In the constantly evolving world of technology, few individuals have made as significant an impact as Sarim Nadeem
LAHORE, (Pakistan Point News - 21st Nov, 2024) With expertise spanning e-commerce, AI, machine learning (ML), and cybersecurity for over a decade, Sarim has emerged as a visionary leader shaping the future of these industries. The AI and emerging tech markets are growing at an unprecedented rate. According to recent reports, the global artificial intelligence market size was valued at approximately USD 136.55 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030. Growth in AI is expected to affect industries worldwide, with predictions suggesting that by 2030, AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy.
Sarim’s ambitions in this field have earned him recognition in the industry, including his recent induction into the Forbes Technology Council, a prestigious platform where top industry leaders gather to discuss emerging trends and innovations. Building on this momentum, Sarim has also been inducted as a Charter Member of OPEN Austin, an exclusive network that selects only the top entrepreneurs for membership. We had the privilege of speaking with Sarim to gain deeper insights into his work and vision for the future.
Sarim, congratulations on joining the OPEN Austin as a charter member and becoming a Forbes Technology Council member. How does it feel to be a part of such a renowned platform, and what does it mean to you personally?
Thank you! It’s indeed an honor to be recognized by these prestigious organizations. OPEN and Forbes Technology Council have always been something every entrepreneur and technology enthusiast has admired while growing in this industry. Being part of such an esteemed community of innovators and thought leaders is humbling. These organizations offer a unique opportunity to collaborate with other visionaries and contribute toward the advancements of emerging technologies that continue to reshape our world. I’m thrilled to engage in discussions that influence the future and empower upcoming generations of entrepreneurs in the tech space.
Sarim, with the development of the Omni-Channel Business Automation SaaS Platform, you have significantly addressed vital challenges in the e-commerce industry, such as logistical integration and payment reconciliation. Industry experts also highlight that the platform’s use of AI for order allocation and customization for the local market has made it a unique solution in Pakistan.
Could you share how your Omni-Channel platform has helped businesses streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction?
Sure, back in the days when print-on-demand and e-commerce were reasonably new in Pakistan, I identified a crucial limitation in traditional bulk production models in e-commerce and took the initiative to introduce the print-on-demand (POD) business model at Dexpel. This allowed businesses to operate more flexibly, eliminating the need for enormous upfront inventory costs. By investing in advanced machinery and refining the methodology for this business model, I helped e-commerce businesses scale quickly and efficiently. My e-book Methodology of Counseling Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Setting Up a Print-on-Demand Business provided entrepreneurs with a step-by-step guide on how to set up their POD businesses, offering insights on best practices, operational challenges and ways to leverage technology for growth.
Moving forward, building on my experience in e-commerce, I also developed an Omni-Channel Business Automation SaaS Platform that integrated logistics, payments, and order fulfillment. This streamlined the operations of e-commerce businesses. Recently, I integrated AI technology to enhance the platform's capabilities further, helping companies improve their efficiency and deliver better customer experiences across multiple channels.
These contributions have shaped the e-commerce landscape by offering more accessible solutions and driving innovation by applying emerging technologies. By focusing on these areas, I’ve been fortunate enough to empower entrepreneurs and businesses to optimize their operations and drive growth in a rapidly evolving digital market.
Sarim, you’ve been a major force in the technology and business sectors, widely known for pioneering the print-on-demand model. As we know, this innovative model was described in your e-book Methodology of Counseling Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Setting up Print on Demand Business and has significantly supported new entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Based on your methodology, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs and technologists looking to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to young entrepreneurs and technologists would be to stay curious and embrace continuous learning. The tech industry is fast-paced, and staying ahead requires a commitment to innovation and an openness to new ideas. Feel free to experiment with emerging technologies, and always look for ways to solve real-world problems. It's important to understand that failure is often part of the journey—learn from it, adapt, and keep pushing forward. The key is to identify an area where you can make a meaningful impact and focus on delivering value to others.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of collaboration. Surround yourself with people who can challenge you and help you grow, whether they’re mentors, colleagues, or peers. The tech world is vast, and working together can amplify your impact.
Sarim, beyond your work as a leader in technology businesses, you’re also deeply involved in mentoring and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs. Can you share more about your roles as a judge at IPP-US, a mentor at ETL & KICS, a Forbes technology council member, and a Charter Member at OPEN Austin?
Apart from my full-time role as CTO at rootCapture, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to my memberships, where I serve as a mentor and judge, which I find incredibly fulfilling. Through these roles, I interact with young entrepreneurs, and it feels immensely satisfying to give back to the community that helped shape my career.
At IPP-US, where I serve as a judge for the National Venture Contest, I can evaluate and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs across Pakistan. Helping these individuals refine their business ideas, offering strategic advice, and seeing their growth as they pursue their entrepreneurial dreams brings me immense satisfaction. It’s not just about providing guidance but also about nurturing innovation that can impact the economy.
My involvement with OPEN Austin is equally rewarding. As a charter member, I collaborate with startups, helping them navigate the challenges of technology implementation and business development. It's a platform where I meet a lot of passionate and driven entrepreneurs. Watching them evolve through mentorship and working with them on practical issues like scaling and strategy reinforces my belief in the power of community-driven success.
At Forbes Technology Council, KICS, and ETL Online, I also help guide young tech entrepreneurs in Pakistan and globally, which is a stimulating experience. The energy and creativity I see from the budding entrepreneurs there make me even more committed to supporting their journey. I’m proud to be part of an ecosystem that fosters innovation and shapes the next generation of leaders.
Thats great! Moving towards the end, regarding emerging technology, you’ve recently been working on rootCapture, an immersive cybersecurity learning management system. Can you tell us more about this project and how AI and ML are playing a role in training the next generation of cybersecurity experts?
RootCapture is an inspiring project for me. It's a state-of-the-art immersive cybersecurity learning management system (LMS) designed to bridge the skills gap in the cybersecurity industry. My founding partners and I recognized the need for more hands-on, practical training for students and professionals who want to build a career in cybersecurity. The traditional methods of theoretical learning need to be revised in terms of the complexity of modern cyber threats.
By leveraging AI and ML, we’ve created a training platform that simulates real-world cybersecurity scenarios. Students can actively engage with these simulations and develop the skills to handle sophisticated cyberattacks. AI enables us to dynamically create challenges based on each learner’s progress, ensuring they are continuously tested and pushed to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Moreover, we use ML algorithms to personalize the learning experience. The platform adapts to each individual, tracking their progress and adjusting the difficulty of the challenges accordingly. This ensures that every learner, whether a beginner or an experienced professional, receives the appropriate training level.
I am genuinely excited about this project as it would be a game-changer for cybersecurity.
Thank you, Sarim, for sharing your valuable insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how your contributions continue to shape the future of technology, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.
Thank you for having me! It's always a pleasure to share ideas and visions for the future. I'm excited about what's ahead and the opportunity to keep innovating for the betterment of industries and society.
