Client Recommendations
"Zulfiqar Deo epitomises innovation. An independent thinker with a laser-like mind and a vast skill set, Zulfiqar identifies better ways of doing things and then implements them. I have worked with Zulfiqar on projects to support entrepreneurs for a few years now and have witnessed his tireless contributions to the development of social enterprise. Zulfiqar works on the cutting edge of fintech. Zulfiqar is business-focused and community-minded. It is this unique outlook that compels him to lead us into the future." November 6th, 2020. Partner at Spencer-West LLP.
"Zufi established a business group with experts in different fields, which, over a period of 10 years, has supported and encouraged approximately 2,000 entrepreneurs at a crucial time in their development. Zufi has organised regular face-to-face group meetings, set up an online platform to book one-to-one consultations, and he has provided a continuous flow of tips for start up businesses. Zufi "made it happen" and we have been delighted to play our small part in this excellent project." September 4th, 2020. Co Founder Invicta IP UK.
"I feel very fortunate to have Zufi as a mentor. He is knowledgeable and resourceful, and shares his expertise with kindness and genuine interest. I was initially put in-touch with Zufi to gain advice on setting up an entrepreneur support program focused on water initiatives in the Middle East. Zufi took the time to give me a 45 minute crash course in entrepreneur support programs, following up via email with additional resources and reading material. Zufi continues to connect me with experts and entrepreneurs in the region, facilitating invaluable connections I would not have otherwise been able to make. As a mentor, Zufi is always eager to provide support in any way he can." August 31st, 2017 Policy Specialist at Lamont-Donherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University.
"I received mentoring from Zulfi and it was an amazing experience. Zulfi took the time to really listen to my business idea and give me the much-needed advice and confidence I needed to move forward. I also met with another mentor who also attended the event and he, like Zulfi, was engaging and encouraging and offered me excellent advice. Starting a new business can be overwhelming and I recommend attending Zulfi’s events. You will find discussing your business ideas with an interested expert can help you make realistic goals for implementation. That was certainly how it worked for me.
Zulfi and the other mentors have a patient ear and a wealth of knowledge and advice and the mentoring events are not only free, - which is an incredible bonus as many starting out on a business venture are not exactly brimming with funds- it is also an excellent opportunity to meet with the calibre of experts that start-ups would not have the funds or credentials to meet with otherwise.
I was personally encouraged and motivated through my enriching experience. I also met other small business owners at the event and was able to connect with them. I have since gone on to start not one but two successful business ventures and the mentoring I received was of great help. Why not go along? My advice is to go with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a notepad to jot down ideas!" June, 2nd, 2017 Female Entrepreneur.
Zulfi and the other mentors have a patient ear and a wealth of knowledge and advice and the mentoring events are not only free, - which is an incredible bonus as many starting out on a business venture are not exactly brimming with funds- it is also an excellent opportunity to meet with the calibre of experts that start-ups would not have the funds or credentials to meet with otherwise.
I was personally encouraged and motivated through my enriching experience. I also met other small business owners at the event and was able to connect with them. I have since gone on to start not one but two successful business ventures and the mentoring I received was of great help. Why not go along? My advice is to go with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a notepad to jot down ideas!" June, 2nd, 2017 Female Entrepreneur.
"I met the bizBees at the Finetch Jam for Good 2016, sponsored by UNICEF. Biz Bees team won the Infosys Challenge for financial Inclusion with their concept using a combination of crowd funding and micro finance for refugee entrepreneurs in UN Refugee camps. As Jam winners, they pitched their concept at Innovate Finance Global Summit 2016, and met officials from UNICEF and other organisations that have an interest in supporting Refugees. We at Claro Partners supported them through the Jam, and offered them a free consultation session to take their idea forward. It is great to see them taking this high impact project forwards." June, 22nd, 2016 Claro Partners. (bizGees is a bizStuff Co Creational project.)
"I was privileged to have Zufi as one of the judges of the NYU entrepreneurial competition and then as a business mentor of our telemedicine business idea for Egypt. Zufi provided insightful feedback and perspective that encouraged us to challenge our current thinking of our business model and key assumptions. I strongly recommend Zufi for his exceptional mentorship, entrepreneurial experience and business acumen." June, 24th, 2016. Executive MBA Student, NYU Stern School of Business
"Zufi is such a great connector. He always does what he says he is going to do, and for me one of his talents is bridging the gap between where entrepreneurs are and who they need to be speaking to. I'm grateful to have him in my corner and recommend you reach out to him." May, 23rd, 2016 CEO and Millennial Keynote Speaker, TwentySomeone
"I started working with Zufi soon after being entrusted a responsibility over External Relations at Oxford Entrepreneurs – the largest student-led society in Europe focusing on entrepreneurship. Our relationship was one of the most valuable for the Society and therefore, the Oxford Entrepreneurial Community I have ever engaged in!
Zufi’s input and ideas were invaluable in advancing Oxford Entrepreneurs’ impact for supporting entrepreneurs in Oxford and beyond. His high-level perspective was always accompanied by feasible suggestions on how to achieve the envisioned vision followed by introductions to, who now are, one of the key partners of Oxford Entrepreneurs. Finally, Zufi’s pro-activeness in volunteering his knowledge and expertise without me even asking is what makes a huge difference.
In summary – I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Zufi and sharing with him what your vision is. Let me assure you – you will be surprised how helpful and long lasting this short conversation will be!". May 10th, 2016 Head of External Relations, Oxford Entrepreneurs
Zufi’s input and ideas were invaluable in advancing Oxford Entrepreneurs’ impact for supporting entrepreneurs in Oxford and beyond. His high-level perspective was always accompanied by feasible suggestions on how to achieve the envisioned vision followed by introductions to, who now are, one of the key partners of Oxford Entrepreneurs. Finally, Zufi’s pro-activeness in volunteering his knowledge and expertise without me even asking is what makes a huge difference.
In summary – I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Zufi and sharing with him what your vision is. Let me assure you – you will be surprised how helpful and long lasting this short conversation will be!". May 10th, 2016 Head of External Relations, Oxford Entrepreneurs
"I had the pleasure to meet Zulfiqar when I started working at IncuBus. He's been an incredible mentor to our startups, providing useful advice, links and intros. The hard work he does is really beneficial to the growth and thrive of the London startup eco system." February 1st, 2015 Programme Manager, IncuBus Ventures
"Zufi and I partnered on an ambitious project, Startup Ready, a program to facilitate corporate professionals making career pivots into the Startup Economy. This included the design of several programs, workshops, and collaboratories. Already an accomplished mentor to entrepreneurs, Zufi brought deep subject matter expertise and unflagging passion to our project. He excels in strategy, operational execution and teamwork. I recommend him without qualification to any entrepreneur seeking guidance or organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs." November 25 2015. CEO GISTICS. Silicon Valley based Innovation Think Tank.
"At IncuBus, we've been successfully working with Zulfiqar for some time, so when he proposed us the Pow Wow Pitch workshop we were really excited. And we weren't disappointed! ... guiding our entrepreneurs through some simple exercises that make them feel aware of their body movements and how to use this to improve the pitch. ... as SparkzIgnite designed an effective and fun workshop and we are really looking forward to working with them in the future" October 27 2015. Programme Manager IncuBus London
"Zulfi has been a great supporter of MassChallenge and the startups taking part in the UK programme. He regularly comes in to offer support to startups as part of the CSR work that he does under bizstuff. He is able to work with startups on a great range of challenges and industries. We look forward to welcoming him back in Tobacco Dock for next year's cohort." September 8, 2015 Mentor Manager, MassChallenge .
"Zufi is an innovative thinker and excels as a strategic planner working with SMEs. I have worked with him on some of the CSR initiatives launched by his Group, Business Mentoring, on Meetup.com. The result has been to deliver high-impact delivery to sustain micro and small business on business growth. He was a recent speaker on the previous event by East London Export Club and delivered a great seminal paper on Mentoring support." August 1st, 2015 Founder East London Export Club
"Zulfiqar is a serial entrepreneur and a great mentor. He offered us great advise on the way to organize and structure the work on the most critical moment of a startup, the first year. I can definitely recommend his service to everyone running a business and we look forward to continue working with him." June 12, 2015 - Founder of CYCL.
"Zufi has provided artFix with constant guidance and he has helped us grow from a group of people with a common idea to a team of colleagues with a company structure. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Areas of support provided -
Organising the artfix project using Business Action theory. This means all the systematisation that is going take into the external environment art fix operates in. We initially started by focusing on working on the business model and ensuring the structure of the outlets would lower the risks of failure as much as possible, ie by breaking the units into sub units and renting out space to 3rd parties, etc.
We then started to focus on systematizing the people side of the business. This has meant organising the volunteer time in a way that their careers are supported by spending time with artFix in way that also supports artFix scale. This helps recent graduates build the experience they need in a way that supports artFix at the same time.
We have also discussed ways to build a competitive advantage for artFix using innovation and people as the key sources.
In all a very important but at the same time very pleasant experience." March 19, 2015 - Founder/ Director of artFix
Areas of support provided -
Organising the artfix project using Business Action theory. This means all the systematisation that is going take into the external environment art fix operates in. We initially started by focusing on working on the business model and ensuring the structure of the outlets would lower the risks of failure as much as possible, ie by breaking the units into sub units and renting out space to 3rd parties, etc.
We then started to focus on systematizing the people side of the business. This has meant organising the volunteer time in a way that their careers are supported by spending time with artFix in way that also supports artFix scale. This helps recent graduates build the experience they need in a way that supports artFix at the same time.
We have also discussed ways to build a competitive advantage for artFix using innovation and people as the key sources.
In all a very important but at the same time very pleasant experience." March 19, 2015 - Founder/ Director of artFix
"As Head of External Relations at Oxford Entrepreneurs, the largest student-lead organization in Europe focusing on entrepreneurship, I am delighted to cooperate with Zufi. He had openly shared his extensive network with us and introduced me to many organizations supporting entrepreneurship within the UK and beyond, such as Startup Socials. I am looking forward to future cooperation with Zufi and hope that Oxford Entrepreneurs’ members will soon be able to benefit from his experience, knowledge and network." November 3, 2014 - Head of External Relations at Oxford Entrepreneurs
"Zulfiqar is a serial entrepreneur and mentor very well connected to the UK startup ecosystem. He helped Startup Socials to grow in London through powerful introductions as Oxford Entrepreneurs we could partner with. He is always ready to share his personal connections, provide great reactive support and advises for developing successfully our London community. Zulfiqar is a key collaborative ambassador of Startup Socials and I hope we will continue this collaboration in a long term." November 2, 2014 - Business Development Director, Startup Socials
"I am delighted to recommend Zufi, the organiser of the Business Mentoring group for start-up businesses that organise micro events to help entrepreneurs, including pre starts and start-ups. The group offer both online and offline accountancy, taxation, business mentoring and legal support services for near free.
I am fortunate to be part of his business mentoring group which is making a significant difference to SMEs in the UK. The group has successfully mentored many start-ups that are providing an inspiration to the new businesses to follow. During the time I worked with Zufi, I received exceptional support. He is enthusiastic, personable and a brilliant networker." August 17, 2014 - Founder of an Accountancy Service
I am fortunate to be part of his business mentoring group which is making a significant difference to SMEs in the UK. The group has successfully mentored many start-ups that are providing an inspiration to the new businesses to follow. During the time I worked with Zufi, I received exceptional support. He is enthusiastic, personable and a brilliant networker." August 17, 2014 - Founder of an Accountancy Service
"When selecting expert judges for UK Trade & Investment’s Sirius Programme (a global entrepreneurship competition), Zufi was one of the first people that came to mind. I knew from our previous contact through King’s College Lion’s Den Challenge that he was always highly recommended by everyone he mentored; working with him again for Sirius was another reminder of his startup expertise and willingness to go the extra mile to help." July 11, 2014 -
Program Manager at InnoCentive
Program Manager at InnoCentive
"I worked with Zul in Nov 2013. He arrange a mentoring session with UKTI KISA and Google Entrepreneurs. He successfully recruited a large group of mentors. The mentors provided assistant to the Korean Startup that were visiting Tech City. The areas that the mentors provided their expertise in were helpful to the Korean Start ups who were looking for basic information on the UK and environment of Tech City. I will encourage other Embassies to work with Zul and the expertise that he holds in these area. Again Thanks for all the valuable help provided. December 5, 2013 - UKTI Investment Officer at British Embassy Seoul Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
“I had the pleasure to meet Zufi through his BUSINESS MENTORING initiative, - a group of successful entrepreneurs which help London based SME’s, Pre Starts and Startups with whatever they need at the time to move forward through free mentoring sessions. Zufi kindly supports the female Entrepreneurs and Aspiring Entrepreneurs group (http://www.meetup.com/Female-entrepreneurs-aspiring-female-entrepreneurs-London) by arranging a monthly mentoring sessions where 10 female entrepreneurs get free advice and support from four mentors in the field of commercial law, accountancy, business strategy and marketing. Zufi is not only extremely knowledgeable but also EXTREMELY kind, warm, personable, smiling, laughing and very proactive in welcoming and including everyone in ongoing discussions - which is exemplary. I would suggest that this reflects strength, security, character and zeal. Zufi is also multilingual and cultural aware which is definitely a plus for any business. I HIGHLY recommend Zufi for any type of project leadership, team-management, managerial, executive and entrepreneurial experiences requiring business strategy advice. It is a pleasure to work with Zufi because he is not only very passionate, accurate and thorough in what he does but also his results-driven energy just motivates everyone around him.” June 5, 2013 - Founder of the All Female Entrepreneurship Meet Up Group
“Zufi is a dedicated business partner with a huge network in the London area. Not only is it a pleasure to work with him, but his introductions for me and EFactor have proven to be very valuable. Try it, you will love working with him!” April 29, 2013 - Business Development Manager, EFactor
“Mr Deo provided very useful advice when working on product development. He is dedicated person. He is entrepreneurial and completes any task he takes up to the highest possible standards and is an excellent team player.” March 25, 2013 - Serial Entrepreneur
“Zufi mentored our team in the Lion's den challenge to successfully secure seed funds. During our meetings Zufi was incredibly strategic and professional in the way he implemented the business plan and pitch. Our team had a victorious ending by scooping up two awards! We look forward to continuing working with Zufi. Thank you!” March 25, 2013 - Founder of the Business Winning Team 2013, Lion's Den Challenge, King's College, London.
“Zulfiquar has a genuine interest in enterprise and, in his dealings with the Start-up Loans Company, he has generously provided support in helping us to reach young entrepreneurs and recruit volunteer mentors to our scheme. I can confidently recommend Entrepreneur Commons, London, and believe that it does a great deal to support Entrepreneurship in the London area.” February 9, 2013 - Head of Operations, Start-up Loans Company
“Zufi is a sound communicator with a wealth of knowledge on business start ups. He provides great advice and links to anyone wanting some support in this area. I would recommend Zufi to anyone wanting to start their own business or those with more specialised business related questions” January 11, 2013 - Talk at London Metropolitan University
"Zulfiqar has been very impressive in performance and outreach. He went above and beyond in delivering high caliber introductions and guidance into the European entrepreneur leaders and organizations we sought access. I would recommend Zulfiqar's involvement with any organization that realize the support and expertise he brings.” August 22, 2012 - Chairman of LDJ Capital
“Zulfiqar has assisted us to start-up a biotechnology company named CellCap Technologies (CCT). During the first meeting, Zulfiqar quickly understood our novel technology despite his non-scientific background. Combined with his excellent business expertise, Zulfiqar then assisted us with establishing business strategy and carrying out market analysis for CCT. He supervised us with business plan writing and our business plan is now a front-runner of winning the 2012 King's College Lion's Den Business Competition. We very much enjoyed working with Zulfiqar and we appreciate the crucial expert assistance he has extended to our business.” April 12, 2012 - Founder of the Startup, Winning Team 2012, Lion's Den Challenge, King's College, London.
“Zulfiqar is a dedicated, attentive and expert consultant. He has offered valuable contribution to re-structuring my business. He has maintained a positive relationship, and client-oriented approach throughout the assignment. I will use his services again and recommend to others.” January 31, 2012 - Founder of the Small Business
“bizStuff.co has consulted GBL remotely - a small business - over the last 6 months in Uganda under Grow Movement www.growmvement.org . This was a virtual project supporting the business to understand how to leverage main stream Business Management disciplines, like Project Management, to help the company identify and manage their risks and complexities more effectively. The bizStuff.co Business Analysis framework supported GBL to map their business and identify their tacit business concerns. This helped GBL to organise their business into manageable sections, understand the implications of changes in one section upon the others and manage the overall business more effectively. I fully recommend other Small Businesses to work with bizStuff.co to benefit in a similar way.” January 16, 2012 - Operations Manager, Grow Volunteer Consulting
“To whom it may concern: There are many people in this world, different personalities, passions, backgrounds, and abilities. Many of these people pass by and you will never truly know what actually are their true talents, and contributions. However, in my good fortune of my meeting and having the opportunity to interact with Mr. Deo, this is not the case. "Zulfi" is a clearly brilliant individual who displays an evident passion and commitment to what he does, and reaches out to people in his entrepreneurial circle to help them be successful at what they do. I have watched this guy over the past year, from a far, be actively involved in writing books (check out MBA for Start-ups); as well as support and help grow the entrepreneur commons—truly, a person that leverages and shares his God-given talent. In summary, whether it is as a consultant, an author, a friend or simply someone connected via LinkedIn, I recommend Mr. Zulfiqar Deo (with honor and respect). October 17, 2011 President and Co-Founder of Ghostrade.com
"Zufi volunteered as a business mentor over several months during the "Lion's Den" business competition at King's College, London. During that period he was very generous with his time and freely shared his business knowledge with our team, for which we are very grateful." May 12, 2011 - Co Founder of the Startup, Winning Team 2011, Lion's Den Challenge, King's College, London.
“Zulfiqar is a valued member of the YEDG and has provided his support and cooperation to the group.He has written an entire series of 10 articles which are regularly being published on the YEDG website. This initiative has been a great source of information to the entire YEDG community. The YEDG Team would like to thank Zulfiqar for his continued association and wishes him all the success in his future endeavors.”February 8, 2011 -
Young Entrepreneurs' Discussion Group, Team, YEDG
Young Entrepreneurs' Discussion Group, Team, YEDG
Zulfiqar helped our start-up find traction in the UK market. He showed great initiative and high levels of enthusiasm during his stint as a commercial development manager with SUMO Research. I am sure he will succeed in his new venture and wish him all the very best for the future.” July 25, 2010 - Founder of SUMO Research
“Zulfiqar is meticulous, diligent and always available. He demonstrates a high degree of independence - in thought and activity. He is able to connect several possible opportunities, draw conclusions and arrive at fresh ideas. As a person, Zulfi is fun, direct and brings many interests and a varied background to any conversation.” January 21, 2010 - CEO of Extentia Information Technology
“Knowledge management is the name of Zulfiqar’s expertise in which smartly gathers, organizes, shares, and analyses its knowledge in terms of resources, documents, and people skills.” December 16, 2009 - Entrepreneur
“Zulfiqar assisted us by helping us apply practical business theory to our ideas for Jobzle.com. I'd recommend him to all other startups looking to organize themselves professionally.” September 10, 2009 - Founder of Jobzle.com