Reza Ghiabi is a Strategy Advisor and Business Strategist with over 18 years of experience in emerging economic phenomena.
Born on the 22 June 1986 in Tehran, he hails from the Shamloo clan, known for its illustrious history within the Iranian realm.
Alongside his high school education, Reza Ghiabi became a member of the Children and Adolescents Encyclopaedia, where, guided by mentors like Touran Mir Hadi, he engaged extensively in compiling the Encyclopaedia and organizing related events. From age sixteen, he spent his summers apprenticing in technical, engineering, contracting, and commercial companies.
In 2004, Reza commenced his academic journey by studying Industrial Engineering. During his student years, he worked as a project management specialist in manufacturing and trading companies, applying his theoretical knowledge practically. His social perspective on labor led him to self-study all sociology courses alongside his bachelor's degree.
In 2009, Reza Ghiabi earned a Management, Technology, and Entrepreneurship degree from the EPFL University in Switzerland. His engagement with EPFL paved the way for his entry into the management consulting industry. He spent two years refining his skills as an analyst and later as a consultant with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Subsequently, he collaborated as a fundraising coordinator at Omidyar Network.
His role as a management consultant and business strategist deepened and scaled by establishing the "Oppmakr Institute," and, later, the "ILIA Oppmakr JV Consulting." Between 2011 and 2018, his company's collaborations spanned a broad spectrum of private and public entities, both Iranian and international. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the E-commerce Development Center, the Barkat Ventures, and Pardis Science and Technology Park, among numerous others, benefited from the research and consultancy of his institutions.
In the early 2010s, Iran was ripe for the emergence of startups and knowledge-based companies. The country held the fourth position globally regarding the number of engineers and boasted five million university students. With 67% of its population under 40, coupled with supportive governmental policies like the "Development Plan" and "Vision Document" initiated by the Presidential Deputy for Science and Technology, the environment was conducive to entrepreneurial advancements. In 2014, Iran achieved the highest global growth rate in the Startup Ecosystem Index (GEI). While managing his consulting firm, Reza pursued an MBA in information technology management, graduating in 2014.
As the first wave of startups surged and what later became known as the "Iranian Startup Ecosystem" began, Reza Ghiabi engaged as an active participant and mentor, sharing knowledge from his managerial and private sector consulting. Between 2013 and 2017, he mentored in over 30 startup events. This commitment persists, with startups like Imaan Plus, Turpal, DeZippy, Incytel, Tarh2Tarh, Switch, and ArtUnity benefitting from his presence.
Reza’s dedication to spreading an innovation culture and his impactful ideas led him to join the TEDxTehran team in 2013. His perseverance and voluntary efforts earned him a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship to attend TED events and a TEDxTehran license, enabling him to organize the largest TEDx event in the Middle East and expand TEDx events in Iran from 2014 onwards. Since then, he has owned and organized TEDxTehran events.
Later, Reza Ghiabi joined individuals striving to create a refuge for the country’s startup ecosystem and joined the INOTEX innovation event in 2017. He serves as the content secretary for INOTEX, recognized as the country’s most significant startup event due to its diverse audience base (governmental and private).
In 2018, Reza transitioned from company ownership in management consulting to operating independently as an “Expert Advisor,” relinquishing the institutions he had founded. Since then, he has served as a management consultant or board member for reputable companies such as Post Bank of Iran, Faraz Ertabat, Digikala, Flightio, Karafs Application, Zitel Internet, Max Holding, Arnica Holding, and Careem.
Reza Ghiabi boasts teaching experience in esteemed institutions like Sharif and AmirKabir Universities and collaborations with reputable scientific academies. He has contributed to numerous publications, including economic essays in Eghtesad News and the Tadbir magazine, and translated books like “Opportunity Makers” and “Your Choice.” His role as the managing editor of valuable ideas and membership in the strategic council of the Ideapreneurs magazine are among his cultural achievements. He is also an honorary member of the HUS Think Tank in Liechtenstein, Europe, focusing on economic transformation and transitioning from traditional to modern European economies.
Reza maintains an up-to-date and publicly available LinkedIn profile that showcases his current professional positions and other relevant details. Interested parties can visit his profile to learn more about his work and professional background, including his current roles. In addition, his LinkedIn profile provides information on his past experiences and educational background, as well as his skills, awards, and professional affiliations.
Since 2018
An accomplished Strategy Advisor, Reza Ghiabi has collaborated with distinguished clients including Careem, Post Bank of Iran, Flightio, ERNYKA Holding, SWPars, Digikala, Max Holding, Zitel, Avabarid Data Center, Alborz Innovation Factory, Faraz Ertebaat, MIKA Partners, and Karafs. With a knack for developing innovative strategies, Ghiabi guides organizations through complexities, enabling them to achieve remarkable growth and success.
Since 2013
As a dedicated Startup Mentor, Ghiabi has guided promising ventures like Dezippy, Artunity, Incytel, Turpal, Imaan Plus, SeeTo Productions, Shadzi, eSafar, and Bebarino. With a passion for nurturing budding businesses, he offers invaluable mentorship, empowering startups to navigate challenges and thrive in the competitive landscape.
Since 2013
Reza Ghiabi, as a dedicated Community Builder, holds the license and organizes TEDxTehran, providing a platform for thought leaders, innovators, and doers to share their 'Ideas Worth Spreading.' Additionally, he actively contributes as part of the organizing committee for INOTEX (International Innovation & Technology Exhibition), fostering an environment that champions innovation and technological advancement.
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