Who are we?

Aryngazin Askar Kanapevich

Chief Executive Officer

Askar K. Aryngazin. Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, PhD in Physics and Mathematics. Graduated with honors from the Department of Theoretical Physics, M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University.

He worked at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (Astana, Kazakhstan), where he held the positions of Director of the Institute for Fundamental Research, Professor, Vice-Rector for Science and International Relations, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, and Vice-Rector for Information Technologies.

In management, he served as General Manager of the Social Development Fund, headed Astana Business Campus Ltd. at Nazarbayev University, and has led the Sustainable Innovation and Technology Foundation. Under his leadership, projects have been implemented in science, technology, innovation, startup ecosystem development, and venture financing with the support of Nazarbayev University.

Experience

• Member of the Supreme Commission for Science and Technology under the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Member of the Steering Committee of the "Alatau Park" Fund for Innovative Technology Development
• Former Editor-in-Chief, Eurasian University Bulletin: Physics & Astronomy
• Author of more than 100 scientific publications

Ospanova Bakyt Amanjolovna

Chief Programs Officer

Bakyt has more than 17 years of experience in teaching and managing projects in education, and works in startups' support and development for the last 4 years.

She developed programs of online incubation for early-stage startups, manages startup acceleration programs, including ones aimed at scaling at global markets.

Experience

• 17+ years in education and project management
• Online incubation programs for early-stage startups
• Startup acceleration for global markets

Nailya Shodorova

CEO Venture Studio

Total experience over 20 years, she has a over 6 years background in entrepreneurship, having co-founded and scaled successful startup in AgriTech with the usage of DeepTech, Machine learning, IoT, AI, marketplace that achieved notable success in grants and investments.

She has also worked as manager of international exhibition projects over 6 year and in tourism over 8 years.

Experience

• 20+ years of experience
• Co-founder of an AgriTech startup
• International exhibition projects

Kapishev Yerbol Bolatovich

General Director, JAS Ventures Limited

Experienced leader in finance and investments with more than 15 years of work in venture capital, corporate finance and public administration.

Expert in fund structuring, capital deployment and investment analysis, with a proven track record of identifying investment opportunities and creating value for investors and partners.

Experience

• 15+ years in venture capital, corporate finance and public administration
• Fund structuring and capital deployment

Tulebayev Olzhas Maratovich

Managing Director, JAS Ventures Limited

Managing Director of JAS Ventures Limited and co‑founder of RISE Venture Studio. Specialises in building and scaling technology companies, venture structures and investment platforms within the AIFC jurisdiction.

Has experience in structuring venture deals, managing investment portfolios and launching innovation projects in AI, logistics and digital infrastructure. Focuses on developing the technology entrepreneurship ecosystem in Central Asia and attracting international capital.

Experience

• Co-founder, RISE Venture Studio
• Venture structures within the AIFC jurisdiction
• AI, logistics and digital infrastructure projects

Mubarakova Bakhytgul Baltabaevna

HRD, coach, business trainer

HRD, coach and business trainer with more than 20 years of experience in HR management, organisational development and building effective teams. For about 15 years she has been working within the Nazarbayev University system.

Expert in corporate culture transformation and leadership development in times of growth and change, supporting teams and startups through strategic and coaching‑based approaches.

Experience

• 20+ years in HR management
• ~15 years within the Nazarbayev University system

Alibaeva Ekaterina Serikbaevna

Chief Legal Officer

Professional in corporate law. Graduate of Tomsk State University, 19 years of experience in holding structures, national companies of Kazakhstan, as well as in the jurisdiction of the AIFC (English law).

Experience

• Graduate of Tomsk State University
• 19 years in corporate law
• AIFC jurisdiction (English law)