Today’s sponsored insight is another empty room, an opportunity ignored by most investors because they either don’t want to or can’t participate. This time around, we’ll discuss investing where capital is truly scarce - the frontier of the frontier markets. Kiyan Zandiyeh is the CIO of Sturgeon Capital, a $350 million venture firm that backs bold founders building the leading technology companies in countries early into their digital transition, including Bangladesh, Central Asia, Egypt, and Pakistan. Our conversation covers Kiyan’s early entrepreneurial and investing experience, venture and operating experience building two businesses in Iran through 80% currency devaluations, and Sturgeon’s venture strategy from there. We discuss Sturgeon’s investment process across country selection, targets, founders, valuation, risks, and investment examples. We close touching on Kiyan’s ambition in the coming years. Show Notes 02:04    Kiyan’s Background 10:58    Joining Sturgeon 12:40    Operating businesses through 80% currency devaluations 15:19    Investment strategy 18:21    Investment team 19:45    Target companies 24:27    Sourcing deals 25:38    Valuation 26:17    Risks 31:55    Competition 32:49    Investment examples 44:07    Ambitions going forward Learn More Follow Ted on Twitter at @tseides or LinkedIn Subscribe to the mailing list Access Transcript with Premium Membership