Aras Sheikhi, born in Borujerd, Iran, in 1987, is evidence of constant drive and flexibility. He has always been one step ahead, from racing through his Ph.D. at Sharif University of Technology to accessing Iran’s famously difficult university admission test. By the time he was in his early 30s, Aras had already been a professor, an advisor, and the founder of a company.

His words are not empty; he has actually started and run great businesses in three countries: Datall in Canada has a 40-person team, Fluxudio in Dubai is making waves in IT, and the Australian fashion company puts Iranian history in scent and fabric.

Recent move? Sharing his worldwide knowledge with San Diego’s Janu Innovation Hub entrepreneurial ecosystem. Aras is the type of mentor every would-be entrepreneur wants – someone who has been there, done that, and is willing to teach others the ropes with a special mix of technical know-how, savvy in business, and cultural fluency.