Meet our Neemers
A passionate tribe of problem-solvers, builders, and change makers driven by a shared vision for enabling financial wellness.
Umayr Khan
Senior Marketing & Brand Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Sara Arai Syed
Senior People & Operations Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Rizwan Mujtaba
Platform Architect
Connect on LinkedIn
Amtar Tariq
Senior Technology Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Shehrez Bawany
Partnerships Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Fazila Haider
Senior Product Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Azim Iqbal
Head of Business Operations & Risk
Connect on LinkedIn
Fatima Aitizaz
Senior Partnerships Associate
Connect on LinkedIn
Mehwish Shams
Senior People & Culture Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Zia Riaz
Head of Technology
Connect on LinkedIn
Tehreem Ahmad
UX Writer
Connect on LinkedIn
Moiz Hussain
Head of Finance & Compliance
Connect on LinkedIn
Barrister Uzair Ahmed
General Counsel
Connect on LinkedIn
Syed Arsalan Ali
Product Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Syed Hassan Ali
Customer Experience Manager
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
Faisal Kazmi
Digital Platform Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Moon Shahani
Legal Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Muhammad Anas
Software Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Minhaj Siddiqui
Software Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Niran Rehman
Head of Neem Paymenow
Connect on LinkedIn
Areeba Shoaib
Project Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Zain Ahmed
Program Manager | Neem Paymenow
Connect on LinkedIn
Aizaz Ahmad
Lead Product Designer
Connect on LinkedIn
Salar Qureshi
DevOps Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Lareb Amir
Lead Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Imran Ur Rehman
Lead QA Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Dinesh Silva
Lead Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Ghalib Ahmed
DevOps Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Iftikhar Hussain
Senior QA Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Kanwar Haris
Reconciliation & Settlement Manager
Connect on LinkedIn
Adnan Ahmed
Software Engineer
Connect on LinkedIn
Zeeshan Khan
Customer Experience Executive
Connect on LinkedIn
Aman Azeem
Business Development Manager | Neem Paymenow
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
Senior 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
Platform Architect
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
Senior 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.
Shehrez Bawany
Partnerships Manager
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
Azim Iqbal
Head of Business Operations & Risk
Azim brings over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services and Fintech industries, with expertise in credit cards, digital banking, and risk management. His career includes renowned blue-chip companies such as American Express and PayPal. Outside of work, Azim enjoys spending quality time with his family.
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.
Zia Riaz
Head of Technology
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.
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".
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.
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.
Faisal Kazmi
Digital Platform Manager
Faisal brings over 8 years of varied experience and a history of entrepreneurship, having established a B2B tech business. He excels in data analysis and improving processes. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring real estate and learning about innovative business practices
Moon Shahani
Legal Manager
Moon brings 7 years of experience in both litigation and the corporate sector, most recently working with Pakistan's domestic payment system, 1LINK. She’s also a founder of a charity organisation called "Chaand Sa Roshan Jaahan," that focuses on helping less privileged people and promoting human rights
Muhammad Anas
Software Engineer
A seasoned software developer with over 4 years of hands-on experience in the tech industry, Anas has honed expertise in creating tailored software solutions for diverse sectors such as the club, energy, and healthcare industries.
Minhaj Siddiqui
Software Engineer
With 3+ years of experience as a software engineer, Minhaj is a practical thinker keen on challenging norms through innovative creations. Proficient in problem-solving, he's always eager to learn and improve, striving to make a difference with his work. Beyond work, he enjoys traveling, playing and watching cricket (a true fanatic), and console gaming.
Niran Rehman
Head of Neem Paymenow
A seasoned finance professional with 16+ years of experience, Niran has launched Pakistan's first multinational media channel and held VP roles in leading banks. Niran also chairs YPay, Pakistan's premier mutual fund aggregator. Outside of work, Niran enjoys deep-sea swimming, golf, and rock 'n' roll music.
Areeba Shoaib
Project Manager
With experience from renowned companies like Daraz and Afiniti, Areeba is a project management dynamo and scrum expert, driving collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement in product development lifecycles. Beyond the boardroom, Areeba is a food enthusiast and spirited explorer who loves to travel and embrace diversity, adding a rich perspective to every endeavor.
Zain Ahmed
Program Manager | Neem Paymenow
With 5+ years of experience, Zain has managed complex tech products, from SaaS to web applications, for companies like AllUp Cloud, Foodpanda, and Cloud Primero. Outside the office, he’s an athletic enthusiast with a passion for nutrition and fitness.
Aizaz Ahmad
Lead Product Designer
With 8+ years of experience, Aizaz excels at blending design, research, and product development to tackle complex business and user challenges. He's collaborated with local and global entities like DAO Proptech, Face44, and Code for Pakistan. Beyond design, Aizaz is an avid traveler, cuisine enthusiast, mountain climber, cyclist, digital artist, and outer space aficionado.
Salar Qureshi
DevOps Engineer
A skilled DevOps Engineer with expertise in managing and scaling cloud infrastructures. At Daraz-Alibaba Group, he led key projects that enhanced system reliability and efficiency during peak sales events. Outside work, Salar enjoys playing video games and staying updated on the latest DevOps trends and tools.
Lareb Amir
Lead Engineer
A passionate and experience developer with over 5 years of experience in creating and managing software solutions. Beyond work, Lareb enjoys blending her passions for art and AI to craft intriguing artworks.
Imran Ur Rehman
Lead QA Engineer
An accomplished IT professional with 18+ years in Quality Management, Business Analysis, and Product Management, with a track record of driving success across diverse organizations like Contour Software, VeeoneHealth, and NISUM Technologies. Outside of work, Imran enjoys playing cricket on weekends and watching sports, web series, and movies.
Dinesh Silva
Lead Engineer
A tech-driven software engineer, Dinesh excels at crafting innovative solutions with technology. He has previously worked with renowned tech companies like Kangaroo Cabs, Villvay, and ConceptVines. Beyond coding, he enjoys diving into literature and culinary arts, with music providing solace amid his technical pursuits.
Ghalib Ahmed
DevOps Engineer
Experienced DevOps Engineer passionate about leveraging technology for problem-solving and continuous improvement. Outside of work, enjoys playing video games and exploring new technologies, always eager to expand skills and knowledge.
Iftikhar Hussain
Senior QA Engineer
With 4+ years as a QA Engineer, Iftikhar thrives on using tech to drive innovation in banking. He’s skilled in functional and load testing, API testing, and UAT across banking and financial systems. His experience spans over working with notable financial organisations like Meezan Bank NayaPay, Nift Epay, CreditBook, Payoneer. When he’s not working, he enjoys traveling, playing sports, and reading about history.
Kanwar Haris
Reconciliation & Settlement Manager
With a decade of experience in the banking sector, working with organizations like HBL, Meezan Bank, and NayaPay, Haris specializes in card operations, reconciliation, and dispute resolution. Outside of work, Haris enjoys playing indoor games and has a passion for cricket as well.
Adnan Ahmed
Software Engineer
A computer science enthusiast with extensive experience in programming and building applications in agile, fast-paced environments. Adnan has previously worked with tech companies like Systems Limited and Sibisoft. Outside of work, he enjoys playing cricket and football, watching anime, and reading comics.
Zeeshan Khan
Customer Experience Executive
An aviation graduate turned customer experience enthusiast, Zeeshan excels at understanding customer needs and providing timely support. He has worked with organizations like PIA and Nayapay. Outside of work, Zeeshan enjoys going to the gym, traveling, and reading about history and current events.
Aman Azeem
Business Development Manager | Neem Paymenow
A seasoned sales professional with experience in Pharmaceuticals, Agribusiness, and Packaging, excelling in business development, market analysis, and customer relationships. Outside of work, Aman enjoys horse riding, swimming, and has a keen interest in history and economics.