Shahryar Barati

About the MBA Programme

Why did you choose to study your programme and why specifically at Imperial College Business School?

As a three-time alumnus of Imperial College, having completed my BEng in Biomedical Engineering and an MSc in Metals and Energy Finance, it was a natural choice to return for my MBA. Imperial College Business School offered a unique blend of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which perfectly aligned with my career goals. The school’s strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and its interdisciplinary nature coupled with its prime location in London made it the ideal environment for advancing my career particularly in the venture capital and startup space.

What was the surprising thing about the programme?

The most surprising aspect was the incredible diversity of the cohort. Professionals from all over the world brought unique perspectives and experiences, enriching our discussions and broadening my understanding of global business dynamics. Additionally, the programme’s practical focus on real-world applications and projects exceeded my expectations in terms of intensity and reward.

Tell us about your current job

I am the founder and Managing Partner of Project Ventures, an advisory firm in the process of launching a venture capital fund, dedicated to investing in Applied AI startups. Leveraging my deep connections with Imperial College and a strong network of advisors, we aim to support high-potential startups from early stages through to growth.

How was your career transformed following your programme?

The MBA programme at Imperial was transformative and facilitated my transition from the financial services and corporate world into the startup and venture capital ecosystem. The strategic mindset, advanced business acumen, and robust network I developed were instrumental in this shift which down the line allowed me to launch and lead Project Ventures.

How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge you gained during the programme within your career going forward?

The skills and knowledge I gained during my MBA are essential to my role at Project Ventures. They have equipped me to build and scale a business from the ground up effectively. The combination of my MBA education and practical experience as both a startup operator and VC investor has provided a robust foundation for launching and managing my own venture. The programme’s strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship continues to guide me as we expand our team and portfolio, ensuring that we remain agile and forward-thinking in a dynamic market environment.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your career and how have you overcome them?

Transitioning from a corporate role to the entrepreneurial world was a significant challenge. The skillset and confidence instilled by Imperial helped facilitate this transition. Launching a business from the ground up is also inherently challenging, but leveraging my experience and network from Imperial has been crucial. The MBA provided the foundation needed to overcome these hurdles and thrive in the ecosystem.

What is your proudest achievement in the job so far?

One of my proudest achievements is launching and managing the UK’s first automated VC fund in my previous role. This experience, combined with my deep connections at Imperial, has been instrumental in the process of launching Project Ventures. Additionally, the successful setup and progress of Project Ventures mark a significant milestone in my career.

Alumni Community

Tell us more about Project Ventures and how you have leveraged the Imperial Alumni Community to launch this transformative project.

Project Ventures is a venture capital fund in the making focused on Applied AI startups. As the first Imperial-born VC fund led by a three-time alumnus and supported by a team of Imperial alumni, we leverage our deep connections within the Imperial community. This network provides access to top-tier talent, cutting-edge research, AI expertise, world-class industry leading alumni network and high-quality deal flow. We continuously engage with the alumni community, inviting them to contribute their expertise and support our mission.

In your opinion, why is it so important for the Alumni community to stay connected?

Staying connected with the Alumni community is essential for fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge, resources, and opportunities. For me, the Imperial Alumni network has been a cornerstone of support, collaboration, and innovation. It allows us to leverage shared experiences and insights, driving collective success and making a broader impact on society. Additionally, I am committed to giving back by recruiting interns and facilitating capstone consulting projects, ensuring the next generation benefits from the same support and opportunities.