Archives: team-member

Rami Al Karmi is Exec Chairman @ Ab(new)normal Disruptors , Exponential Growth Mindset & Business Models Innovation using (AI, Blockchain, DeFi) in; FinTech, EdTech, Islamic Finance & Future of Work | VC | TEDx & Keynote Speaker Rami Al Karmi is a distinguished futurist, investor, executive coach, advisor, and innovation strategist. He is the Executive Chairman of Ab(new)normal Ventures – a Venture Capital & Corporate Innovation Studio founded by Rami to focus on AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3-based Digital Twin Exponential Business Model Ventures in FinTech, EdTech, and the Future of Work. Rami is also the author of the forthcoming book “AB(NEW)NORMAL – How to Evolve Your Mindset and Business Out of Hunger Games!” [ISBN 978-1-7361597-0-5]. Rami also serves as a Professor of Practice in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Online Learning Center OLC@HTU at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU). As a sought-after speaker, he travels extensively to discuss breakthrough technologies, cross-industry innovation, and lean exponential business models. Rami previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Group Chief Innovation Officer at Jordan Ahli Bank, and Founding CEO of Ahli FinTech. He made history as the 1st person to be approved by the Central Bank of Jordan for a C-level Chief Innovation Officer role in a bank. During his tenure, he co-founded AnaMeen.me, the first AI & Blockchain-based customer identity verification platform (eKYC-as-a-service) in the Arab world. Rami is a TEDx Speaker and Innovation X speaker at NASA’s cross-industry innovation summit. He is also a mentor at Outlier Ventures and Unreasonable Future, and serves on numerous boards, including the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), Fintech Galaxy, Al Raed Arabi School, and Think Barter Network (TBN). Rami founded his 1st startup at the age of 19, he holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Jordan, and completed the Venture Capital Executive Program at HAAS UC Berkeley, and “The Leading for the future”, and “The Leading, Organizing for Action” Executive Programs at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Senior Executive Program at UC San Diego, and is an Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Certified code of ethics Practitioner. Rami is a passionate advocate of First Principle Thinking, Exponential Organizations (ExO), and Lean Startup movements and is a regular judge, mentor & keynote speaker at the region’s main innovation, entrepreneurship & technology events. He designed and produced a number of events and interventions in this space, including the Ab(new)normal Talks Series, Startups Screwupedia, Master JEDI Pitching, LeanStartupProgram, and his popular innovation/futurist talks on the future of various industries.

Ahmed Abdelazim Alpajy is a dedicated Strategic Advisor, CFO, and Financial Services professional with expertise in FP&A, Fund Raising, and Financial Risk Management. Currently associated with Tamweel Aloula in Al Khobar, Eastern, Saudi Arabia, Ahmed brings extensive experience and knowledge to his role. Having studied at The University of Manchester, Ahmed’s educational background complements his practical skills in financial management. With over 1,929 followers and a network of 500+ connections, he has a strong presence within his professional community. Ahmed’s strategic insights and financial acumen make him a valuable asset in guiding organizations towards success. His passion for creating sustainable financial strategies and managing risks effectively sets him apart in the field. By combining his academic achievements with hands-on experience, Ahmed consistently delivers results and drives growth. Throughout his career, Ahmed Abdelazim Alpajy has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in financial leadership and a track record of achieving organizational objectives. His blend of skills, experience, and network make him a trusted professional in the financial services industry.

Paula Tavangar Chief Investment Officer, Injaz Capital is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected leader in the Fintech, Blockchain, and Quantitative Finance sectors. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Paula has taken on the role of Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Injaz Capital – External Asset Management. Previously, Paula made significant contributions to SwissBorg Ventures, where she leveraged her deep knowledge of blockchain technologies and venture capital to lead investments and drive deal sourcing. Prior to this, she co-founded Genesis Capital LATAM in 2018, where she played a pivotal role in developing a crucial algorithmic trading strategy. Paula’s commitment to innovation also led her to co-found Wethaq, an Islamic Fintech startup, in 2022, dedicated to issuing Sukuks (Islamic bonds) on the distributed ledger. Beyond her ventures, Paula actively engages with the World Business Angels Forum (WBAF) Global Startup Committee, where she represented the WBAF as a commissioner in the United Arab Emirates. Paula holds a B.A. in International Finance and an MSc diploma in Financial Engineering, specializing in Automated Trading Systems.

With over 25 years of experience in executive search, board development, and international growth, Dr. Nairouz Bader is the CEO of Envision Partnership, a certified woman-owned business enterprise that operates in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. She specializes in recruiting top talent for board of directors, chairmen, chief executive officers, and other senior leadership roles, using her vast network and market expertise. Dr. Bader is an active board director at the Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, as well as the head of CBC events and the COP28 head of CBC Dubai Connect Group. She dedicates her efforts to fostering trade and investment opportunities between Canada and the UAE. Additionally, she holds the title of OOE (Official Osec Expert) for human resources, certified by OSEC, Switzerland, and is a council member of the AESC Asia Pacific Council, representing the executive search industry in the region. Her mission is to inspire and empower leaders to reach their full potential and make a positive impact. Dr. Nairouz Bader is a respected figure in the field, known for her dedication to excellence and her commitment to driving growth and success for her clients and partners.

Shelli Ryan founded The CX Blockchain Institute to implement blockchain in the customer experience (CX) industry. Prior to founding the Institute, in 1996 Shelli Ryan founded Ad Hoc Communication Resources, an on-demand marketing services firm serving the technology sector, providing critical growth strategies in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific; and overseeing all aspects of the firm’s global expansion and operations with leadership over a network of 200 global consultants. Prior to founding Ad Hoc, Shelli managed hundreds of go-to market product and service launches of electronic banking software in 69 countries. Shelli was one of 100 women-owned businesswomen honored to participate in the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, TUCK-WBENC Executive Education Program sponsored by IBM. In 2009, Shelli was one of the youngest executives in her field to be inducted into the College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Shelli earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She also earned a Bachelor of Science with Professional Honors in Human Resource Management and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology.

Rohit Agarwal, a co-founder at Sora Finance, is a professional based in San Francisco, California, United States. With a background in finance and management from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Rohit brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He is known for his focus on building and hiring at Sora Finance, a testament to his dedication to growing and developing the organization. With 4,767 followers and over 500 connections, Rohit’s network reflects his influence and standing within the industry. Dedicated to fostering connections and collaboration, Rohit encourages individuals to reach out and connect if they share mutual interests or goals. His commitment to building a successful and thriving company is evident in his proactive approach to networking and recruitment. For anyone looking to engage with Rohit or explore potential opportunities within the realm of finance and management, connecting with him could lead to valuable insights and possibilities.

Michelle Bothe is a driven professional with a wealth of experience in the insurance and technology sectors. As the CEO of Finsure & Faroe, she is a respected figure in the industry, known for her expertise in insurtech and consulting. Michelle is not only a problem solver but also a tech stack architect, serial entrepreneur, and software builder. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Michelle is passionate about driving innovation where insurance and technology intersect. At Finsure, she leads a team dedicated to simplifying complex processes for MGAs/MGUs of all sizes. Michelle excels at navigating the tech landscape, whether it involves policy migrations, accounts receivables, or developing custom marketplaces and data warehouses to help insurers thrive in the digital era. Innovation is at the core of Michelle’s work at Finsure, reflected in Faroe, their groundbreaking SaaS solution designed to streamline insurance operations. Beyond financial clarity and automated policy servicing, Michelle is committed to making life easier for her clients. With a focus on policy administration systems and payments, Michelle is known for her expertise and collaborative approach. She is dedicated to finding optimal solutions for the unique challenges faced at the intersection of technology and insurance. Michelle’s ultimate goal is to pave the way for a brighter, more accessible future by addressing complex issues at the crossroads of tech and insurance.

As a senior product marketer at Q2, Debbie Smart serves as the voice of the modern banking customer and the evolving financial services industry. With more than 40 years of banking and treasury management experience, Debbie works to deeply understand Q2’s existing and desired customers, leveraging market research and competitive intelligence to forge new partnerships and influence product capabilities across Q2’s business product suite. Prior to joining Q2, Debbie served in multiple senior management roles in the financial services industry where she guided product development, payments innovation and more. She also spent many years at an FI managing the treasury management department and operations for electronic payments. Throughout Debbie’s career in financial services, she has been a featured speaker at numerous industry-wide conferences and has served on multiple boards, councils and task forces. In her free time, Debbie is an avid scuba diver and traveler.

Jessica Chen Riolfi is the Co-Founder and CEO at Uprise, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. With a background in product, growth, and international expansion, Jessica brings extensive expertise in fintech, payments, eCommerce, marketplaces, and consumer technology to her role. She is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences and improve lives through tech-enabled products. Jessica holds a connection with Harvard Business School and has amassed a considerable following and connections on her profile. With 4,023 followers and 500+ connections, Jessica’s influence and network reach are evident. Her diverse skill set and keen interest in driving innovation and growth make her a prominent figure in the tech industry. If you’re seeking a visionary leader with a track record of success in driving business growth and innovation in various sectors, Jessica Chen Riolfi stands out as an accomplished professional with a focus on creating meaningful impact through her work at Uprise. Linkedin Profile

Renata Caine is a Payments Technology Executive with a strong background in Corporate Strategy, Strategic Planning, and Global Expansion. Currently associated with Green Dot Corporation in the San Francisco Bay Area, Renata is known for her expertise in areas such as M&A, Corporate Development, Team Building, and Advisory roles. With a robust network of 500+ connections and over 4,449 followers, she excels in connecting people, building teams, and driving corporate growth strategies. Renata‘s specialties include corporate strategy, operational planning, partnership development, sales and marketing, international expansion, and contract negotiation. She is recognized for her keen insights into payments technology, relationship management, and business development, making her a valuable asset in driving success and facilitating global business growth initiatives. Passionate about innovation and connecting the dots in the ever-evolving payments landscape, Renata Caine stands out as a visionary leader and a strategic thinker in the industry.