Azeem Azhar
Azeem Azhar is a world-renowned futurist, award-winning technology analyst, and entrepreneur recognized as one of the most influential thinkers on how technology is reshaping business, society, and the global economy. He is the creator of Exponential View, a globally respected newsletter and podcast that explores the intersection of technology, economics, and society, offering deep insights into artificial intelligence, climate tech, digital transformation, and the future of work. As an early-stage investor, Azeem supports startups in AI, renewable energy, femtech, autonomous vehicles, and digital marketplaces, helping drive sustainable and inclusive innovation. He also advises global corporations and government leaders on technology strategy, innovation policy, and the societal implications of exponential technologies. Previously, Azeem founded PeerIndex, a pioneering data analytics company focused on measuring social influence, which was later acquired by Brandwatch. His acclaimed book, Exponential: How Accelerating Technology Is Leaving Us Behind and What to Do About It, examines the growing gap between technological advancement and institutional adaptation.
Azeem Azhar Professional Experience / Academic History
Professional Experience
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Founder
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Business Correspondent
Academic History
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M.A., Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
Executive Fellow, Harvard Business School
Co-Chair of Global Futures Council on Complex Risks, World Economic Forum
Exponential View is Azeem Azhar’s globally acclaimed platform that explores how technology is transforming society, business, and the political economy.
The newsletter reaches more than 200,000 readers worldwide, including policymakers, investors, and senior executives.
The Exponential View podcast consistently ranks among the top ten technology podcasts in the UK and the top 50 in the U.S., featuring in-depth conversations with influential thinkers and leaders such as Tony Blair, Yuval Noah Harari, Reid Hoffman, Elif Shafak, Stuart Russell, Andrew Ng, and Mariana Mazzucato.
The series has been praised by The Times, Wired, and Fast Company for its thought-provoking insights and depth of analysis.
EARLY CAREER
Earlier in his career, Azeem served as a Venture Partner at Kindred Capital and Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, PwC, Accenture, and Fabric Ventures, a blockchain-focused venture capital firm.
He also held strategy and innovation roles at the BBC and Thomson Reuters and served on the non-executive board of Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator.
Azeem began his career as a journalist at The Economist, where he developed his expertise in technology and global markets.
RECOGNITIONS
2023 Vox's Future Perfect 50
2023 Hult International Business School's Honorary Doctorate
2022 Thinkers 50 Radar
2016 - 2019 LinkedIn Top Voice
2011 Grand Prix, Best Startup, Europas
MEDIA PRESENCE
A respected thought leader on artificial intelligence and the future of technology, Azeem frequently advises business executives, policymakers, and the public on navigating digital transformation.
His insights have been featured in The Economist, Financial Times, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and MIT Technology Review.
He is also a regular guest on BBC, CNN, and Real Vision, where he discusses the implications of emerging technologies for society and the global economy.