEDx talk at the age of 17, discussing the powerful impact young people can have when empowered.
- Leadership at Inara: Drove the success of the largest student-run non-profit organization in the UAE, significantly enhancing community engagement and volunteerism among youth.
- Continued Professional Development: Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning by completing advanced courses at Harvard Business School Online focused on negotiation and preparation for business challenges.
Through these experiences, Varun Sharma has not only developed a robust professional portfolio but has also embraced the role of a community leader, mentor, and innovator within the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubai and beyond.
