Salman Azhar
Dr. Salman Azhar is a visionary chess leader and the founder of Bay Area Chess, one of the largest and most inclusive chess organizations in the United States. Under his leadership, Bay Area Chess has become a hub for competitive and educational chess programs, hosting tournaments and classes that serve thousands of players each year. Beyond chess, Salman is an entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist, with a passion for creating opportunities that empower individuals and communities. His innovative approach to chess education and unwavering commitment to fostering a love for the game have made him a trailblazer in the chess world. As a member of the ChessBridge Foundation advisory board, Salman brings unmatched expertise and a shared dedication to using chess as a tool for education, connection, and personal growth.
My Story
I’m honored to be part of the ChessBridge Foundation advisory board! Chess has always been close to my heart, and founding Bay Area Chess allowed me to channel my passion into building one of the largest chess communities in the country. Beyond chess, I’ve had the privilege of working in the world of startups and investments, where I’ve invested in over 125 startups and generated positive returns with my first 12 exits. My focus is on acquiring pre-IPO unicorn shares from early investors, helping bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity.
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Currently, I’m a General Partner at Azimuth Opportunity Fund and serve as an Executive in Residence at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. I also advise several funds, including Quartus, Moment, and Regiment, and have had the honor of working with companies like Toyota, Sony, and SAP during my career. My academic journey took me to Duke University, where I earned my MS and PhD in Computer Science as a James B. Duke Fellow, and to Wake Forest University, where I studied Math and Physics as a Carswell Scholar.
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I’m deeply committed to making chess a tool for education, connection, and empowerment, and I’m excited to contribute to ChessBridge Foundation’s mission of empowering communities through chess.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
123-456-7890