Saif Ishoof

Raised in Miami, Saif Ishoof is an expert on how the forces of disruption are transforming how we learn, work, and play. Saif has been recognized with several prestigious distinctions including as a Presidential Leadership Scholar, a scholar of the German Marshall Fund, and as an Aspen Institute Fellow for Civil Society. Most recently, Saif was named Most Innovative CEO in South Florida by the Levan Center for Innovation. Saif is a frequently sought-after advisor and board member to venture & private-equity backed companies. He is also a speaker and writer on subjects including innovation, talent, American competitiveness, the Future of Work, and Web 3.0.

Saif is the founder of Lab22c, a firm which provides advisory services to founders, funds, institutions, and family offices, specializing in various areas such as strategic partnerships, office launches, human capital/team development, social impact, and philanthropy. We have successfully facilitated transformative partnerships, including the establishment of an innovative collaboration between Ironhack, a global coding Bootcamp, and the Miami Marlins.

Saif previously served as the Vice President for Engagement at Florida International University and as the founding Senior Advisor for Innovation & Technology to City of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez. As VP for Engagement, Saif built transformational partnerships for the university and generated over $70m to fuel institutional impact. As advisor to Mayor Suarez, he co-founded the Venture Miami team and worked to assist scores of companies and funds in their relocation to Miami. Prior to FIU, Saif served as the founding Executive Director of City Year Miami.

Saif earned his bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.