Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America


The Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs and Professionals is a not-for-profit organization, whose sole focus is the promotion of entrepreneurship and professional growth. OPEN is a secular and non-political organization based in California.

Background

OPEN was formed in 1998 by a group of Pakistani American entrepreneurs and corporate executives, and was registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the year 2000. The first OPEN chapter was formed in Boston, MA. The organization consists of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, banking professionals, social leaders and academics.

Goals

OPEN has chapters in New England, Silicon Valley, New York, Chicago, Houston, Washington DC and Atlanta.
OPEN Karachi is the first OPEN chapter outside US which was launched in the later half of 2011. OPEN launched its chapter in Lahore, Pakistan in 2013.
OPEN Chapters have at its core a Charter membership comprising Pakistanis in the areas of finance, technology, telecommunications, biotech and consulting in North America. OPEN regularly organizes events pertaining to current issues in business and entrepreneurship. In addition to OPEN's Charter Members, OPEN includes executive committees of seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals from a multitude of industries and professions that help plan, coordinate, and execute OPEN's mission. Each chapter's charter members and executive committee members are joined by General Members who are dues-paying members of OPEN that participate in and contribute to OPEN's events and services.

OPEN Annual Forum - keynote speakers

Since its establishment in 1998, OPEN Annual Forum have had many distinguished speakers address it including former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, political leader Imran Khan, venture capitalist from California, Mike Moritz and former Governor of Vermont, Howard Dean.

Flood relief work

OPEN raised and collected nearly $500,000 for flood victims in Pakistan.