Cara Bhluem

Results oriented C-suite Venture Strategist with 20 years of experience in driving concept-to-execution projects across fintech, proptech, edutech, and e-commerce sectors.

Recent results: Spearheaded a $25M US/EU fintech venture capital fundraising initiative, and overseeing a global EduTech project, built with the latest AI-driven deployment. Co-led the launch of a fintech Banking-as-a-Service platform from concept to MVP, and recruited all technical team members, while overseeing management of the daily development of each.

Advisory Director at VAS Venture & VAS Studio (2022 – Present)

• Lead strategy for multi-sector venture studio, building and scaling ventures across fintech, e-commerce, property, hospitality, brand, and technology from initial concept through execution.
• Direct venture strategy and execution for property and hospitality projects, owning outcomes from concept to delivery.
• Direct end-to-end technology and product systems for studio ventures - including AI integrations, client-experience platforms, and CRM - for premium and luxury-market.
• Managed AI Chief Agent projects with Vibe coding, overseeing and directing AI-agent-driven development pipelines for studio ventures.

Chief Strategic Officer (CSO) at Saltroute (2022 – 2026)

Concurrent with IQ Africa

• Led vision and project management for multi-tenant & multi-currency global fintech enterprise (Banking-as-a-Service- ERP), guiding project from initial concept to MVP and market launch.
• Recruited and led technical team of up to 30, coordinating daily activities across design, backend, and data structure teams to enhance project.
• Managed front-end architecture and development (Figma, Azure to MVP)

Chief Venture Officer (CVO) at IQ Africa Ventures (2018 – 2026)

• Leading a $25M fintech venture-capital development & fundraising initiative; spanning US and EU markets.
• Directed a venture capital brokerage agency connecting premier African investment opportunities with global investment communities and funds.
• Directed initiatives spanning property development, infrastructure, fintech, agritech, SaaS, and natural/naturopathic medicine sectors and other specialised categories.

Chief Strategic Officer (CSO) at Titus Property (2018 – 2022)

Concurrent with IQ Africa Ventures and MultEinvest

• Managed full project lifecycle from initial conception to ongoing management objectives.
• Oversaw creative development for large-scale portfolio including airport, residential estates, and conference centre, enhancing socio-economic and regional outcomes.
• Led creation and design of lobby work for regional portfolio

Advisory Board Member at MultEinvest (2018 – 2022)

Concurrent with IQ Africa Ventures and Titus Property

• Engaged in high-level stakeholder management, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and driving business performance.
• Advised niche multi-category brand and business development investment firm on strategic objectives.
• Managed initiatives for premium brands and sectors including lifestyle, hospitality, food, e-systems, and technology, enhancing cross-industry collaboration.
• Reviewed reports, recommendations and requests from subordinate leadership.

Managing Director (MD) at E-Tech Advance (2018 – 2022)

• Architect SaaS platform & strategy for e-commerce, proptech, social tech, martech, and fintech, delivered on a global scale.
• Oversaw operational technology teams across trade, payments, crypto, promotion, and production, targeting self-sustaining growth.
• Directed marketing, branding, and digital strategies for premium and luxury clients, driving brand visibility and engagement at a boutique agency.

Creative Director at EDezign (2011 – 2018)

• Led technology development, web solutions, e-commerce, applications, and private-label product development. Directed marketing, branding, and digital strategy campaigns for premium and luxury-market clients at a boutique agency.
• Directed marketing, branding, and digital strategies for premium and luxury clients, driving brand visibility and engagement at a boutique agency.

Creative Director at Cara Elizabeth (2001 – 2011)

Designed and managed international fashion brand, integrating e-commerce and digital media, coordinating import/export processes, and developing products.

Radio Presenter at Punt Radio (2000 – 2001)

Anchored a weekly radio program, created content, and executed national marketing strategies to engage listeners.

National Brand & Marketing Manager at Hilton Weiner (1999 – 2000)

Managed in-store branding and marketing initiatives for international fashion brand across national outlets, enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement.

Magazine Fashion Assistant at Freewind Publishing (1997 – 1999)

Coordinated fashion sourcing, styling, and photography alongside editorial content, product promotions, and model bookings.

Anchor TV Presenter at M-Net (1990 – 1993)

Presented national weekly teenage programme, delivering engaging content and voice-over media overlays.

MBA – University of York St John (2025)

DBA – University of York St John

AI Project Development & Management – Itoptics (2024 – 2025)

IT Project Development & Management – Itoptics (2015 – 2017)

Creative Technology & Design – Lynda Global (2011 – 2013)

International Business – Damelin (1997 – 1999)

BA in Communications – University of Stellenbosch (1995 – 1995)

Matric – Linden High (1994 – 1994)