Senior operators who have led technology, AI, and capability programs at institutional scale, and built the companies that proved the model works.
Valwood is led by founders with careers spanning Fortune 500 financial institutions, cybersecurity exits, global digital transformation programs, and award-winning startups. Each brings a track record of building at scale and a conviction that the most consequential AI work of this decade will be done in sovereign institutions.
Mohammed Ashour is a visionary entrepreneur and global business leader recognized on Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 list and named to the Maclean's Power 100. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Visionary Group, building ventures across emerging markets at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and innovation.
Mohammed first gained international recognition after leading his team to victory in the US$1 million Hult Prize, outperforming more than 10,000 teams globally. The prize was used to launch Aspire, an early pioneer in sustainable AgTech and alternative protein production. Trained in both medicine and business, he brings a systems-driven approach to building companies, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and scaling ventures internationally.
At Valwood, he leads stakeholder relationships and the firm's expansion across global markets.
At Valwood, he leads investor relationships and the firm's expansion across international markets.
Medical Studies, McGill University
Master of Business Administration, McGill University
Master of Science in Neuroscience, McGill University
Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, University of Toronto
Irfan brings over two decades of executive technology leadership across major global financial institutions, having served as CTO, CIO, and CEO in organizations where AI, data, and digital infrastructure carry regulatory and systemic weight. His career spans senior roles at Moody's, Computershare, and other institutions in the financial services sector, as well as advisory and leadership positions at New York University.
Irfan has led complex digital transformation programs in the financial services sector, including a $300M+ transformation program undertaken in response to the Global Financial Crisis of 2007, a global digital transformation program for major institutions during COVID, and AI initiatives at scale for the last ten years with a view of the full arc from strategy through production deployment.
At Valwood, Irfan leads the firm's overall strategy and execution.
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, New York University
Master of Science in Technology Management, Columbia University
Ashraf is a serial technology entrepreneur with a record of founding and exiting companies across cybersecurity and enterprise software. He co-founded Identropy, a leading identity and access management firm subsequently acquired by Protiviti. He also co-founded SCUID, acquired by CA Technologies in a separate exit.
Today, he serves as an investor and advisor for multiple for-profit and non-profit organizations, with particular focus on governance, strategy, and institutional design.
At Valwood, Ashraf leads the firm's overall strategy and corporate development.
Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems and Philosophy, Stony Brook University
Master of Arts in Global Studies, Southern Methodist University