Syed is an award winning entrepreneur who has been recognized as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs under the age of 30 by the United Nations. With a portfolio of online properties aimed at helping small businesses grow and compete with the big guys, including the largest free WordPress resource site, WPBeginner, Syed has a passion for using technology to level the playing field for those who are destined for success. His collection of small business products, including OptinMonster, WPForms, MonsterInsights, and SeedProd currently empower over eight million websites to increase their traffic, email subscribers, and revenue.
Syed started his first business at age seven, selling holiday greeting cards near his childhood home in Karachi, Pakistan. When he expanded operations to selling snacks and drinks to neighborhood children, it was clear that he was an entrepreneur searching for opportunities. At 12 years old, his family immigrated to the United States and Syed faced the unique challenge of being both substantially younger than his high school classmates and trying to learn English at the same time. The frustrations of this led him to use his free time to build web proxies and arcade sites which catapulted him into the world of web directories and web development that would eventually lead to his current success.
It was Syed’s determination to educate himself that led to his success. It is this determination despite adversity that Syed wishes to celebrate with the Balkhi Foundation. By making quality education attainable for underprivileged students, funding advanced technology training for students who are self taught, and providing mentorship to students who display promise despite adversity, Syed hopes to leverage his unique experience to make a difference for the students of today.
Syed has had the privilege of being honored by the University of Florida as an Outstanding Young Alumni, as well as, a three time recipient of the Gator 100 award for rapid business growth. Syed has been honored by the United Nations as one of the top entrepreneurs under age 35 and has received the Safeer E Pakistan award for technology. Syed has also been inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame in 2017 for his impact in bringing cricket to the United States.