Speakers and moderators 2024

Education:

• CapeBreton University (Canada, 2009) - Specialty “Oil and Gas Engineering”, scholarship holder of “Bolashak” program

Job experience:

• Executive Director of Energy Monitor
• General Director of the Union of Oil Service Companies of Kazakhstan (February 2016 - July 2022)
• Chief Expert of the Oil Industry Development Department of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan (since December 2015)
• Director of the Local Content Development Department of the Center for Market Monitoring and Expertise LLP (since February 2015)
• Chief Manager of the Kazakh Content Development Department, Director of the Local Content Development Department of JSC “Oil and Gas Information and Analytical Center” (since June 2010)
• Chief Manager of the Department of Analysis and Strategic Development of Kazakhstan Contract Agency JSC (2009-2010)

Entrepreneur with 14+ years of experience in the IT business. Ambassador of Techstars and Seedstars.

Has 10 years of experience in investment, business consulting, startup ecosystem development, and venture capital.

Education:

• M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (2006-2008) — Economist (Master’s degree)
• M. V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (2002-2006) — Economist (Bachelor’s degree)

Work experience:

• Strategic Practice Partner, LLP «Dasco Consulting Group» (May 2019 – Present)
  Coordination and management of projects in the fields of strategic and organizational consulting, public administration, human capital development, and macroeconomics.
• Vice President, JSC «Workforce Development Center» (July 2015 – April 2019)
  Leadership of labor market research, development of employment service marketing strategies, and identification of workforce needs.
• Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, NCJSC “Кәсіпқор” Holding” (September 2011 – June 2015)
  Leadership in educational market research, promotion strategies for educational organizations, and attraction of strategic partners.
• Project Manager, JSC “National Analytical Center” (July 2008 – August 2011)
  Management of sectoral and macroeconomic research, including analytical and marketing studies.

Nazgul is actively involved in building the venture capital ecosystem at Astana Hub Ventures, where she plays a key role in developing the fund's investment strategies and processes. With over eight years of Big4 experience, an MBA in Finance, and compliance certifications, she specializes in venture capital support and private placement investments. Prior to this, Nazgul worked at AIFC VC Hub for three years, where she gained extensive experience in venture capital operations. She advises startups, VC funds, and individual investors on fundraising, business growth, and investor relations, while also contributing to venture capital publications and research.

Ruslan Rakymbay is the Investment Director at Quest Ventures, one of Asia’s leading venture capital firms headquartered in Singapore. In his role, Ruslan works closely with startups, driving their growth through specialized acceleration services and programs. He is also responsible for spearheading market access initiatives in Central Asia.

As a founding member of QazAngels, Kazakhstan’s pioneering angel investment network, Ruslan has played a key role in fostering the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Prior to this, he served as the regional CEO of Primus Power, a Silicon Valley-based clean energy company. His contributions to the energy sector have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Clean Tech Transformer award from the Islamic Development Bank and the New Energy Leader award from the Asian Development Bank. Ruslan is also an active member of the Project Management Institute in Kazakhstan.

Education:

• MSc Petroleum Engineering, Heriot Watt University
• BSc Environmental Science, University of East Anglia
• Short Course: Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions, University of Cambridge

Job experience:

• Over 25 years of experience in the energy industry
• Joined Wood Mackenzie's E&P consultancy team in 2007
• Advised international clients including major companies, financial institutions, industry bodies
• Led the preparation of a key report on the North Sea energy transition for the Net Zero Technology Centre
• Regional experience: North Sea, Africa, Russia, Caspian, Middle East, Latin America

Business leader with a 16 year experience in Russia and Central Asia area in the supply of industrial equipment for various markets, with an ability to build bridges with Western companies in the area. Result driven

. Since 2024 managing PCM Kazakhstan LLC (belonging to PCM Group), which manufactures locally in Aktau pumping equipment for the Central Asia market. Now developing the entity and extending manufacturing to other equipment within PCM product line.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Since 2024 – PCM Kazakhstan - Central Asia General manager

2013-2023 – PCM Rus LLC – Russia and Central Asia General manager

2011-2013 – Mersen Rus LLC – Area sales manager in Russia for power electronics and electrotechnical equipment

2005-2011 – Various positions 

EDUCATION

2005 – HEI Engineering School, France

 

Qualifications:
•    Master & Doctorate in International Finance Structuring & Management Control
•    BsC Electrical&Electronics Eng, MBA

Experience Summary:

•    2023 till date
Company: Urbacon Contracting & Trading LLC
Designation: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Qatar

•    2021 – 2023
Company: Unit Group - İstanbul, Turkey.
Designation: Executive Board Member/CEO
Location: Turkey

•    2017– 2020
   Company: Gama Holding A.Ş. - Ankara, Turkey
Designation: CEO (Acting CFO – Vice Chairman of Board)
Location: Turkey

•    2014– 2017
Company: Gama Holding A.Ş. - Ankara, Turkey
Designation: EVP (COO) $7 billion division sizing with ~ 10.000 staff
Location: Turkey

•    2006 – 2010 and 2012 – 2014
Company: Gama Enerji A.Ş. and GH executive committee member - Ankara, Turkey
Designation: Managing Director and Member of the Board (CEO)
Location: Turkey

•    2010– 2012
Company: Zorlu Enerji A.Ş. - Istanbul, Turkey
Designation: Managing Director and Member of the Board (CEO)
Location: Turkey
•    2004– 2006
Company: Tynagh Energy Limited - Dublin, Ireland
Designation: Managing Director – Board Member (CEO)
Location: Ireland

•    1993– 2004
Company: Unit International S.A.,- Brussels, Belgium
Designation: Member of Executive Committee (Executive Vice President)
Location: Belgium