Fasih’s journey to McRock: A story of bold moves, big decisions, and building a future with heart.
For me, it all started in 8th grade with numbers. I wasn’t just solving equations; I was unraveling patterns and cracking codes. Numbers didn’t just make sense – they lit me up. While most parents in my region dreamed of their kids becoming engineers, I was the odd one out. By the time I graduated 10th standard, my dad was still nudging me to “keep my options open,” but I was calm, clear, and laser-focused on where I was heading.
At the time, I didn’t fully grasp just how massive the world of finance was – accounting, auditing, taxation, treasury, corporate finance. I didn’t know which lane was mine, but I knew I loved numbers and problem-solving. It was enough for me.
Finding My Path
During my studies, corporate finance caught my eye, and there was no turning back. It wasn’t just interesting – it felt like home. But breaking into the field where I lived was no walk in the park. M&A opportunities were rare, and internships even scarcer.
So, I started where I could: auditing and accounting. It wasn’t my dream gig, but I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Eventually, I decided to bet on myself and try my luck in the Middle East. At first, I landed another accounting role – not exactly what I’d envisioned. But after two years of persistence, I finally got my break. I dove headfirst into corporate finance, tackling LOIs, due diligence, and M&A activities. For the first time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Love Changes Everything
Just as my career was hitting its stride, life threw me a plot twist. I got married, and my wife wasn’t too keen on settling in the Middle East. That meant packing up, moving back to my home country, and walking away from the role I’d worked so hard to get.
It could’ve been a setback, but it wasn’t. Armed with experience, a little savings, and my wife’s unwavering support, I landed a corporate finance M&A role with a North American company back home. This wasn’t just a job – it was a game-changer, the boost I needed to leap into the next chapter.
Stepping into Venture Capital
Venture capital was always a curiosity for me. I knew the headlines – Amazon, Uber, Airbnb – but the inner workings of VC? That was a mystery. Then, a Southeast Asian firm handed me the opportunity to step into the ecosystem, and I was hooked. Finally, I could see how the gears turned, and I couldn’t get enough.
Finding My Place in Canada
Eventually, my wife and I decided to make one last big move – this time to Canada. The VC ecosystem in Canada might be smaller, but I knew it was where I’d find the most happiness in my work.
Eight months after arriving, I joined McRock Capital. Now, I get to spend every day doing what I love – helping founders turn their dreams into reality. The journey has been full of twists and turns, but every step has led me here. And I can’t wait to see what comes next.