Who is Ahmad Ashkar?
Ahmad Ashkar is a well-known global entrepreneur, public speaker, and social impact leader. He is the Founder of the Hult Prize Foundation, one of the world’s largest startup accelerators for social good. With his Palestinian heritage and American education, Ahmad connects East and West through business, education, and leadership.
Ahmad Ashkar’s Journey
Born into a Palestinian family, Ahmad Ashkar developed a strong sense of identity and purpose from a young age. He earned his MBA from Hult International Business School and soon launched the Hult Prize in 2009. Today, the prize is supported by the United Nations, Bill Clinton, and over 2 million youth across 121 countries.
Fun Fact: TIME Magazine listed the Hult Prize as one of the “Top 5 Ideas Changing the World.”
Entrepreneurial Success
Ahmad Ashkar is not only a global education entrepreneur but also a business leader. He founded Falafel Inc, a social food chain that hires refugees and donates proceeds to humanitarian causes. It became a top-rated falafel shop in Washington, DC and beyond.
Other Ventures:
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Ashkar Group – Impact investment advisory
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Ahmad Ashkar Leadership Institute – Leadership coaching & global development
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Changemaker Festival – Youth-led social innovation events in the MENA region
Influential Arab and Palestinian Entrepreneur
Ahmad is regarded as one of the most influential Arab entrepreneurs globally. He was ranked among the Top 100 Most Powerful Arabs by Gulf Business and was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by GQ and Esquire. As a proud Palestinian entrepreneur, Ahmad gives hope and inspiration to millions.
Startup Mentor and Global Coach
As a startup mentor, Ahmad Ashkar has trained thousands of student founders through the Hult Prize. He coaches teams from idea to launch and often speaks at top universities like MIT, AUB, and Georgetown. He uses simple models to help people learn business through action and purpose.
Ahmad Ashkar Hult Prize
In 2009, Ahmad Ashkar founded the Hult Prize, a global student competition and education company in partnership with President Bithe United Nations. The prize offers over $1 million annually to young entrepreneurs launching startups that tackle global challenges. It quickly became known as “The Nobel Prize for Students.” Over the years, he has become a global figure in youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and education reform.
Hult Prize Ahmad Ashkar has since expanded into more than 120 countries, inspiring over 2 million students. He frequently appears in media outlets under Ahmad Ashkar News, where he shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and youth impact.
Ahmad Ashkar Falafel Inc.
In addition to the Hult Prize, Ahmad Ashkar Falafel Inc. was launched as a social food brand. The idea was simple: sell affordable falafel and donate a portion of profits to support refugee aid programs. The restaurant became one of Washington, DC’s top-rated food spots and a symbol of purpose-driven business.
Ahmad Ashkar Net Worth
While there are no official reports on Ahmad Ashkar’s net worth, his work through the Hult Prize and Falafel Inc. has attracted global investors, international awards, and multi-million-dollar funding from development partners. Most of his efforts are directed toward non-profit and social impact ventures.
Ahmad Ashkar’s Age and Personal Life
Although Ahmad Ashkar’s age is not publicly listed in official records, he is believed to be in his late 30s to early 40s. There is limited information about Ahmad Ashkar’s wife, as he prefers to keep his personal life private while maintaining a strong public presence as a global leader.
Why Ahmad Ashkar Still Matters
Whether through Falafel Inc., the Hult Prize, or his global leadership institute, Ahmad Ashkar continues to impact education, startups, and humanitarian innovation. Despite media rumors, his legacy remains rooted in empowering youth and solving world problems through entrepreneurship.