Invest in the next wave of innovators.

As the Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, Abdullah leads the global startup ecosystem.

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Through its world-leading Incubator, Talent Academy and investment fund, DMZ’s global startup ecosystem equips founders with the tools to build, validate and scale impactful startups while producing skilled professionals ready to contribute to the innovation economy through expert-led tech and business courses.

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Committed to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs, Abdullah has championed several key initiatives within DMZ for underserved founders, including its Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs. These programs provide tailored resources, funding and support to overcome barriers and create a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

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Under Abdullah’s leadership, the global startup ecosystem has significantly expanded its impact by establishing global hubs across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; broadening its support to serve upskilling professionals in tech and business foundations; and launching DMZ Ventures’ investment fund for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups.

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Abdullah serves on the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Abdullah is a member of the Forbes Tech Council and has previously served as a Board Director for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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He has previously held roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, Fairmont Hotels, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Abdullah holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and MBA and BComm degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Favourite travel destination?

Havana.

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How do you relax?

Listen to Andrea Bocelli or Drake.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Godfather.

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What is one item you never leave your house without?

A positive mindset.

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Best part about working at the DMZ?

The people and being in the best city in the world.

As the Programs Lead for Investor Relations, Annie is responsible for planning and implementing innovative programs for the DMZ’s startups. Annie helps founders become investor-ready, connect fundraising founders with investors where she sees potential synergy, and better establish connectivity with investors to ensure they’re in the know on what is happening at DMZ.

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Annie is passionate about supporting innovators to change the world. Previously serving as an account manager and analyst on the Venture Services team at MaRS Discovery District, she worked with Cleantech and Health ventures to navigate available resources and programming, supporting them on their path to commercialization. She regularly performed descriptive analysis on portfolio health, contributed to stakeholder and government reporting, and served as the editor for biweekly, portfolio-wide communication campaigns.

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Annie received her H.BSc from the University of Toronto, with a double major in Molecular Genetics and Psychology minor in Sociology.

Favourite movie?

I have 2 – Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni and Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki!

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First record you bought?

Nelly Furtado's "Whoa, Nelly!". I grew up in Vancouver and this was (and still is) such a classic!

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Favourite season and why?

Summer, because sunshine = serotonin.

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‍Most used app?

Right now, it's Tiktok.

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Favourite quote?

"This too shall pass", for both good and bad times.

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Sherif is the Sr. Director, Programs & Global Operations at DMZ, a leading tech incubator that provides high-potential founders with the resources and connections needed to build world-class companies. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, DMZ has a significant global presence with on-the-ground operations in 10+ countries around the world.

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As Senior Director, Sherif is responsible for developing and implementing DMZ’s overall programs and partnerships strategy, both locally and globally.

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Passionate about pushing the envelope, Sherif believes that the best way to drive exponential growth in Canada and across the world is to tap into the startup and innovation ecosystem and bring emerging technological solutions to the forefront.

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During his 14 years with the organization, Sherif has played an integral role in laying the foundation for the incubator’s operating and business development functions. Sherif’s leadership has been instrumental in building scalable processes to expand DMZ’s programming services to new global markets, empowering partners to drive growth within their local startup ecosystems.

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Today, DMZ is a recognized player across the global tech landscape with operations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, and a network of 1000+ startups worldwide to date.

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Sherif’s insights on the startup and innovation ecosystem can be found in outlets including the Toronto Star, the Logic and Betakit.