In a journey marked by ambition, resilience, and a relentless drive to succeed, Mohammad Mustafa Hassan, a rising star in the global startup ecosystem, reflects on his experiences at Draper University. Last year, Mohammad received a $12,000 scholarship to attend the Fall 2023 DraperU Hero Training Program—a prestigious achievement that not only highlighted his potential but also showcased the emerging talent from Pakistan on a global stage.
Draper University: A Prestigious Launchpad for Entrepreneurs
Founded in 2008 by renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper, Draper University has long been recognized as one of the premier institutions for aspiring entrepreneurs. Known for its unique approach that combines rigorous training, hands-on experience, and mentorship from industry leaders, DraperU has produced some of the most promising entrepreneurs of our time. Draper University Ventures has invested in alumni companies such as nVision Medical (acquired by Boston Scientific for $275 million in 2018), 1027 Games, Pretty Litter, and Living Carbon.
Over the past decade, DraperU has trained over 4,100 founders from 102 countries, who have gone on to launch more than 700 companies and raise over $900 million in funding. The institution is part of a broader ecosystem of Draper funds, which have invested in iconic companies like Tesla, Skype, Twitter, Hotmail, Robinhood, and Coinbase.
Securing a scholarship from such a prestigious program is a significant milestone, and for a founder from Pakistan to achieve this is particularly noteworthy. It reflects not only Mohammad’s exceptional abilities and potential but also the growing recognition of the Pakistani startup ecosystem on the global stage.
The Draper University campus, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California
Pitching to Tim Draper: A Defining Moment
After receiving the DraperU scholarship, Mohammad had the opportunity to pitch his venture at the DraperU Demo Day in November 2023, a key event where participants present their startups to a panel of investors, including Tim Draper himself. Mohammad’s pitch stood out among over 90 others, earning him a top spot—a distinction that led to his selection for the DraperU 2024 summer residency program, which began in June 2024.
Mohammad Mustafa Hassan (middle), pictured at Draper University with Tim Draper, other founders from DraperU and the DraperU team after securing a top spot at the Fall Hero Training Pitch Day
Reflecting on this experience, Mohammad shared, “Pitching to Tim Draper and securing a place among the top founders was a defining moment for me. It validated the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my ventures and showed me that Pakistani entrepreneurs have what it takes to compete and succeed on a global level.”
Mentoring the Next Generation of Founders
Following his selection for the DraperU residency program, Mohammad has taken on a more active role in mentoring the startups at DraperU in person. Mohammad has also become an active judge at DraperU pitch events, including the Summer 2024 Hero Training Demo Day, where he helps identify and support the next wave of promising entrepreneurs.
“Mentoring at DraperU has been an incredibly fulfilling experience,” Mohammad said. “It’s rewarding to see the growth and innovation coming from these founders, and I’m honored to be a part of their journey.”
Mohammad Mustafa Hassan pictured judging at DraperU with Asra Nadeem (CEO of DraperU), Tim Draper (Founder of DraperU) and Andy Tang, (Partner at Draper Associates)
A Journey from Pakistan to Silicon Valley
Mohammad’s journey to Draper University is rooted in his early work at the National Incubation Center (NIC) in Islamabad, where he played a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. As a manager at the NIC, Mohammad was instrumental in launching initiatives like Career Launchpad, which has since trained over 1,000 candidates and placed them in top companies worldwide.
Leveraging his experience from the NIC, Mohammad also contributed significantly to DraperU as an online consultant, helping mentor startups, judge online pitching competitions, and refine Draper University’s online programs. His efforts were key in boosting alumni engagement and enhancing the overall experience for participants.
“Working with Draper University allowed me to apply my experiences from Pakistan to a global platform,” Mohammad said. “It was an opportunity to give back to the entrepreneurial community while also growing alongside some of the most talented founders in the world.”
Building the Future with VALT Finance
Since his time at Draper University, Mohammad has continued to make strides in Silicon Valley with his fintech startup, VALT Finance. VALT is focused on making gold and cryptocurrency investing accessible and straightforward for everyone. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interfaces, VALT aims to democratize the world of digital assets, enabling mass adoption among individuals who may have previously found crypto investments intimidating or inaccessible.
Reflecting on his journey from the NIC to DraperU and beyond, Mohammad expressed his excitement for the future. “I see my journey as just the beginning,” he said. “There’s so much untapped potential in Pakistan, and I’m excited to continue bridging the gap between our local talent and global opportunities.”
As Mohammad embarks on this new chapter, his achievements serve as an inspiration to countless aspiring entrepreneurs in Pakistan and beyond. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right mix of talent, perseverance, and support, the sky is truly the limit.
