Ahmad Piraiee
Ahmad Piraiee is a Venture Builder dedicated to transforming startups and scaling businesses from concept to global success. With over 20 years of experience, he has played a pivotal role in mentoring, advising, and accelerating companies at all stages, from early ideation to Fortune 500 collaborations. His expertise spans investment, commercialization, and innovation, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.
Beyond mentoring, Ahmad actively builds and strengthens startup ecosystems, leading Startup Grind Poland, curating Techstars Startup Digest, and serving as an Ambassador for Venture Café and Global Startup Awards. He has designed and led corporate acceleration programs for MIT Enterprise Forum, PwC, and mBank’s Corporate Venture Capital. As a public speaker, MC, and panelist on international stages, he advocates for emerging markets and connects founders with global networks.
About Ahmad Piraiee
Entrepreneur, Strategist & Ecosystem Builde
Ahmad Piraiee is a Venture Builder, strategist, and thought leader with a passion for innovation, marketing, and behavioral science. His diverse background in computer science, marketing, and behavioral economics, combined with his global mindset, has enabled him to launch, scale, and support numerous successful initiatives while holding senior leadership roles across different industries.
Early Life and Education
Born in Shiraz, Iran, the same year the Internet was invented, Ahmad’s journey has been driven by curiosity, learning, and impact. His multidisciplinary education spans Computer Hardware Engineering, Marketing, Strategic Administration, Behavioral Economics, and Sociology, giving him a unique perspective on technology, business, and human behavior.
Startup Initiatives and Leadership
For over two decades, Ahmad has played a key role in building and accelerating startups. He has founded and led major initiatives, including MIT Enterprise Forum CEE, mAccelerator, PwC Startup Collider, mBank’s Corporate VC, ITKeyMedia, and thirty3, guiding them from concept to execution. He has also been an active mentor and advisor at TechStars, Founder Institute, Singularity University, StartSmart AI Fast Forward by OVHcloud, Seedstars, and Get in the Ring, helping startups navigate funding, growth, and international expansion. His leadership extends to roles such as CEO of yelow, Director at Startup Grind, Director at TechStars Startup Digest, Academic Director at RedSky, and Ambassador at Venture Café and Global Startup Awards.
Corporate Experience and Achievements
Ahmad has held senior management roles in major global organizations, including the WHO, Canon, and Xerox. He has been instrumental in bridging corporate innovation with the startup ecosystem, driving strategic partnerships and acceleration programs. As a Board Member of the Polish-Iranian Chamber of Commerce and the Diversity and Innovation Chamber of Commerce, he has worked extensively to connect international markets and foster collaboration between corporations and emerging startups.
Public Speaking & Thought Leadership
Ahmad is a recognized public speaker and ecosystem advocate, regularly delivering keynotes, lectures, and panel discussions at international conferences across four continents. His topics include entrepreneurship, innovation, marketing, and systems thinking. He also hosts Startup Grind events, curates TechStars Startup Digest, and mentors across global accelerators, ensuring a constant flow of startup insights and opportunities.
Philosophy & Vision
Ahmad believes in resilience, perseverance, and the power of ecosystems, guided by the mantra: “Ever Tried. Ever Failed. No Matter. Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.” His ultimate goal is to build a thriving, connected, and empowered startup community that drives innovation, investment, and long-term success.
Core Competencies
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Core Competencies 〰️
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Ahmad brings a wealth of mentoring expertise, honed through years of guiding startups and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. His hands-on approach, combined with deep knowledge of innovation, market dynamics, and scaling strategies, enables him to provide actionable insights that drive business growth. Whether supporting early-stage founders in refining their business models or helping established ventures optimize and expand, Ahmad’s mentorship is characterized by practical wisdom, resilience, and a commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. His guidance empowers individuals to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and build sustainable, high-impact businesses.
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Ahmad’s lectures and workshops are immersive and dynamic experiences that engage, educate, and inspire audiences worldwide. With a compelling storytelling approach and a deep understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, and marketing, he delivers insights that are both thought-provoking and immediately applicable. His workshops go beyond theory, equipping participants with practical tools and strategies that they can implement to refine their ventures. Whether addressing a large audience at international conferences or conducting hands-on sessions with smaller teams, Ahmad fosters an environment of collaboration, learning, and innovation.
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With a strategic network of over 40,000 qualified contacts across various industries, Ahmad is a powerful force in lead generation and business development. His ability to connect startups, corporations, and investors unlocks new growth opportunities and accelerates business success. Through targeted introductions, relationship-building, and industry insights, Ahmad helps businesses expand their client base, establish key partnerships, and maximize market reach. His expertise ensures that founders and executives are matched with the right opportunities, turning potential into tangible results.
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As a sought-after speaker, Ahmad delivers compelling keynote speeches, moderates insightful panels, and leads engaging discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. His ability to translate complex concepts into clear, relatable narratives makes him a standout presence at global conferences, corporate events, and startup summits. Ahmad’s talks inspire action, equipping audiences with the knowledge and motivation to embrace change, adopt new strategies, and drive meaningful impact in their industries.
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Ahmad combines marketing expertise with operational strategy to help businesses build strong, recognizable brands and scale effectively. His data-driven, market-oriented approach ensures companies align their messaging, positioning, and execution with real-world trends and consumer behavior. Whether crafting marketing strategies, optimizing growth funnels, or bridging corporate goals with market demand, Ahmad’s work strengthens brand visibility, drives customer engagement, and fosters long-term business success.
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Ahmad’s business consulting services focus on unlocking potential, solving complex challenges, and fostering innovation. With extensive experience across industries, he provides tailored strategies for market positioning, operational efficiency, and product-market fit. His collaborative and results-driven approach helps businesses navigate growth, streamline processes, and implement high-impact solutions. From startups refining their models to corporations seeking innovation, Ahmad acts as a strategic partner in driving long-term success.
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Ahmad helps startups prepare for investment by refining their business models, strengthening investor pitches, and ensuring financial strategies align with growth objectives. With extensive experience in venture building and corporate VC initiatives, he understands both investor expectations and startup needs. His expertise in pitch deck optimization, fundraising strategy, and investor relations helps startups secure funding, scale efficiently, and establish long-term financial sustainability.