Latest news with #MehwishSalmanAli


Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Mehwish Salman Ali elected President of CxO Global Forum USA Chapter
KARACHI: Mehwish Salman Ali, visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Zahanat AI and Data Vault Pakistan, has been elected President of the USA Chapter of CxO Global Forum, a leading international platform connecting global C-level executives, technologists, and thought leaders. This prestigious appointment reflects Ms Mehwish's extraordinary contributions to artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation across borders. As President, Mehwish will lead initiatives that promote collaboration between global technology leaders, foster innovation ecosystems, and empower emerging markets through sustainable and inclusive digital strategies. Commenting on this development, Mehwish said 'this appointment represents an opportunity to bridge technological innovation with strategic business leadership on a global scale.' 'I look forward to facilitating meaningful connections between technology leaders and driving initiatives that create lasting impact across industries,' she added. Mehwish's appointment marks a continuation of her impactful journey as one of South Asia's foremost female tech leaders. She raised $10 million from JR Dallas Tech Fund to scale Pakistan's AI ecosystem. As President of the USA Chapter, Mehwish aims at bridging global innovation corridors between the US, South Asia, and the Middle East. She will lead programmes that accelerate AI adoption in education, smart infrastructure, and digital health and expand the Forum's network by engaging venture capitalists, CIOs, and founders across emerging markets. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's first AI data centre launched in Karachi
Data Vault Pakistan has officially launched the country's first AI-focused data centre in Karachi, an initiative set to transform how the nation builds, deploys, and scales artificial intelligence. The launch comes at a time when Pakistan is trying to accelerate its national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. The next-generation facility is designed to fuel the ambitions of Pakistan's AI ecosystem, offering infrastructure for startups, researchers, enterprises, and government agencies, according to a press release from Data Vault. From high-performance Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) computing to secure cloud environments, Data Vault says it is making it possible for AI innovation to happen at home on Pakistani soil, 'powered by clean energy, and protected by sovereign infrastructure'. 'We didn't just build a data centre—we built a launchpad for Pakistan's AI future. Our goal is to give local innovators the tools and confidence they need to create world-class solutions, without depending on foreign platforms. This is about self-reliance, empowerment, and unleashing Pakistan's true digital potential,' Mehwish Salman Ali, founder and CEO of Data Vault Pakistan, said. With Data Vault, AI startups in Pakistan can now access enterprise-grade GPU-as-a-service to train and deploy models 'faster and more affordably'. This means faster go-to-market times, fewer limitations on compute power, and greater independence for local founders. Universities and research institutes can also benefit from partnerships with the facility, tapping into scalable infrastructure that supports deep learning, academic research, and applied AI, according to the press release. At the enterprise and government level, organisations can host sensitive workloads in a fully compliant, high-security environment ensuring data stays within the country and meets global standards for privacy and protection, it added. Data Vault claims to run its system entirely on solar power, making it Pakistan's first green data centre purpose-built for AI. According to the press release, it integrates advanced encryption and zero-trust architecture to protect sensitive workloads and critical infrastructure, and all data is stored locally. 'By providing affordable, secure, and scalable access to computers, Data Vault is helping unlock opportunities for every entrepreneur, engineer, student, and policymaker committed to building Pakistan's AI future,' the company said.


Express Tribune
07-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
US fund commits $10m to Pakistani startups
Listen to article A US tech fund has committed $10 million to two Pakistani IT entrepreneurs and IT experts have praised this move as it looks promising for the future. Tech analyst and expert Muhammad Yasir said that Pakistani IT firms are penetrating different traditional and non-traditional markets with their innovative products and services, which is a positive sign. Attracting investments from US-based companies will not only boost business growth and expansion of Pakistani IT companies but it will also improve the image of the country in the relevant sector, opening doors for other companies in high-end markets such as the US and EU. Pakistani IT companies need to reach more similar investors and venture capitalists in major traditional markets like the US, EU and non-traditional markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to expedite the overall growth of Pakistani IT exports and expansion. JR Dallas Tech Fund, the premier private investment arm of JR Dallas Wealth Management, announced a groundbreaking $10 million commitment to globally recognised technology leaders Mehwish Salman Ali and Malik Mudassir to spearhead an exclusive US-focused startup investment initiative. Under this landmark agreement, Mehwish Salman Ali and Malik Mudassir will receive $10 million in dedicated capital to identify, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups planning to scale operations in the US. The duo will serve as lead investment partners with full authority to deploy capital across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital health, and frontier technology ventures. "We are entrusting $10 million to two of the most visionary technology leaders of our generation," said Jehangir A Raja, Managing Partner at JR Dallas Tech Fund. "Mehwish and Malik represent the perfect combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial success, and strategic vision needed to identify the next generation of game-changing startups ready to conquer the American market." This $10 million commitment specifically targets startups with proven capabilities seeking to establish or expand operations within the US, creating a direct pathway for international innovation to contribute to American economic growth. The investment is likely to generate positive economic impacts as these companies are expected to generate 300-500 high-skilled technology positions within 24 months. Portfolio companies are projected to contribute $50-100 million in US economic activity within three years and accelerate breakthrough technologies in AI, healthcare, and cloud infrastructure. Mehwish Salman Ali brings unparalleled expertise as Founder & CEO of Data Vault, Pakistan's first solar-powered and quantum-encrypted AI data centre, Co-Founder of Zahanat AI, the country's first indigenous GPT model, and COO of AppsGenii Technologies. Malik Mudassir commands respect as Founder & CEO of AppsGenii Technologies, operating across the US, UK, and Pakistan, and Co-Founder of multiple successful ventures including GharPar, BoxesGen, and Dental Connect. The $10 million fund operates under a rigorous investment framework designed to maximise both financial returns and economic impact: "Receiving this $10 million commitment from JR Dallas Tech Fund represents more than capital; it's a mandate to bridge the gap between global innovation and American market opportunity," said Mehwish Salman Ali. "We are committed to identifying startups that not only promise exceptional returns but also contribute meaningfully to US technological leadership." Malik Mudassir added, "This $10 million investment enables us to support visionary entrepreneurs who understand that scaling in America requires more than great technology it demands deep market insight, operational excellence, and strategic partnership. We're here to provide all three."


Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
US fund taps Pakistani tech duo with $10mn to lead startup investment initiative
The JR Dallas Tech Fund has announced $10 million investment to Pakistani technology leaders Mehwish Salman Ali and Malik Mudassir, entrusting them to inject the fund into exclusive US-focused startup investment initiatives, Business Recorder learnt on Friday. 'Under this landmark agreement, Ali and Mudassir will receive $10 million in dedicated capital to identify, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups planning to scale operations in the United States. The duo will serve as lead investment partners with full authority to deploy capital across artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital health, and frontier technology ventures,' a press statement read. 'We are entrusting $10 million to two of the most visionary technology leaders of our generation,' said Jehangir A. Raja, Managing Partner at JR Dallas Tech Fund, which is the premier private investment arm of the US-based JR Dallas Wealth Management. Forbes Technology Council: Pakistani-origin Mehwish selected as member The two Pakistani technology leaders are running their offices in Karachi and Lahore. They represent 'perfect combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial success, and strategic vision needed to identify the next generation of game-changing startups ready to conquer the American market,' Raja added. Mehwish Ali is a founding CEO of Data Vault that is claimed to be Pakistan's first solar-powered and quantum-encrypted AI data center. She is a co-founder of Zahanat AI, the country's first indigenous GPT model, and COO of AppsGenii Technologies. She is a TEDx speaker and Forbes Technology Council member. Mudassir is founding CEO of AppsGenii Technologies, operating across the US, UK, and Pakistan. He is a co-founder of ventures including GharPar, BoxesGen, and Dental Connect. He is also a member of the Central Executive Committee at P@SHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association). According to the statement, the $10 million fund operates under a rigorous investment framework designed to maximise both financial returns and economic impact. Startup Neem enters logistics space with Leopards Courier Services partnership The investment is targeted to be in the range of $250,000 to $1.5 million per startup. The investment should be focused in the sectors like AI/machine learning, cloud infrastructure, digital health, quantum computing and cybersecurity. The investor is aimed at investing the entire fund into 15-20 select companies over a period of two-year in the US-focused projects. The funding is projected to enable portfolio companies to create direct jobs, generating 300-500 high-skilled technology positions within 24 months. Strengthening Texas as a hub for international tech talent entering the US market. Accelerating breakthrough technologies in AI, healthcare, and cloud infrastructure. 'Portfolio companies (are) projected to contribute $50-100 million in US economic activity within three years,' the statement read.


Arab News
06-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
US fund commits $10 million for startup investment initiative led by Pakistani tech leaders
ISLAMABAD: The JR Dallas Tech Fund on Friday announced a 'groundbreaking' $10 million commitment to globally recognized technology leaders, Pakistan's Mehwish Salman Ali and Malik Mudassir, to spearhead an exclusive US-focused startup investment initiative. Under the agreement, Ali and Mudassir will receive $10 million in dedicated capital to identify, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups planning to scale operations in the United States. The duo will serve as lead investment partners with full authority to deploy capital across artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital health, and frontier technology ventures. 'We are entrusting $10 million to two of the most visionary technology leaders of our generation,' said Jehangir A. Raja, Managing Partner at JR Dallas Tech Fund. 'Mehwish and Malik represent the perfect combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial success, and strategic vision needed to identify the next generation of game-changing startups ready to conquer the American market.' According to the statement by JR Dallas, economic impact projections of the funding include direct job creation, with portfolio companies expected to generate 300-500 high-skilled technology positions within 24 months. The target investment range is $250,000 to $1.5 million per startup and focus areas are AI/Machine Learning, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Health, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity. The portfolio size will be 15-20 carefully selected companies over 24 months. The commitment will also strengthen Texas as a hub for international tech talent entering the US market and accelerate breakthrough technologies in AI, health care, and cloud infrastructure. Portfolio companies are also projected to contribute $50-100 million in US economic activity within three years. Ali is the founder and CEO of Data Vault, Pakistan's first solar-powered and quantum-encrypted AI data center, co-founder of Zahanat AI, the country's first indigenous GPT model, and COO of AppsGenii Technologies. As a TEDx speaker and Forbes Technology Council member, Ali's track record in AI innovation, cybersecurity, and operational excellence 'makes her uniquely qualified to identify transformative technologies ready for US market expansion,' JR Dallas said. Mudassir is the founder & CEO of AppsGenii Technologies, operating across the US, UK, and Pakistan, and co-founder of multiple successful ventures including GharPar, BoxesGen, and Dental Connect. He is also a Central Executive Committee Member at P@SHA, Pakistan's largest IT trade association.