Irina Duisimbekova
Irina Duisimbekova: A Visionary Entrepreneur and Global Business Leader
Irina Duisimbekova is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with an extensive background in international trade, private aviation, and luxury travel. Born in the 1980s in Moscow, she comes from a rich Kazakh and Russian heritage. At 15, she moved to France, where she embraced the language and culture, laying the foundation for her global outlook. She pursued her education at the prestigious Lycée du Parc in Lyon before earning a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in London.
Her professional journey began at the Chamber of Commerce of Lyon, where she worked as a business development advisor, helping French companies expand into the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). With her deep understanding of both European and post-Soviet markets, she quickly transitioned into international trade, facilitating the shipment of commodities between France and Russia.
In 2007, Irina established her first brokerage company, specializing in agricultural and energy commodities. Through a strategic joint venture with an investment firm linked to a GCC Royal Family, she successfully supplied major corporations in Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil, France, Saudi Arabia, China, and Bahrain.
Her leadership and expertise in the commodities sector led her to become CEO of a Swiss multinational Fortune 500 petroleum trading company in the Arabian Gulf in 2016, further strengthening her presence in the region’s business landscape.
Today, Irina serves as CEO of Licorne Gulf Holding, a diversified investment firm operating across private equity, venture capital, and strategic advisory services. Her entrepreneurial footprint spans multiple industries, including:
Oil & Gas – Co-founding Mocoh Bahrain, a key player in petroleum and commodities trading.
Luxury & International Trade – Establishing Fine Tastes, a global food trading company.
Well-being & Technology – Founding SympathiQ, a UK-based platform connecting individuals with wellness and coaching specialists.
Beyond her ventures, she has built an impressive investment portfolio in Qatar, with stakes in:
Desert Rose Systems – An advanced anti-drone technology company.
Motors-E – A cutting-edge electric vehicle assembly plant.
Spendwisor – A fintech startup revolutionizing digital payments.
Irina’s business acumen extends beyond investment; she actively contributes to business development, marketing strategy, purchasing, and sales management. Her ability to navigate diverse industries, forge global partnerships, and drive innovation cements her reputation as a dynamic and influential entrepreneur on the international stage.