About

Daniyar Zhanbekov, a self-made entrepreneur from Kazakhstan, has carved a successful path in fields as diverse as investment banking, private equity, media, and film. From his early days in Kazakhstan to his educational and professional strides in the United States, his journey is a testament to his relentless drive and passion for innovation, talent development, and business growth. His ability to identify and transform potential into success has marked his career, making him a notable figure in every industry he has touched.

Academic Foundation and Professional Ascent

Daniyar's academic journey began with a significant milestone when he received the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship during his senior year of high school, allowing him to study in the United States. This scholarship, aimed at high-achieving students, set the stage for his future accomplishments. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, a prestigious engineering school in Atlanta, where his performance earned him the All-USA Academic Team award. This accolade is reserved for college students who excel academically while actively contributing to society through leadership and service.

Post-graduation, Daniyar's career trajectory took him to Bain & Company, a top management consulting firm, thanks to his robust academic record and leadership qualities. His ambition didn't stop there; he fulfilled his dream of working on Wall Street by joining Lehman Brothers in their Technology Media and Telecom investment group. His tenure at Lehman Brothers was marked by success in New York and London, after which he returned to Kazakhstan in 2007 to work with Renaissance Capital.

Professional Triumphs Back Home

Upon returning to Kazakhstan, Daniyar immediately impacted various sectors significantly. He was involved in numerous landmark deals at Renaissance Capital, earning him rapid promotions and recognition. He later moved to a private equity firm as Director of Investments, where he successfully managed multiple transactions in the telecoms and retail sectors. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Kazakhstan Hong Development Fund, a $400 million initiative with significant investors from Hong Kong and the support of the Kazakhstan government.

Daniyar also contributed to the telecommunications sector as a board member and CFO at KazTransCom and TV Channel 7. His venture into media was further expanded when he founded Arai Media and Arai Production, turning these entities into some of Kazakhstan's most prominent private TV content producers. Later, he ventured into the insurance industry by acquiring Basel Insurance from Kaspi. kz and recently exited successfully from Everest Capital Management, a real estate development fund.

As of 2021, Daniyar Zhanbekov is the sole shareholder of Basel Insurance, a company praised by S&P Global Ratings for its robust capital adequacy ratios and balanced investment policy.

Mentorship and Community Engagement

Daniyar has always remembered the opportunities his scholarship provided. With the same spirit of giving back, he actively supports the youth through mentorship, career guidance, and financial assistance. He focuses on recruiting talented young people into his businesses, helping them develop into successful professionals. His philanthropic efforts include organizing Iftar dinners at orphanages during Ramadan, where he offers more than just meals; he provides mentorship and serves as a role model to the orphans, nurturing their potential and aspirations.

Promoting Unity and Understanding

In response to the September 11 attacks, Daniyar founded a student organization to foster religious understanding and tolerance. This initiative reflects his lifelong commitment to building bridges across cultural and religious divides, providing a forum for meaningful dialogue and learning among students and spiritual leaders.

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of his professional and philanthropic life, Daniyar enjoys spending quality time with his family. He engages in various activities like soccer, table tennis, hiking, and swimming, which connect him to his passions and physical well-being.

Daniyar Zhanbekov exemplifies how vision combined with determination can lead to profound personal and professional achievements. His story is not just one of financial success but of impactful contributions to society and the lives of many around him.