About Us
At Startup Roadway, we are more than just an incubator—we are the launchpad for your entrepreneurial journey. Nestled in the innovative hub of Vancouver, we are dedicated to turning your ideas into thriving businesses. Our mission is to empower startups with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to excel in today’s fast-paced market.
Mission
Our mission is to foster a collaborative environment that nurtures creativity, innovation, and growth. We are committed to providing strategic support and cutting-edge resources, enabling startups to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Vision
We envision a world where every entrepreneur, no matter their background or experience, has the opportunity to innovate and succeed. We aim to be the go-to platform for startups looking to scale their ideas and make a lasting impact.
What We Do
At Startup Roadway, we specialize in creating tailored growth strategies for startups. From concept development to market entry, we are with you every step of the way. Our team of experts, backed by university professors and industry innovators, works relentlessly to ensure that your journey is smooth and successful.
We pride ourselves on our human-centric approach, recognizing that it’s the people behind the ideas who truly make a difference. Our diverse team is our greatest asset, continuously driving us to push boundaries and deliver groundbreaking results.
Why Choose Us?
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, our welcoming and inspiring space is designed to help you thrive. With our extensive network of investors and industry leaders, you’ll have access to the support and resources necessary to bring your vision to life.
Our Team
At Startup Roadway, our team is driven by a shared passion for innovation, business excellence, and transformative growth. Meet the people behind our success:
Dr. Samad Doostdar Somarin
Founder & CEO
Samad is an accomplished leader in project management, having earned his PhD in Project Management and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Project Safety and Risk Management. As the founder and CEO of Startup Roadway, he is dedicated to guiding startups through their early challenges and onto long-term success by providing strategic advice, support, and mentorship in areas such as funding, marketing, and legal matters.
Arash Farahmandi
COO – Chief Operating Officer
Arash is a seasoned professional specializing in the hospitality and food & beverage industries. With decades of experience in managing a diverse range of businesses, Arash earned his Master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Dr. Hamideh Pourtaherian
CRO – Chief Risk Officer
Hamideh is a dynamic leader with a PhD in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Business Leadership from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As the Chief Risk Officer at Startup Roadway, she brings her expertise in identifying investment opportunities and guiding strategic decisions across Canada and the Far East. Her combination of leadership skills and an analytical mindset drives her efforts in fostering successful ventures.
Amir Ardalan Ansari
VP
Amir is a marketing expert with years of experience in field marketing and guerrilla activations for globally recognized brands like Google, Samsung, and Diageo. He thrives in high-pressure environments and excels in team management.
Hessam Mohammadi
AI Engineer & Industrial Automation Specialist
Hessam is an AI engineer with extensive expertise in industrial automation and control systems, particularly in the oil and gas sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Instrumentation and Automation from the International University of Shiraz and is skilled in various technical domains, including Yokogawa DCS, SIEMENS DCS SIMATIC PCS7, and programming with LabVIEW and C.
Fanan Khalid
International Business Advisor
Fanan is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in business advisory services. With a background in managing operations, Fanan excels at guiding businesses through complex international processes and fostering sustainable growth in global markets.
Natalia Coelho
CFO and Corporate Law Expert
Natalia is a Corporate Accountant with international expertise and a qualified Corporate Lawyer in Brazil. She combines her legal and financial skills to provide comprehensive solutions, helping businesses navigate complex corporate and financial matters.
Dr. Mohammad Sharif Karimi
Senior Lecturer and Economics Advisor
Dr. Karimi, with over 12 years of experience, specializes in econometrics and international economics. He has held global academic positions, published extensively, and supervises graduate students in advanced economic research.
Dr. Mohammad Ali Jamali
International Business Advisor
Dr. Jamali is an accomplished academic and research professional with expertise in economics. With years of experience as a research manager and project lead, he holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Putra Malaysia.
Reza Nemat
Program Coordinator
Reza is an expert in business and energy management, holding two master’s degrees and bringing eight years of experience as a Commercial Manager. As a Program Coordinator at Startup Roadway, he leverages his expertise to support startups through mentorship and strategic insight, fostering growth and development for new ventures.
Babak Ghorbani
Business Advisor
Babak holds a PhD from Simon Fraser University’s Applied Sciences department and has extensive experience as a senior scientist and engineer. Over the years, he has contributed to advanced R&D efforts and played a significant role in guiding the development of business plans, market analyses, and operational strategies. His involvement in the MSE 405W course at SFU, focused on entrepreneurship, has helped him merge technical expertise with business insights to support technology-based startups in transforming innovative ideas into successful ventures.
Join us at Startup Roadway,
where we turn dreams into reality, one startup at a time. Let’s innovate, grow, and succeed together.