ABOUT US

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OUR MISSION

Create a Home for Ventures to Thrive, supported with world-class experts that specialize in venture development.

Create Outstanding Outcomes for entrepreneurs, investors, project stakeholders, and employees.

Meet Our Team & Partners

Team Member 1

TIM JOHNSTON, CFA

PARTNER

Mr. Johnston is a highly experienced entrepreneur and business leader having invented technologies and founded businesses to address the challenges associated with extracting and processing energy transition metals into valuable products for the energy industry.

His multidisciplinary experience includes serving as Founder, Executive Director, CEO, and Senior Consultant across many businesses in the new energy economy. As a chartered professional engineer and CFA charter holder, he is an expert in capital project management and transactional analysis. He has provided strategic consulting services for a wide range of companies across the lithium-ion battery value chain, including many corporations that hold leadership positions today. He has evaluated hundreds of projects around the world. He has co-authored seven technical publications with a focus on project execution and brings a unique techno-economic perspective when creating value.

Team Member 3

SALTANA ABDYKERIM

PARTNER

Mrs. Abdykerim serves as a Partner of Uptown Venture Capital and Country Manager within Kazakhstan. She is a recognized communicator fluent in English, Kazak, and Russian.

Mrs. Abdykerim has more than 10 years of experience in communications, marketing, government relations, and corporate development. She has supported multiple companies in expanding into international markets. With a degree in Economics and Governance, she has successfully led strategic initiatives to support growth and market expansion.

Team Member 5

ERIZ ICHILOV

SENIOR ADVISOR

Erez Ichilov is a New York City-based Critical Minerals expert, with a background in mining, metals, and physical commodities. He has held executive roles, including Managing Director and Deputy CEO, and has deep experience in global supply chains and investment projects related to battery materials and critical minerals.

Erez has also led numerous investment projects across various energy transition industries and has held key roles in high-tech ventures, logistics, energy, and infrastructure investments.

WORLD CLASS TEAM WITH A WORLD CLASS APPROACH

Combining Decades

of entrepreneurial, commercial, business strategy, operational, capital markets and technical experience gained from first-hand experience in successfully developing global leading companies considered the cornerstones of their markets.

Icon Through internal and partners, over 10 employees and consultants.

Each company has a dedicated board and senior management,

allowing founders to focus on key factors for success by providing access to inhouse resources they individually could not access.

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