From Selling SIM Cards to Shaping Global Tech Conversations.. The Story of Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon

Q: Let’s start with your name and role.

A: I’m Mohammed Saleem, the Founder and Chairman of Trescon.

Q: Great to meet you! Can you walk us through how your journey began?

A: Sure! My journey into entrepreneurship didn’t start in a boardroom—it began on the streets, literally. I was 18, juggling college and selling SIM cards door to door. That was my first real taste of sales, and looking back, I believe that’s where my entrepreneurial mindset kicked in.
From there, I stepped into the corporate world in 2002 with a job at a call center as a sales rep. Nights, long hours, constant hustle—but it built character. Then in 2005, I took a leap and moved to Dubai. New city, new industry, and a fresh start in events. I started from scratch again, but within six months I was promoted to sales manager. In less than two years, I was running global operations and leading a team of 160. That period taught me two things: never underestimate hard work, and always bet on yourself.

Q: So what made you take the leap and start Trescon?

A: After 11 years of climbing the ladder, I hit a point where I asked myself, “What next?” I had achieved so much, but I craved a new challenge. That’s when the idea of Trescon took shape. In 2016, I joined hands with a few former colleagues and launched Trescon as a tech-focused event company.
Our very first event? The World Startup Expo. And it was massive—8,000 attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and an energy that still gives me goosebumps when I think about it. That event wasn’t just our launch; it was our statement to the world.

Q: And then came blockchain, AI, and more…

A: Exactly! In 2017, we moved our base to Dubai and launched the World Blockchain Summit. We were among the first to do this in the region, and soon the summit became a global brand—18 countries in just two years.
In 2018, we launched the World AI Show, another flagship series that’s now been held over 45 times across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From there, our ecosystem kept growing. We’ve since introduced DATE with Tech, a powerhouse event that blends AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT, FinTech, and more under one roof. We even had the Finance Minister of India open our first edition—now that’s what you call a headline moment!
And we’re not stopping there. In 2025, we’re launching CARE—the Climate Action and Renewable Energy Expo. With sustainability and ESG at the forefront of global conversations, we want to be part of that positive change.

Q: What’s the vision for Trescon over the next few years?

A: It’s simple: we want to be known for quality. While many events chase numbers, we focus on creating platforms that bring the right people together—investors, startups, governments, enterprises, and even students. At events like the Dubai AI Festival, for example, we give university students a stage to showcase their talent and connect them with industry leaders.
Our mission is to build a meaningful ecosystem that fuels innovation, business growth, and collaboration.

Q: That’s powerful. Tell us about the Trescon Foundation.

A: Giving back has always been a core part of our philosophy. Through the Trescon Foundation, we focus on supporting education and healthcare. We fund scholarships, help students pay their fees, assist hospitals, and even build schools—especially in places like my hometown, Mangalore, where access to education is still a challenge for many. It’s our way of making sure we’re not just building businesses, but better communities too.

Q: What’s your perspective on the future of AI?

A: AI is like fire—it can cook your dinner or burn your house down. It all depends on how we use it. Yes, AI might replace some jobs, but it will also create entirely new industries and roles we haven’t even imagined yet. The key is upskilling. The world is changing fast, and people need to be ready. The next generation is already learning things in school that we didn’t even dream of, and that’s a good sign.

Q: How are you connecting experts with customers through your strategy?

A: Trescon is more than just an event organizer. We create platforms where innovators, investors, enterprises, and governments meet, exchange ideas, and build partnerships. We’ve also co-founded companies in AI, ESG, FinTech, and gaming so that we can offer real, on-the-ground solutions to attendees who come looking for more than just conversations—they want results.

Q: And if you had to describe Trescon in one line…

A: “Connecting businesses with opportunities.” That’s been our motto from day one. We don’t just organize events—we create ecosystems where ideas grow and deals happen.

Q: Finally, what’s your personal goal?

A: For me, it’s about legacy. I want to build a global ecosystem that not only empowers innovation and entrepreneurship but also uplifts communities. Whether it’s through education, healthcare, or career opportunities, I want Trescon and the foundation to be a force for good in the world.