We Are Hosting Stephen Saad (Co-Founder of Aspen Pharmaceutical)

Nov 14, 2018, 4:15 – 7:00 PM (UTC)

Durban

Pavilion Hotel, 15 KE Masinga Rd, North Beach., Durban, 4001

Stephen Saad is Co-Founder and CEO of Aspen Pharmaceuticals and is one of world's most successful entrepreneurs. He is Durban's only dollar billionaire (out of 5 in South Africa). Aspen started in 1997 with two people and two laptops. “The laptops were stolen in the first week, so they had no fixed assets". Aspen is now in six continents, employs 10 000 employees and sells to 150 countries.

In-person event

About this event

Billionaire Stephen Saad, a proud Durbanite, is a journey of true success .

Stephen Saad is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aspen Pharmaceuticals and is one of world's most successful entrepreneurs. He is Durban's only dollar billionaire (out of 5 in South Africa). Aspen has recently been ranked as the 10th most innovative company by Forbes and Stephen was also a previous winner of the World Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young

Stephen Saad was born and raised in Durban, South Africa. He attended the Durban High School in Durban. He graduated from the University of Natal, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce. He played rugby in Ireland and studied to become a chartered accountant.After graduating Saad began working within pharmaceuticals for Quickmed. Quickmed stands out within South Africa’s recent history for being one of the only companies that offered prescription medicines within black townships during the nation’s appalling apartheid regime.

Saad cofounded Aspen in 1997. “The laptops were stolen in the first week, so we lost all our fixed assets" He had no idea of the success their business would see, initially setting up shop in a small house in Greyville, Durban and growing it to the 9th largest generic pharmaceutical company in the world and the biggest in Africa in only seven years. Remembering his master-plan for rapid development when he first founded Aspen, Saad insists he didn’t have one! He claims: “I thought I was going to run a small business from Durban. Now I run the biggest pharmaceutical company in the southern hemisphere. I don’t know what I did wrong,” – displaying his signature good humour.

Aspen is based in Durban and has grown to become the largest publicly-traded drug manufacturer on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The company supplies  150 countries and has 18 manufacturing facilities on 6 continents. 

  • In 2011 Stephen became one of Africa's 40 richest people according to Forbes
  • In 2014 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University for the positive role of Aspen in the city of Port Elizabeth
  • In 2016, Saad won the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the All Africa Business Leaders Awards gala.
  • in 2017 he was worth US$1.6 billion according to Forbes.

Additionally, he chairs the Sharks, a rugby union club in Durban and previously purchased Varsity College. 


Check out what happened

Speaker

  • Stephen Saad

    Aspen Pharmaceuticals

When

When

Wednesday, November 14, 2018
4:15 PM – 7:00 PM (UTC)

Agenda

4:15 PMNetworking and Food
5:15 PMFireside Chat with Stephen
6:15 PMQ & A
6:30 PMDessert by Chilli Chocolate Chefs

Host

  • Mohamed Chohan

    Startup Grind Durban

    Director of

Organizer

  • Raeesa Bayat

    Startup Grind

    Chapter Director

Partners

Cooee logo

Cooee

Chilli Chocolate Chefs logo

Chilli Chocolate Chefs

Pavilion Hotel logo

Pavilion Hotel

IBV -International Bank Vaults logo

IBV -International Bank Vaults

Ventureburn logo

Ventureburn

About Startup Grind

This is Startup Grind. We are the world’s largest startup community.

Our Mission

To give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.

Our Values

We believe in making friends, not contacts. We believe in giving first, not taking. We believe in helping others before helping yourself.

Tools & Discounts for Startups

Take advantage of resources and offers provided by organizations we know and love, designed to help you navigate the startup journey.

Global Conference

Our annual flagship event in Silicon Valley brings together thousands of startup teams, investors and organizations from all over the world.

Join the Startup Membership

This membership gives you free access to networking, events, mentorship, office hours, and other exclusive opportunities curated by Startup Grind HQ.