Abdullah Snobar

Abdullah Snobar is the Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. Through its world-leading Incubator, Skills Academy and investment fund, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy.

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Committed to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs, Abdullah has championed several initiatives for underserved founders designed to meet them where they are. Through DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs, Women Innovation Programs and catered streams for Indigenous founders, DMZ offers curated support, ensuring everyone has a fair shot at success.

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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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Beyond his work at DMZ, Abdullah serves on the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, SPEC Labs and the Elevate Advisory Board. Recognized globally and nationally for his leadership in business and innovation, Abdullah is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and serves as a member of the Forbes Tech Council.  He has previously served as a Board Director for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation and held roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, Fairmont Hotels and Marriott Hotels & Resorts.

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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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