IslamicFinanceGuru Podcasts Meet the man rebuilding Gaza, Iraq and Afghanistan through Venture Capital | Ryan Sturgill
May 1, 2025
Ryan Sturgill, a Principal at Cross Boundary and former director at Gaza Sky Geeks, discusses his impactful journey from Wall Street to supporting war-torn regions through venture capital. He highlights Gaza's tech ecosystem and the resilience of local entrepreneurs despite immense challenges. Sturgill reflects on his experiences in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for long-term economic investment. He also introduces innovative funding initiatives aimed at empowering Palestinian startups and fostering a brighter future in conflict-affected areas.
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Ryan's Afghanistan Experience
- Ryan Sturgill worked in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012 on resource-constrained development projects.
- He ran a small business incubator and repaved infrastructure, gaining freedom to move and work locally.
Aid Flaws in Afghanistan
- International aid in Afghanistan was often destructive due to lack of structural understanding.
- Frequent rotation of aid workers caused loss of institutional memory and ineffective economic development.
Building Gaza Sky Geeks Tech Hub
- Gaza Sky Geeks started in a small apartment and grew to vibrant co-working spaces with tech training.
- They empowered Gazans to work online despite restrictions, helping startups and freelancers thrive globally.