Meet our Neemers
A passionate tribe of problem-solvers, builders, and change makers driven by a shared vision for enabling financial wellness.
Umayr Khan
Marketing & Brand Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Sara Arai Syed
Senior People & Operations Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Rizwan Mujtaba
Senior Product Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Amtar Tariq
Technology Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Subboh Jaffery
Product Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Shehrez Bawnay
Manager Partnerships
Connect on LinkedIn
Fazila Haider
Senior Product Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Hassan Naqvi
Product Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Muhammad Fawwad Raza
Head of Banking Operations
Connect on LinkedIn
Mansoor Shoaib
Senior Finance Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Fatik Owais
Product Designer
Connect on LinkedIn
Fatima Aitizaz
Senior Partnerships Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Mehwish Shams
Senior People & Culture Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Anuradha Weeraman
Head of Engineering
Connect on LinkedIn
Zeeshan Ghazi
Senior Partnerships Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Zia Riaz
Senior Technology Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Tehreem Ahmad
UX Writer
Connect on LinkedIn
Sabah Lotia
Senior Technology Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Moiz Hussain
Head of Finance & Compliance
Connect on LinkedIn
Barrister Uzair Ahmed
General Counsel
Connect on LinkedIn
Shazra Irfan
Senior Product Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Syed Arsalan Ali
Product Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Syed Hassan Ali
Customer Experience Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Awais Chaudhry
Senior Product Marketing Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Leena Abid
Strategy & Operations Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Aiman Rehan Khan
Banking Operations Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Arsal Azmi
Finance Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Kanzah Anis
Executive & Administrative Assistant
Connect on LinkedIn
Nadeem Shaikh
Founder
A digital financial services leader with 35+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, venture capitalism, and philanthropy. His extensive experience includes leadership positions at First Data, Veon and Anthemis Group, a pioneering venture capital firm in fintech. He also sits on the boards for impact-driven ventures and charities including Access Afya, Prospero World, and CARE Pakistan.
Vladimira Briestenska
Founder
Forbes-awarded entrepreneur and global advocate for equality. Passionate about the intersection of technology and social change, she co-founded Neem in Pakistan, established a leading tech incubator, worked with the European Union and a global fintech fund, and established The Future Farm. She is also a podcast host and speaker on healthier entrepreneurship and creating an equitable future for all.
Naeem Zamindar
Founder
A global tech entrepreneur, investor, and leader. He's scaled businesses, served as Pakistan's Minister of Investment, and managed VC investments in Silicon Valley. He's on Acumen's Global Advisory Council, boards eight tech companies, and holds an INSEAD MBA. Additionally, he's an experienced and certified yoga and advanced meditation teacher.
Umayr Khan
Marketing & Brand Manager
An ambitious multipotentialite with 5+ years leading innovative projects in design, tech, marketing and social impact. He has worked with clients like the British Council Google, Facebook and UNDP Pakistan to name a few. At Neem, he's a cross-functional force in product, marketing, and research. Beyond work, Umayr enjoys cooking, traveling, networking, and spreading positive vibes.
Sara Arai Syed
Senior People & Operations Associate
A psychology graduate with a fresh perspective on the Pakistani entrepreneurial landscape, she is passionate about making a meaningful impact. Her journey started with an internship at NOWPDP, an organization dedicated to fostering the educational and economic independence of individuals with disabilities. One thing about her is she loves animals, being a cat mom to several furry angels herself.
Rizwan Mujtaba
Senior Product Manager
A growth and strategy expert with a track record across startups and industries. He was the driving force behind doubling UC Browser's market share at Alibaba and launching Pakistan's first electric bike-sharing service, ezBike. Off-duty, he savours delicious cuisine and explores the world through travel.
Amtar Tariq
Technology Associate
A tech writer with a fintech finesse. She simplifies complexity, drawing from her computer science background and brining valuable experience of working with fintechs. Beyond that, she's a creative force, spinning stories and poetry. Music is her solace, and she's no stranger to the stage. Off-duty, she dives into physical activities, finding joy in swimming, badminton, and cycling.
Subboh Jaffery
Product Associate
A dynamic individual fueled by technology's transformative potential. From journalism covering arts to editing at Dawn, he ventured into fintech at Tearsheet, sparking a deep passion. Off-duty, you'll find Subboh at theatres, gigs, and galleries, also passionate about global development and pursuing knowledge in that sphere.
Shehrez Bawnay
Manager Partnerships
A dynamic professional with 5 years of experience in the tech and banking realms. He founded a health startup in Cape Town from scratch and geared it up for funding rounds. Apart from that, he has also worked in a software solutions company, leading commercials and business development. Off-duty, he's an optimistic, fun-loving soul who enjoys futsal, music, and beach life.
Fazila Haider
Senior Product Associate
A dynamic, results-focused individual with a 'get it done' attitude. With eduction background in accounting and finance, she entered the FinTech space, while spearheading numerous product-enhancement projects. Outside of work, she likes to recharge with some good music and travel experiences
Hassan Naqvi
Product Associate
A curious thinker and doer who thrives on innovative ideas that challenge the status quo. He's delved into IoT, web 3, and blockchain at startups and managed tech projects at UBL. Beyond work, he loves working out, swimming, gardening, and delving into philosophy.
Muhammad Fawwad Raza
Head of Banking Operations
A product and technology specialist, and payments expert with over 12 years of experience in Pakistan's banking sector. He led product launches and tech projects at Faysal Bank, Bank of Punjab, and HBL in Pakistan. As Head of Cards & Alliances at Meezan Bank, he drove 8x yearly Debit Card spending growth, bolstering the bank's profitability.
Mansoor Shoaib
Senior Finance Associate
A results-driven finance professional with over 6 years of experience in managing financial and accounting processes, Mansoor has experience in the development and implementation of various finance and accounting interventions including costing, reporting, budgeting, compliances, financial control, and audit. In his free time, he enjoys playing cricket, fishing, and trekking.
Fatik Owais
Product Designer
Throughout the 8 years of his career, Fatik has worked with creative agencies, software houses, and high-growth startups. He has designed leading digital products with Techsembly and US-based startup Hucu, learning the ropes around SaaS platforms and health-tech. He holds a Master's degree in Cognitive Systems and was also a researcher in the Immersive Technologies Lab at NUST.
Fatima Aitizaz
Senior Partnerships Associate
Fatima is a highly motivated professional who's spent 4 years as an analyst at leading firms like Karandaaz and S&P Global. She's a specialist in conducting in-depth sectoral research and uncovering insights from data. Beyond her professional life, Fatima enjoys binge-watching TV series, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, and engaging in friendly table tennis matches.
Mehwish Shams
Senior People & Culture Manager
Passionate about enabling people and organisations to unleash their fullest potential, she brings 9+ years of experience of leading people and culture functions at organizations such as Karandaaz, PTCL and eConceptions. Beyond work, she's a K-drama enthusiast, always seeking new adventures in places, cultures, and cuisines.
Anuradha Weeraman
Head of Engineering
A versatile tech expert, strategist, and hands-on builder. With 20+ years' experience, he's led global teams in emerging tech. From AI to blockchain, he's a digital innovator. Anuradha's portfolio includes AdTech, healthcare IoT, payments, wearables, and more for top banks and ISVs
Zeeshan Ghazi
Senior Partnerships Manager
A seasoned business strategist with over a decade of experience in the fintech and FMCG space. He's been a driving force at companies like Qisstpay, Infobip, and SIDDCO Group, contributing significantly to their growth. Beyond work, he's passionate about philanthropy, cricket, and global affairs.
Zia Riaz
Senior Technology Manager
An experienced, value-driven product manager experienced in leading cross-functional teams in innovation. In his time as a founding member at Bykea, he built Pakistan's largest network of motorbikes serving transport, logistics, and payment services. Outside of work, he enjoys fitness and films.
Tehreem Ahmad
UX Writer
Steered by a commitment to design-driven social impact, Tehreem Ahmad is a passionate advocate for change. Her dual roles as an Architect and a User Experience Writer reflect a commitment to leveraging digital solutions for intricate societal challenges. She brings her experience of working for underserved communities in Pakistan; enhancing her proficiency in user design research, and writing.
Sabah Lotia
Senior Technology Associate
A software engineer driven by a profound passion for using data and technology to tackle meaningful social issues. Sabah has previously worked at Bank of America, an influencer marketing startup, Sideqik, and the Insurtech realm. Outside of work, Sabah enjoys solo travelling, discovering hidden gems and connecting with people from different parts of the world.
Moiz Hussain
Head of Finance & Compliance
An experienced and seasoned finance leader with grip on numbers, bringing diverse global financial experience of working with companies such as IBM , Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters and PwC. Moiz is passionate about teaching, community building and helping young people learn the art of investing to achieve financial freedom.
Barrister Uzair Ahmed
General Counsel
A UK-qualified lawyer, Uzair brings his legal expertise into incubators, startups, VCs, and angel investors across the broader region. He's been a key collaborator with Pakistan's securities regulator (SECP), actively shaping startup-related changes in companies' laws, notably contributing to Equity Crowdfunding Regulations. He also co-authored the book "Alternative Dispute Resolution Review".
Shazra Irfan
Senior Product Associate
An ambitious and result-driven professional with a focus on finding creative ways to solve problems. An MBA graduate with diverse experience, ranging from telco to banking & fintech, she wears multiple hats. She is driven by fintech and its untapped potential. She's also creative at heart, and you can find her writing blogs, painting and even singing in her spare time.
Syed Arsalan Ali
Product Manager
A seasoned techno-functional consultant with a background in software development. He has been working at TPS to provide solutions to various banks and FinTechs. His expertise include Banking SWITCH, distributed systems, B2C, B2B, Remittance, ATM, and card services. Outside of work, Arsalan enjoys exploring diverse cuisines, watching movies, and traveling.
Syed Hassan Ali
Customer Experience Manager
An ambitious, customer-focused leader with 12+ years in telecom and retail. Dedicated to understanding customer needs and delivering timely solutions, he pioneered Pakistan's first home-based outsourced call center and introduced an innovative online driver registration program, training over 70k riders of Bykea. Beyond work, he finds solace in music and gardening.
Awais Chaudhry
Senior Product Marketing Associate
A mechanical engineer turned growth marketing enthusiast, with a passion for technology and innovation. At Alt Ventures, he led the development of a B2C Android app to create immersive content for users. At Creditbook, he optimised acquisition campaigns, deploying innovative marketing techniques & data-driven insights. Outside of work, he is passionate about F1, reading and basketball.
Jim Francis
CTO
Jim is a globally recognised tech leader with a diverse background in innovation, strategy, and entrepreneurship. He played a pivotal role in a digital engineering company's journey to $1.5B in revenue and 25,000+ employees across 50+ offices, creating open innovation platforms in banking, insurance, and healthcare. Jim founded Concept Vines and actively invests in ventures.
Leena Abid
Strategy & Operations Associate
An energetic young professional, Leena joined Neem from the Bank of America, where she served in Consumer and Retail M&A, working across credit rating processes, sell-side executions, and other M&A considerations within the space. She also has previous experience in Technology, Media, and Telecom M&A at Credit Suisse. Outside of work, Leena has a passion for baking, cake design, and painting.
Aiman Rehan Khan
Banking Operations Associate
Passionate about strategy and sustainable growth, Aiman is driven to apply her expertise not only for corporate success but also for community betterment. She is an MBA graduate with experience of working at Meezan Bank. Beyond work, she finds joy in gardening, reading, and exploring new places.
Arsal Azmi
Finance Manager
A seasoned finance professional with 9 years of experience, Arsal has honed his expertise at renowned firms including PwC, Unilever, SWVL, and MANO. His skills span reporting, risk management, compliance, and strategy. Beyond finance, Arsal treasures family moments and indulges his passions for chess, cards, cricket, and movies.
Kanzah Anis
Executive & Administrative Assistant
A seasoned professional with 14 years in executive assistance, digital management and events. Beyond work, Kanzah daydreams about oceans, plans adventures and enjoys cooking meals for her family.