Syed Karim

Syed Karim is the founder and CEO of Outernet. He oversees all operations, directs the activities of the team, and leads the development of Outernet’s physical and digital products. Karim's leadership extends to focusing Outernet on the free-to-air broadcast of eBooks and other content, collaborating with entities like Project Gutenberg. The mission of Outernet, under his guidance, emphasizes the human right to access knowledge and information, aligning with organizations such as Harvard and Deutsche Welle.

Prior to Outernet, Karim spent three years managing the investment process for news and information startups in emerging and frontier markets. Before that, he led product development at one of the country’s largest public broadcasters, Chicago Public Media. His interest in the economic and social impact of universal information access, which he studied in graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, continues to drive his professional pursuits and achievements.

Karim has lived in four countries, conducted business in twelve, and has traveled extensively worldwide. His global perspective enhances his commitment to ensuring broad information access. Additionally, Karim is recognized as a Global TED Speaker, further highlighting his commitment to sharing valuable insights on universal information access and its impacts on society.