Kalsoom Lakhani

Kalsoom Lakhani is a prominent entrepreneur and social innovator based in Washington, D.C. She serves as a board member at Small Savers Montessori, contributing to the governance and strategic direction of the preschool and daycare center.2

Professional Background

Kalsoom is the Co-Founder and General Partner at i2i Ventures, a venture capital fund focused on early-stage companies in Pakistan, which she has been involved with since April 2018. This fund is an extension of her earlier work with Invest2Innovate (i2i), an organization she founded in 2011 that supports startup communities in growth markets, particularly in Pakistan.13 Under her leadership, i2i has accelerated numerous startups, significantly impacting job creation and economic development in the region.

Her previous roles include being the Founder/Editor of CHUP - Changing Up Pakistan, where she focused on raising awareness about social and political issues in Pakistan, and serving as a Director at ML Resources, LLC, where she managed venture philanthropy initiatives.1

Education

Kalsoom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Foreign Affairs with a focus on Middle East Studies from the University of Virginia and a Master’s degree in International Affairs/Conflict Resolution from The George Washington University.1

Recognition and Contributions

Kalsoom has been recognized for her contributions to entrepreneurship and social innovation, having been featured in various notable platforms and events, including the World Economic Forum and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. She has also trained young leaders and entrepreneurs in several countries, showcasing her commitment to fostering innovation in challenging environments.3

Her work has not only focused on investment in startups but also on creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, particularly women-led businesses, thereby enhancing their social and economic impact in Pakistan and beyond.3