Faisal Sedrani is CEO of Exel, where he leads Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build scalable, globally connected startup ecosystems.

He designs and manages innovation programs that help startups enter the Saudi market, transfer knowledge, hire local talent, and contribute to GDP in strategic sectors.

Faisal is a multi-sector entrepreneur with over a decade of experience across venture capital, sustainability, business consulting, and design. He is the Co-Founder of Smart Deer Co., a pioneering EnvoTech robotics company tackling desertification, and Founder of Jewelern, a boutique digital-first jewelry brand.

He previously served in a senior role at AstroLabs, where he supported global founders in soft-landing and scaling in the Kingdom, and as a consultant and general manager in the gemology and training sectors.

Known for his agile leadership and impact-driven mindset, Faisal has worked with organizations like MISK, PepsiCo, SABIC, and Royal Commission for AlUla, delivering workshops and mentoring startups through innovation programs.

He is a certified PMP® and Certified Manager (CMI UK), and holds an MBA in Marketing Intelligence & Big Data from the University of Gloucestershire.

Faisal’s unique ability to merge technical insight, market strategy, and ecosystem development makes him a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s innovation and entrepreneurship landscape.