Mentors and Coaches
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg)
Omar Al Busaidy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Omar.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lorenzo-Jooris.jpg)
Lorenzo Jooris
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cesar-profile.jpg)
Cesar Val
Founder, Luxury Expert
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Val.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Kelly-Lundberg.jpg)
Kelly Lundberg
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lionela-Todirean-1.jpg)
Lionela Todirean
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Lionela.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Dr.-Corey-John-Block.jpg)
Dr. Corrie John Block
CEO, Paragon Consulting, UAE
Professor of Strategic Management, Monarch, Switzerland
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SA_SpeakerLogo_Corrie.png)
With over 25 years’ experience spanning over three continents, Dr. Corrie is an expert in business strategy & restructuring, organizational behaviour, and leadership development. He has provided strategic consulting to the World Bank and Council of Europe, MNEs, family firms, SMEs, tech start-ups, and multi-national companies in 30 countries. He has founded 5 successful businesses in Europe and MENA, and has received awards for product innovations. He is Professor of Strategic Management for Monarch Business School in Switzerland.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Flo-Akinbiyi.jpg)
Flo Akinbiyi
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_FLO.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hamdan-Alshamsi.jpg)
Ahmad Al Khalil
Partner and Head of Corporate Dpt, Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/hamdan-logo.png)
Established in 2011, Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants (HAS) has adapted, expanded and paved the path for our diverse range of legal experience and clientele. Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, our legal practice provides sector expertise at both the local and international levels. HAS currently employs over 35 staff members and its legal team comprises of more than 25 fee earners
HAS was setup by Hamdan AlShamsi who has dedicated all his time to ensure that the firm provides the best advice and legal services to its clients. One of our main goals is to build trust and transparency with our clients. We believe becoming familiar with the team will bring a better communication in the future that will reflect in our relationship as your legal guardian. Our representation in the UAE can include a comprehensive range of legal services from litigation in the Dubai Courts to negotiations of commercial transaction and even DIFC representation.
HAS currently deals with a network of other law firms around the world including: the USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, China and Australia.
Area of expertise HAS is a full-service law firm. Our areas of practice are broad, and they include, but are not limited to:
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Insolvency & Bankruptcy
- Agency & Franchising
- Intellectual Property
- Corporate Governance
- Employment (Labour)
- Information Technology
- Tax Law
- Maritime law
- Banking & Finance
- Insurance
- Real Estate & Construction
- Contract Law
- Maritime Law
- Tax law
- Insurance
- Real Estate & Construction
- Contract Law
- Media & entertainment
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Edward-Matti.jpg)
Edward Matti
Managing Partner, CCM Consultancy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Nathan-Farrugia.jpg)
Nathan Farrugia
Managing Director, Vistage UAE
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Nathan.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Humaira-Ali.jpg)
Humaira Ali
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SA_SpeakerLogo_Humaira.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Mariam-Farag.jpg)
Mariam Farag
Mariam is passionate about media for impact and harnesses technology to give a voice to the voiceless. She is often invited to speak at regional and international media and forums, such as TEDx, where she delivers motivational keynotes on tech for good, women empowerment, community impact and youth development.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Altaf-Jasnaik.jpg)
Altaf Jasnaik
CEO,
Managemed Limited
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Altaf_orange.png)
Growth hacker, investor, and innovator recognised as one of the most disruptive startups in the UAE, Altaf now finds himself investing in growth stage startups and family businesses. Between running 11 of his startups, or JVs, Altaf also actively coaches and mentors politicians, HNI heirs, and high-potential talents in his area of expertise; Managed Disruption Services.
Altaf is also the founder of the UK’s only and the world’s first Scale-Up academy being setup with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Envestors Limited, UK’s largest innovation endorsement body. In his free time he is also authoring a yet-untitled fiction that revolves around the world of balanced wealth and power that Managemend is trying to create by 2030.
On his way to being an owner/partner in 100 businesses by 2025, Altaf continues to work on his personal Mission of creating 1 Million Growth-Hackers around the world that will eventually form part of his Vision to create the world’s largest Artificial+Human Hybrid Intelligence based management consulting firm with zero consultants.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Julia-Jackle.jpg)
Julia Jackle
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Alessio-Faccia.jpg)
Alessio Faccia
Assistant Professor in Finance,
Universiry of Birmingham
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_University.png)
Assistant Professor in Finance, qualified as an auditor and chartered Accountant since 2009. I gained International Experience in Italy, UAE, UK, and Malta. I served as an expert and trainer for the Italian Tax Police (Guardia di Finanza) and as a court-appointed technical consultant in White-Collar Crime and Bankruptcy. My research interests range from accounting and finance to technology and innovation. I enjoy multidisciplinary research as I believe it ensures novelty and innovation.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SA_Anthony-05.jpg)
WIO Bank
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Partners_Wio.png)
Anthony Thomson is the former Founder and chairman of three banks on two continents.
In 2010 he founded Metro Bank, the first new High Street bank in the UK for over 150 years.
It was voted the best bank for customer service in the UK in 2013. It started with 2 people and an idea in a café in 2008, by 2015 it employed 3,500 people and had a $5 billion valuation.
In 2014 he founded and chaired Atom Bank, the first mobile bank in the UK. It was rated the number 6 global fintech by KPMG in 2016 and was the most recommended bank in the UK in 2016.
In 2020 he co-founded and chaired Bank 86 400, Australia’s first successful digital bank. It was bought by National Australia Bank after three years for $440m.
He currently serves on the advisory board of ila bank in Bahrain and Jordan, is a director of Wio Bank, and Director of Humm, one of Australia’s biggest non-bank lenders.
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg?time=1679420460)
Omar Al Busaidy
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lorenzo-Jooris.jpg?time=1679420460)
Lorenzo Jooris
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Cesar-Val.jpg?time=1679420460)
Cesar Val
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Kelly-Lundberg.jpg?time=1679420460)
Kelly Lundberg
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lionela-Todirean-1.jpg?time=1679420460)
Lionela Todirean
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Dr.-Corey-John-Block.jpg?time=1679471260)
Dr. Corrie John Block
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Flo-Akinbiyi.jpg?time=1679471260)
Flo Akinbiyi
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Julia-Jackle.jpg?time=1679471260)
Julia Jackle
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Edward-Matti.jpg?time=1679471260)
Edward Matti
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Nathan-Farrugia.jpg?time=1679471260)
Nathan Farrugia
Managing Director, Vistage UAE
Nathan Farrugia is an Entrepreneur, TEDx Speaker, record-breaking adventurer, philanthropist and high-performance executive coach. He is the Managing Director for Vistage UAE, the most prominent CEO peer advisory organisation and executive coaching business globally, with 26,000 members in over 20 countries as members. Nathan is an author to the book A Million Steps: Lessons from the limit of physical and mental endurance. He set a world record running 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days in 27 different countries. This is the story of those one million steps, that led to deep insights into what allows us to push far beyond our perceived abilities.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Humaira-Ali.jpg)
Humaira Ali
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Mariam-Farag.jpg?time=1679471260)
Mariam Farag
Mariam is passionate about media for impact and harnesses technology to give a voice to the voiceless. She is often invited to speak at regional and international media and forums, such as TEDx, where she delivers motivational keynotes on tech for good, women empowerment, community impact and youth development.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Altaf-Jasnaik.jpg)
Altaf Jasnaik
Managemed Limited
Growth hacker, investor, and innovator recognised as one of the most disruptive startups in the UAE, Altaf now finds himself investing in growth stage startups and family businesses. Between running 11 of his startups, or JVs, Altaf also actively coaches and mentors politicians, HNI heirs, and high-potential talents in his area of expertise; Managed Disruption Services.
Altaf is also the founder of the UK's only and the world's first Scale-Up academy being setup with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Envestors Limited, UK's largest innovation endorsement body. In his free time he is also authoring a yet-untitled fiction that revolves around the world of balanced wealth and power that Managemend is trying to create by 2030.
On his way to being an owner/partner in 100 businesses by 2025, Altaf continues to work on his personal Mission of creating 1 Million Growth-Hackers around the world that will eventually form part of his Vision to create the world's largest Artificial+Human Hybrid Intelligence based management consulting firm with zero consultants.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Alessio-Faccia.jpg)
Alessio Faccia
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hamdan-Alshamsi.jpg)
Hamdan Alshamsi
Established in 2011, Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants (HAS) has adapted, expanded and paved the path for our diverse range of legal experience and clientele. Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, our legal practice provides sector expertise at both the local and international levels. HAS currently employs more than 25 staff members and its legal team comprises of more than 20 people.
HAS was setup by Hamdan AlShamsi who has dedicated all his time to ensure that the firm provides the best advice and legal services to its clients. One of our main goals is to build trust and transparency with our clients. We believe becoming familiar with the team will bring a better communication in the future that will reflect in our relationship as your legal guardian. Our representation in the UAE can include a comprehensive range of legal services from litigation in the Dubai Courts to negotiations of commercial transaction and even DIFC representation.
HAS currently deals with a network of other law firms around the world including:
the USA, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, China and Australia.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Slider_WIO.jpg)
WIO Bank
At Wio Bank, supporting businesses is at the core of our DNA. Our digital banking application Wio Business is designed to enable start-ups to grow their businesses further and contribute to the development UAE economy. With numerous incentives being offered by the government of the UAE in making the business landscape increasingly favourable, it is important for entrepreneurs to stay informed and leverage what the region has to offer in terms of ease of doing business, opening bank accounts, pitching to investors, and more.
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg?time=1679466107)
Omar Al Busaidy
CEO,
Global Possibilities
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lorenzo-Jooris.jpg?time=1679471260)
Lorenzo Jooris
CEO,
Creative Zone
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Cesar-Val.jpg?time=1679471260)
Cesar Val
Founder,
CEVAL Consultancy
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Kelly-Lundberg.jpg?time=1679471260)
Kelly Lundberg
Personal Brand &
Style Expert
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lionela-Todirean-1.jpg?time=1679471260)
Lionela Todirean
Mindset Coach
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Dr.-Corey-John-Block.jpg?time=1679471260)
Dr. Corrie John Block
CEO, Paragon Consulting, UAE
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Flo-Akinbiyi.jpg?time=1679471260)
Flo
Akinbiyi
Communication Coach
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Julia-Jackle.jpg?time=1679471260)
Julia
Jackle
CEO, Creative 971
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Edward-Matti.jpg?time=1679471260)
Edward Matti
Managing Partner,
CCM Consultancy
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Nathan-Farrugia.jpg?time=1679471260)
Nathan Farrugia
Managing Director,
Vistage UAE
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Humaira-Ali.jpg)
Humaira Ali
Director,
Intuitive Change
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Mariam-Farag.jpg?time=1679471260)
Mariam Farag
CEO & Founder,
Humanizing Brands
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Altaf-Jasnaik.jpg)
Altaf
Jasnaik
CEO,
Managemed Limited
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Alessio-Faccia.jpg)
Alessio
Faccia
Assistant Professor in Finance,
Universiry of Birmingham
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hamdan-Alshamsi.jpg)
Hamdan
Alshamsi
Founder & Senior Partner,
Hamdan AlShamsi Lawyers
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Slider_WIO.jpg)
WIO
Bank
![](https://m1ze5e.n3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg?time=1679294874)
Omar Al Busaidy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg)
Omar Al Busaidy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Omar.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lorenzo-Jooris.jpg)
Lorenzo Jooris
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cesar-profile.jpg)
Cesar Val
Founder, Luxury Expert
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Val.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Kelly-Lundberg.jpg)
Kelly Lundberg
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lionela-Todirean-1.jpg)
Lionela Todirean
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Lionela.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Dr.-Corey-John-Block.jpg)
Dr. Corrie John Block
CEO, Paragon Consulting, UAE
Professor of Strategic Management, Monarch, Switzerland
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SA_SpeakerLogo_Corrie.png)
With over 25 years’ experience spanning over three continents, Dr. Corrie is an expert in business strategy & restructuring, organizational behaviour, and leadership development. He has provided strategic consulting to the World Bank and Council of Europe, MNEs, family firms, SMEs, tech start-ups, and multi-national companies in 30 countries. He has founded 5 successful businesses in Europe and MENA, and has received awards for product innovations. He is Professor of Strategic Management for Monarch Business School in Switzerland.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Flo-Akinbiyi.jpg)
Flo Akinbiyi
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_FLO.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Edward-Matti.jpg)
Edward Matti
Managing Partner, CCM Consultancy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Julia-Jackle.jpg)
Julia Jackle
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Humaira-Ali.jpg)
Humaira Ali
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SA_SpeakerLogo_Humaira.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Mariam-Farag.jpg)
Mariam Farag
Mariam is passionate about media for impact and harnesses technology to give a voice to the voiceless. She is often invited to speak at regional and international media and forums, such as TEDx, where she delivers motivational keynotes on tech for good, women empowerment, community impact and youth development.
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Nathan-Farrugia.jpg)
Nathan Farrugia
Managing Director, Vistage UAE
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SA_SpeakerLogo_Nathan.png)
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Omar-Al-Busaidy.jpg)
Omar Al Busaidy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cesar-profile.jpg)
Cesar Val
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Lionela-Todirean-1.jpg)
Lionela Todirean
Mindset Coach
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Dr.-Corey-John-Block.jpg)
Dr. Corrie Block
CEO, Paragon Consulting, UAE
Professor of Strategic Management, Monarch, Switzerland
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Flo-Akinbiyi.jpg)
Flo Akinbiyi
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hamdan-Alshamsi.jpg)
Hamdan AlShamsi
Founder & Senior Partner,
Hamdan AlShamsi
Lawyers & Legal Consultants
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/startup-academy-mentors_Edward-Matti.jpg)
Edward Matti
Managing Partner, CCM Consultancy
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Nathan-Farrugia.jpg)
Nathan Farrugia
Managing Director, Vistage UAE
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Humaira-Ali.jpg)
Humaira Ali
Director, Intuitive Change
![](https://startupacademy.ae/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Slider_Mariam-Farag.jpg)
Mariam Farag
CEO & Founder, Humanizing Brands