Alfie Rustom

Alfie Rustom is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Defend Nature Interactive, a game studio focused on addressing environmental challenges through interactive media. His company aims to leverage the gaming industry, which engages over 2.7 billion players globally, to promote conservation and sustainability efforts. The studio's first game, Bioman’s Forest Farm, is designed to empower players to take action against climate change while enjoying gameplay that resonates with popular farming simulation genres.1

Background and Education

Alfie Rustom was born in the UK into a working-class Zoroastrian family. He pursued a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics at the University of St. Andrews, where he received a full scholarship due to his strong interest in science. Before completing his Ph.D., he shifted his career towards financial technology, spending 15 years building teams and serving major financial institutions globally.1

Career Transition

After experiencing the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in New York and later witnessing the global financial crisis, Rustom recognized the need for a more socially responsible career path. This realization led him to leave financial services in 2013 to focus on developing media projects that have a positive social impact.1

Contributions and Vision

Rustom's work at Defend Nature Interactive reflects his passion for combining technology with conservation efforts. He has also been involved with various organizations aimed at fostering social impact through innovative solutions. His commitment to using gamification as a tool for conservation aligns with contemporary trends in engaging younger, digitally-savvy audiences in environmental issues.2 3

In summary, Alfie Rustom's journey from finance to founding a purpose-driven game studio illustrates his dedication to making a meaningful impact on environmental conservation through technology and interactive media.