Kiyan Zandiyeh

Kiyan Zandiyeh, the Chief Investment Officer of Sturgeon Capital, shares insights from his role at a firm that invests in technology companies in frontier markets like Bangladesh and Egypt. He reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, navigating extreme currency fluctuations in Iran. The conversation reveals the unique investment strategies for capitalizing on emerging technologies in Central Asia, discussing local expertise and potential risks. Kiyan also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and sustainable business models in fostering successful ventures.

Kiyan Zandiyeh, a venture capitalist and founder of Sturgeon Capital, dives into what we can learn from Warren Buffett in the realm of venture capital. He argues that emerging markets present superior return opportunities, highlighting the role of technology and youthful demographics. Zandiyeh discusses the value good investors add, strategies for measuring venture capital returns, and the significance of the right leadership in startups. He also sheds light on impact investing and its potential to stimulate local economies.

Kiyan Zandiyeh, Chief Investment Officer at Sturgeon Capital, shares his expertise in frontier investing. He outlines the critical strategies for navigating these unique markets, detailing how to assess political and currency risks. Zandiyeh highlights Uzbekistan as a particularly intriguing opportunity right now. The discussion also covers boots-on-the-ground research and innovative approaches to understanding local dynamics, making a compelling case for why frontier markets deserve a spot in a diversified portfolio.