Where you come from doesn’t matter as much as where you choose to go. Arif Iqbal, Co-Founder and CEO of LAAM Technologies, story embodies this example perfectly. He serves as a great example for anyone who dares to dream. Arif has held key positions in major companies like Microsoft, eBay, Pinterest, Facebook and more, and played a significant role in shaping new technological trends with them.
Meet Arif Iqbal
Arif Iqbal is co- founder and CEO of Laam Technologies, Pakistan. He was born and raised in Pakistan. When he was doing his undergrad course, his brother suggested him to join FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, as he was great at studies. Arif considered his brother’s advice and enrolled himself in the FAST University to pursue a degree in computer science engineering.
As Arif was nearing graduation, he learned that Google was recruiting, so he applied and successfully passed the initial rounds held in Pakistan. He then travelled to Zurich for the next stage of interviews. However, when Arif arrived, he realized that knowledge of algorithms and coding wasn’t enough. A deeper understanding of mathematics was also required to crack the interview, which he struggled with, as it wasn’t as important in his engineering course, so he returned home with disappointment. Later, he recognized the importance of mathematics in his work and decided to improve his skills. Fortunately, around that time, MIT released open courses on mathematics, which helped him significantly.
After graduating, Arif began working as a Software Engineer at a telecom company. However, over a year later, Arif decided to co-found a company called BumpIn with his friends. But Arif had to dissolve it after two years due to average performance. During this time, he received an offer from Microsoft, where he worked on optimizing the Bing search engine by building machine learning models to improve search result rankings. Arif was an early team member and contributed to both infrastructure and ranking improvements for Bing.
After almost four years at Microsoft, Arif left to join eBay in 2012 as a Senior Manager in Software Development & Data Science in Bellevue, WA. There, Arif led a team that built machine learning models to predict delivery estimates and extract missing product information. He also developed a scalable service for delivery estimates, which was used throughout the buying flow on eBay.
In 2015, Arif left eBay to join Pinterest as an Engineering Lead, where he built the Ads targeting engineering team. His team developed a framework for targeting user segments, which improved advertise engagement and return on investment (ROI). Arif also worked on engagement rate prediction models, achieving a 10% improvement in engagement.
After a year at Pinterest, Arif decide to leave due to a misalignment with the company’s plans and joined Facebook as an Engineering Manager. At Facebook, Arif managed teams of software engineers and machine learning scientists to improve the Facebook Search product, impacting over 2 billion users. His team made significant improvements in search relevance, user connections, business recommendations, and personalization. They also optimized deep learning models to improve search ranking and user experience.
After nearly five years at Facebook, Arif decided to leave in 2021 to pursue his interest in starting his own startup. He was in Seattle, USA, but chose to return to his homeland to explore his long-held interest in pursuing entrepreneurship.
Journey of LAAM Technologies
In March 2021, Arif co-founded LAAM Technologies with his wife, who has over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. His brother joined LAAM Technologies as well to bring new innovation in fashion industry of Pakistan. Together, they are working to build Pakistan’s e-commerce ecosystem using innovative technology to create a seamless, efficient, and scalable online marketplace. Their goal with LAAM Technologies is to empower businesses across Pakistan by integrating advanced digital tools, automation, and data-driven solutions.
LAAM Technologies is not only working to improve the customer experience but also helping entrepreneurs, small businesses, and large retailers in expanding their reach, optimize operations, and grow. Through LAAM Technologies technology-driven approach, Arif is aiming to position Pakistan’s e-commerce industry to compete globally and support the country’s economic growth.
What is Arif Iqbal currently working on?
In 2023, Arif joined Endeavor, a global community for high-impact entrepreneurs. While growing LAAM Technologies, Arif is also working with Endeavor to help build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and underserved markets worldwide.
Arif’s years of experience is helping him take LAAM Technologies to greater heights. He is a tech enthusiast and is passionate about developing new innovations to build and transform the world. Despite Pakistan’s significant challenges in democracy and economy, Arif remains committed to country’s growth, believing it is every citizen’s duty to drive their country forward and create a brighter future.
Arif gave up his well-established life in the USA to start anew, driven by his belief that true success comes from having a clear vision and strategically working towards it.
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