Zakaria el Khanza

CEO @ Solid Future AI - AI Venture Studio | Interim CGO @ 1TBL | Clinical Hypnotherapist in Training (EKAA) | DIFC

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands

About

I build at the intersection of culture, capital, and human systems. Dutch mind, Moroccan heart. For two decades I've been building things that move people, first in entertainment and culture, then in venture building, commercial strategy, and now AI native infrastructure. I've brought over 1.2 million people together through large scale festivals, brand activations, and cultural platforms across BeNeLux and the Gulf. I've exited companies. I've led creative and strategy at award winning ventures in entertainment and PropTech. And I've learned that behind every scaled outcome sits the same variable: how well you understand people. What I'm doing now Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer at Solid Future AI, a DIFC licensed venture studio. We don't consult and walk away. We cofound, build, and hold ownership in AI native ventures alongside operators we believe in. Our first live venture is 1TBL, a VIP booking marketplace currently scaling across Europe and the Gulf, where I lead growth, partnerships, and commercial strategy. In parallel I develop MBB (Mind · Body · Business), an integrative methodology at the intersection of somatic psychology, behavioral science, and operator performance. Built for founders, creatives, and high performers navigating the pressure of their next chapter. Track record - Cofounder of 7Fest, one of BeNeLux's most iconic music festivals, acquired by Mojo/Live Nation - Strategic partner on premium Netherlands event production alongside Black Coffee - Co founder at Propchain, winner of 2 PropTech Industry Awards (UAE) - Winner of 1 National Nightlife Award for contribution to Dutch event culture - Winner of 2 Web3 Innovation Awards for community led models bridging blockchain and culture The thesis Technology commoditizes fast. What doesn't is taste, trust, and the ability to read a room, a market, or a movement. I build with operators who take the technical and the human side seriously, and I back ventures where cultural literacy is part of the edge. Based between Dubai, Amsterdam, London, and Ibiza. Open to: venture cofounding conversations, capital allocation for culturally native AI infrastructure, operator partnerships, and selective advisory. IG @zaka | [email protected] | solidfuture.ai

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at Solid Future AI
    Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 2 mos

    Solid Future AI is an AI venture studio incorporated in the DIFC. We co-build and co-own AI-native ventures alongside exceptional founding teams, taking an operator-investor position from inception. - Co-built and co-own 1TBL, a VIP table booking marketplace, leading growth, partnerships, and commercial strategy from inception through launch - Architect of the studio's cultural and commercial positioning across portfolio, with a focus on ventures where taste, community, and human behavior are part of the edge - Active pipeline of AI-native ventures across consumer, commerce, and hospitality verticals - Embedded in the DIFC AI Hub and Ignyte communities, connecting portfolio ventures to 1,000+ founders, operators, and investors across MENA - Built network and dealflow across Europe, the Gulf, and MENA entertainment, hospitality, and fashion ecosystems

  • Co-Founder and Board Advisor at 7fest
    May 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 3 mos

    In 2019, I co-founded 7Fest alongside Frenna, the most streamed artist in the Netherlands. Our shared vision was to address and combat societal issues such as racism and inequality of opportunities. At the core of our mission is the commitment to provide equal chances for everyone to express and monetize their talent, irrespective of economic or cultural background. 7Fest: A Journey of Impact 2019: Inaugural Edition - 7.000 Visitors 2022: Outdoor Edition - 18.500 Visitors 2022: 3 Indoor Editions - 26.000 Visitors AFAS Live - Amsterdam - 2 x 7000 visitors Ziggo Dome - Amsterdam 15.000 visitors 2023: 7Fest curacao - 7000 visitors 2023: Outdoor Edition - 20.000 Visitors 2024: outdoor Edition - 22.000 visitors 2024: Black Coffee - Rdam Ahoy - 7500 visitors 2024: ZiggoDome - 15.000 Visitors 2025: Outdoor edition: 25.000 2025: ADE - Black Coffee - ZiggoDome - 12.000

  • Chief Creative Officer at Welfare Group
    Apr 2024 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 4 mos

    I lead the creative and media team, driving innovative strategies that enhance our diverse portfolio focused on holistic well-being and community growth. My role involves empowering and planning creativity and collaboration to elevate our brands and impact across various sectors.

  • Co-Founder at Propchain
    Nov 2021 - Jul 2025 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    #RealEstate made easy. Pioneering fractionalized real estate for all!

  • Founding Director at Club Fix
    Jun 2017 - Jan 2020 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    Club FIX, is renowned for its transformative underground tech-house events like "It's All About the Music" with Music On, and is famed for its unforgettable Halloween parties. Notable hip-hop artists, including Tyga, graced its showcases. The club earned prestigious awards, including the 2018 Belvedere Awards and the 2019 National Nightlife Awards. In 2020, I strategically sold my shares in the group to shift my focus to festivals and creative ventures.