Dr. Melissa Sassi is a transformative force in tech, highly regarded venture builder, and super connector renowned for her ability to accelerate growth and innovation across countries, communities, and companies. Often referred to as a "Wild Duck" during her tenure at IBM, she is celebrated for her unique ability to turn audacious ideas into impactful realities.

Over the past six years, Dr. Sassi has been instrumental in cultivating 250 tech ventures from 80 countries with $500M in investment capital, which lead to a collective valuation exceeding $3B.

Her groundbreaking initiative, Fast Pass—developed in collaboration with IBM and Machinelab, alongside 200 of the world's leading banks—sparks enterprise partnerships with AI, security, and fintech ventures. Their latest roundtables, unprecedented in scope, brought together 125 C-level banking executives and regulators from around the globe.

An influential board member for several prestigious companies, Dr. Sassi is a sought-after speaker at high-profile events hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank, and major tech firms. Her doctoral thesis sparked the creation of the world’s first digital skills standard, adopted by several nation states and endorsed by IEEE, the largest engineering association globally. Vint Cerf, the Father of the Internet and Chief Internet Strategist at Google, has hailed her as a trailblazer in digital inclusion.

With a distinguished career at industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs, Dr. Sassi has honed her expertise in fostering relationships, impact, and economic development on a global scale. Notably, she launched Cape Verde’s Entrepreneur in Residence program, establishing a National Day of Code, and a National Day of Digital Creativity to enhance tech skills and entrepreneurship amongst young changemakers.

As a visionary creator, thought leader, and inspirational keynote speaker, Dr. Melissa Sassi continues to shape the future of technology and empower the next generation of innovators.

Dr. Sassi credits her drive and accomplishments to her three children – Zahra, Zahra, and Youmna – who sparked an infectious passion

Dr. Melissa Sassi is a dynamic force in the tech industry, known for her exceptional ability to accelerate growth and innovation across countries, communities, and companies. Dubbed a "Wild Duck" during her tenure at IBM, she has earned recognition for her unique talent in transforming bold ideas into impactful realities.

Over the past six years, Dr. Sassi has played a pivotal role in nurturing 250 tech ventures from 80 countries leading to $500 million in investment capital and a staggering collective valuation exceeding $3 billion. Her groundbreaking initiative, **Fast Pass**—developed in partnership with IBM and Machinelab, alongside 200 of the world’s leading banks—ignites strategic partnerships in AI, security, and fintech. Her latest roundtables, unprecedented in scope, convened 125 C-level banking executives and regulators from across the globe to explore innovative collaborations.

An influential board member for several prestigious organizations, Dr. Sassi is a highly sought-after speaker at prominent events hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank, academia, major tech firms, and beyond. Her doctoral thesis led to the creation of the world’s first digital skills standard, which has been adopted by multiple nation-states and endorsed by IEEE, WEF, and OECD. Vint Cerf, the Father of the Internet and Chief Internet Strategist at Google, has praised her as a trailblazer in digital inclusion.

With a distinguished career spanning industry giants like Microsoft, IBM, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs, Dr. Sassi has refined her expertise in fostering relationships, driving impact and promoting economic development on a global scale. Notably, she launched Cape Verde’s Entrepreneur in Residence program, establishing a National Day of Code and a National Day of Digital Creativity to empower young changemakers with essential tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

As a visionary creator, thought leader, and inspirational keynote speaker, Dr. Melissa Sassi is dedicated to shaping the future of technology and cultivating talent globally. She attributes her relentless drive and accomplishments to her three children—Zahra, Zahra, and Youmna—who inspire her passion for making a difference every day.