The Wharton School launched the program, called "Entrepreneur in Residence," as an initiative that affords any University of Pennsylvania student the chance to meet face-to-face with successful entrepreneurs and access their insight, experience, and business advice. "Our motto is 'Get it Started,': we're here to help students from all Penn schools take their business ideas to the next level," says Anne Stamer, assistant director of Wharton Entrepreneurial Programs.
Farid, a 1984 Wharton MBA, describes the program as an extraordinary opportunity to reconnect with his alma mater: "It's been eighteen years since I earned my MBA, and I truly look forward to the opportunity to share my experiences and adventures as an entrepreneur with young students. I am even more excited by the chance to hear their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. I hope that I can provide useful advice and direction as they go through the process of turning their ideas into products or businesses."
Entrepreneur par excellence, Mr. Naib established his first start-up company, Spectrum Lights, in 1977 at the age of seventeen. In 1985 he co-founded his first software venture, FX Systems, which provided pricing systems for currency option traders. In 1992, Farid founded FNX Limited to provide trading and risk management software to the world’s largest financial institutions. Under Mr. Naib's leadership, FNX has grown from 5 employees and one office to well over 150 employees and six offices worldwide.
