Furuzonfar Zehni, a young venture capitalist, travels the world to meet with entrepreneurs, whose businesses his firm helps grow into tomorrow’s unicorns.  His Tajik heritage finds new relevance in the new globalized, tech-driven economy. Full interview on Reorientpodcast.com.

 Show Notes

 4:11 FZ on global seed investing. 

 5:50 FZ on how his unique upbringing prepared him for this relatively young field.

 8:01 FZ on the cultural differences between the Middle East and Northern Europe.

 12:44 FZ on what prompted him to shift his focus to Asia and Hong Kong and first impressions. 

 15:12 FZ on the Fresco approach to investing—what are the lenses they use.

 18:30 FZ on the nexus between culture and venture capital, with specific examples.

 21: 46 FZ on the cultural differences among their portfolio companies in various markets.

 28:00 FZ on the history of venture capital and whether there are equivalent forms of financing elsewhere.

 32:46 FZ on whether there is a regional identity in Central Asia.

 34:23 FZ on the ethnic diversity of Central Asia. 

 37:30 FZ on the historical economic importance and unique socio-political organization of Central Asia. 

 40:40 FZ on the golden age of Central Asia.

 48:13 FZ on how Central Asia can avoid the pitfalls of over-reliance on natural resources.

 50:26 FZ on the modern day economies of Central Asia: strengths and weaknesses.

 54:07 FZ on Central Asia’s relationship with its neighbouring superpowers.

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