ADVISORY SERVICES

Create custom programs for entrepreneurs.

Designing startup programs is complex — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. We help you plan, launch and grow founder-first initiatives that deliver real impact.

Questions? Let’s Talk.

Think of us as an extension of your team.

From sourcing top deals to fueling homegrown innovation, we help angel investors make bold, informed moves in the startup space.

Assess & align

Audit your current ecosystem, identify gaps & align on your goals.

Design & customize

Create a program roadmap & curriculum for your unique needs.

Activate & execute

Build your internal capacity across operations, mentorship & marketing.

Measure & optimize

Assess outcomes & refine for long-term success.

Helping you build
what’s next.

Every ecosystem is unique — and so is our approach. We offer flexible engagement models to help you design, launch and grow founder-first programs. From strategy to hands-on execution, we’re with you at every step.

Questions? Let’s Talk.
Program development

We design customized startup programs aligned to your community’s needs and goals.

Startup founders in a workspace, reflecting DMZ’s custom-designed startup programs aligned with community goals.
Operational capacity

We strengthen your internal team with systems, processes and tools to support founders.

Team members at DMZ Cairo discussing systems and processes that support operational growth for partner organizations.
Mentor offerings

Expand your roster of high-impact mentors who can help your entrepreneurs level up.

Group of mentors and startup founders collaborating at DMZ, representing access to expert guidance for entrepreneurs.
Brand visibility & network

Our network is yours – leverage DMZ’s ecosystem of partners and investors to raise your region’s global profile.

Diverse professionals working together, symbolizing DMZ’s global network of partners and investor visibility for startup ecosystems.

Our collaboration with DMZ connects Canadian and Japanese startups, offering Japanese-led companies global opportunities through immersion in Canada’s tech ecosystem.

Yuichi Hatano

Executive Director, JETRO Toronto

Case Studies & Impact Reports

Read how we help organizations build effective programs.

See how organizations around the globe are leveraging DMZ’s expertise to make real impact.

The best startup programs

don’t happen by accident.

Let’s make yours the one startups are talking about.

Questions? Let’s Talk.

Our team.

Strategists, builders and operators—ready to work alongside you.

Abdullah Snobar

Executive Director, DMZ & CEO, DMZ Ventures

As the Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, Abdullah leads the global startup ecosystem.

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Through its world-leading Incubator, Talent Academy and investment fund, DMZ’s global startup ecosystem equips founders with the tools to build, validate and scale impactful startups while producing skilled professionals ready to contribute to the innovation economy through expert-led tech and business courses.

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Committed to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs, Abdullah has championed several key initiatives within DMZ for underserved founders, including its Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs. These programs provide tailored resources, funding and support to overcome barriers and create a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

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Under Abdullah’s leadership, the global startup ecosystem has significantly expanded its impact by establishing global hubs across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; broadening its support to serve upskilling professionals in tech and business foundations; and launching DMZ Ventures’ investment fund for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups.

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Abdullah serves on the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Abdullah is a member of the Forbes Tech Council and has previously served as a Board Director for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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He has previously held roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, Fairmont Hotels, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Abdullah holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and MBA and BComm degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Favourite travel destination?

Havana.

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How do you relax?

Listen to Andrea Bocelli or Drake.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Godfather.

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What is one item you never leave your house without?

A positive mindset.

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Best part about working at the DMZ?

The people and being in the best city in the world.

Sherif El Tawil

Senior Director, Programs & Global Operations

Sherif is the Sr. Director, Programs & Global Operations at DMZ, a leading tech incubator that provides high-potential founders with the resources and connections needed to build world-class companies. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, DMZ has a significant global presence with on-the-ground operations in 10+ countries around the world.

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As Senior Director, Sherif is responsible for developing and implementing DMZ’s overall programs and partnerships strategy, both locally and globally.

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Passionate about pushing the envelope, Sherif believes that the best way to drive exponential growth in Canada and across the world is to tap into the startup and innovation ecosystem and bring emerging technological solutions to the forefront.

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During his 14 years with the organization, Sherif has played an integral role in laying the foundation for the incubator’s operating and business development functions. Sherif’s leadership has been instrumental in building scalable processes to expand DMZ’s programming services to new global markets, empowering partners to drive growth within their local startup ecosystems.

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Today, DMZ is a recognized player across the global tech landscape with operations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, and a network of 1000+ startups worldwide to date.

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Sherif’s insights on the startup and innovation ecosystem can be found in outlets including the Toronto Star, the Logic and Betakit.

Alix Ali-Dib

Senior Manager, SkillHouse & Global Programs

As Sr. Manager of Global Programs, Alix oversees operations across 11 locations, fostering collaboration and efficiency within a diverse global network. With a focus on advisory services and business development, Alix works alongside governments, universities, and NGOs to design innovative programs that drive meaningful impact.
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Committed to helping startups scale globally, Alix connects businesses with the resources, mentorship, and ecosystems needed to thrive. By advancing strategic partnerships and global initiatives, Alix empowers organizations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
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Outside of work, Alix is actively involved with a Lebanese dog rescue group where she met the love of her life Albi, a blind miniature poodle. Alix is also an avid traveler, with her favourite destinations being Greece and Morocco.

Most used app?

Uber

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What would your dream holiday be?

Giraffe Manor in Kenya

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What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won a million dollars?

A week at Giraffe Manor :)

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What's your true passion?

The environment and ecological restoration!

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Pick two celebrities to be your parents.

Posh and Becks

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Yumiko Namiki

Global Programs Specialist

Yumiko assists the Programs and Partnerships team with administrative tasks and supports strategic initiatives with Landing Pad Tokyo.

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Yumiko is a postgraduate student of Sustainable Business Management at Seneca College. Before coming to Toronto, she worked in sales and digital marketing at Rakuten and American Express. While working in Japan, she faced gender inequality, which made her eager to seek change and was one of her primary motivations to come and study in Toronto, Canada.

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During her free time, Yumiko likes to travel domestically and internationally, having visited 15 countries and 43 out of 47 prefectures in Japan. She also loves doing yoga, especially outdoors, such as on the beach and in the forest, to feel the beauty of nature. This also inspires Yumiko to study sustainable business practices to work towards aiding environmental issues and helping future generations enjoy the beautiful nature around us.

How do you relax?
Doing yoga.

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Favourite sport?
Tennis, Swimming, Running.

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What are you most excited about for this summer?
Coming to Toronto!

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Last great movie you saw?
Soul.

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What is your biggest fear?
Cockroaches. I am very happy that there are not many cockroaches in Toronto!

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Mostafa Abdelmeguid

Special Projects Manager, Global Programs

As the Special Programs Manager, Mostafa manages and oversees special programs related to the priorities of the DMZ, from the development to the implementation stage.

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Mostafa likes to label himself as a jack of all trades / loopholes finder. Mostafa’s career spans several industries. He started off as a humanitarian worker for UN WFP and ICRC and moved to the cement industry. He then worked in heritage real estate before settling in the entrepreneurship and innovation sector.

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In his last role as Partners Success Manager for Plug and Play Egypt, Mostafa orchestrated a 5 countries wide Sustainability and GreenTech hackathon for PepsiCo Middle East covering Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and The United Arab Emirates. He was also supporting accelerated startups in Business Development.

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Mostafa received the Chevening award to do his masters in Creative Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmith’s College, University of London in 2017-2018 and he is passionate about improving organizations and facilitating a sense of community.

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Favourite movie/TV show?

Gladiator, Dark Knight trilogy

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How do you relax?

Washing the dishes, playing with my daughter, and snacking

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Describe your desk space

Chaos

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What’s one thing people know you best for?

I love to connect people

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Favourite restaurant?

Dishoom in London, UK

Moe Nishimura

Programs Assistant

As a Programs Assistant at DMZ, Moe assists with global operations and program efficiency, focusing on promoting entrepreneurship, especially in projects involving Japan. Growing up in Tokyo, Japan, Moe was always a curious child, eager to travel the world, explore new landscapes, and immerse herself in different cultures. After working in the real estate and construction industry, Moe’s passion for broadening her horizons led her to Toronto, drawn by its diverse and vibrant vibe.

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Before joining DMZ, Moe worked at a telecommunications company, handling sales and marketing, where she focused on customer engagement and driving business growth. She also have experience as a medical coordinator and interpreter, helping Japanese-speaking patients communicate with healthcare providers and ensuring smooth, clear exchanges.

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Outside of work, Moe describes herself as a bit of a nerd when it comes to music. She enjoys playing musical instruments, and attending Coachella is definitely on her bucket list! She’s all about exploring new things, whether in her career or hobbies.

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Most visited website?

Ticketmaster

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Most used app?  

TikTok

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Favourite animal?

Any animals that are white, small, and fluffy

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Best concert you’ve been to?

Sam Smith’s GLORIA tour in 2023

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What is your biggest fear?

Rush hour on TTC