In this session, we'll hear from Ameerah Langar (Falcon Network), Marwa Adawy (Yielders) and Umar Nasser (Rational Religion) on the ethos of the Islamic economy and how its financing principles make it a possible alternative to existing equity and debt-based solutions available to entrepreneurs. We'll hear how and why we can build a new post-COVID-19 and #BlackLivesMatter economy using Islamic systems like widespread ownership, a wealth tax, risk-sharing, responsible trade and the avoidance of interest.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Sheeza Shah (UpEffect).

Ameerah Langer is an Islamic Finance enthusiast who previously managed various initiatives to advance financial inclusion in emerging markets by combining insights from impact investment, startup incubation, EdTech, the arts, journalism, and more.As Head of Operations & Communications of the Falcon Network, Ameerah is focusing on connecting gifted impact-driven entrepreneurs in high-growth markets in Asia and Africa to like-minded investors. She holds a MSc Finance, MSc International Business, and BSc Politics, Psychology, Law & Economics from Boston, London, Dubai & Amsterdam.

Umar is a junior doctor training in psychiatry. He is co-founder of the Islamic platform Rational Religion, which shows the relevance of Islamic teachings to solve today's problems. The platform has a particular focus on Islamic Economics, both from a contemporary and historical perspective. It is supported by the UK Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

With a background in software engineering, Marwa stepped into the world of a startup Fintech firm bringing along several years of software development experience and quickly became an instrumental part of the company’s success since its inception in 2015.

In her role as Technology Lead at Yielders, Marwa serves a dual role; technical powerhouse and business development pioneer. As a certified Scrum Master, Marwa has spearheaded the development of Yielders’ innovative technology platform, which brings ethical investment opportunities to people all across the world from as little as £100.

Thank you to Basecamp and the Center for Cultural Innovation for generously sponsoring the Season of the Dazzle!

The Season of the Dazzle: Islamic Finance and the New Economy