Daniyar Zhanbekov's journey as an international entrepreneur is one marked by dedication and a wide array of experiences in investment banking, private equity, media, and film. From his beginnings in Kazakhstan to his time in the United States and back to his homeland, Daniyar's career is a testament to his ability to build relationships, foster innovation, and drive growth across various industries. His expertise in identifying growth opportunities and revitalizing businesses has been a consistent theme in his professional life.
During his final year of high school, Daniyar was selected for a highly competitive exchange program, which brought him to the United States. His academic excellence earned him the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, a prestigious award given to top-performing seniors seeking to attend the nation's leading universities. With this scholarship, Daniyar pursued his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology, known for its rigorous engineering programs. His time at university was preceded by being named to the All USA Academic Team, an honor that recognizes students for their academic achievements and leadership that positively impacts society.
Daniyar's academic accomplishments led him to a position at Bain & Company, a top management consulting firm. His ambition to work on Wall Street materialized when he joined Lehman Brothers, where he contributed to the Technology Media and Telecom investment group. Daniyar's tenure at Lehman Brothers, which included working in New York and London, was marked by success until he chose to return to Kazakhstan in 2007, where he joined Renaissance Capital.
Upon returning to Kazakhstan, Daniyar continued to build on his success. At Renaissance Capital, he played a crucial role in several significant deals, leading to multiple promotions. He later transitioned to a private equity firm as Director of Investments, focusing on the telecom and retail sectors.