Dan Zhanbekov

Daniyar Zhanbekov, a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazer in investment banking, private equity, media, and film, has crafted a notable career path that spans continents and industries. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, his ambitions have seen him achieve significant milestones in the United States and back in his homeland, driven by a profound passion for fostering innovation, building meaningful relationships, identifying and nurturing top talent, and steering growth in diverse business environments. With a knack for recognizing potential in companies and a bold approach to business turnarounds, he has solidified his reputation as a dynamic and influential leader.

In his final year of high school, Dan seized a transformative opportunity to travel to the U.S. under a highly competitive high school exchange program, which later culminated in him receiving the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship—a scholarship designated for academically outstanding seniors aspiring to enroll in America’s top four-year universities.

His relentless drive and sharp intellect led him to the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. In this leading engineering school, he pursued his degree and distinguished himself sufficiently to be honored with the All-USA Academic Team award. This accolade is reserved for college students who excel academically and are committed to leadership and service, extending their influence beyond the classroom to impact society positively.

Dan Zhanbekov’s academic success led him to join Bain & Company, a top management consulting firm, where he honed his skills and deepened his business acumen. His dream of making a mark on Wall Street began when he joined Lehman Brothers, explicitly working within New York and London’s Technology Media and Telecom investment group. His tenure there was marked by significant achievements until his decision in 2007 to return to Kazakhstan and join Renaissance Capital.