Sam Barkati

Background

About Sam Barkati

I am a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique blend of engineering and business expertise and over 18 years of management experience. As the Founder of Verjet, an innovative online wholesale marketplace for high-value items like jewelry and diamonds, and the CEO of ITJ Group, a software development company and technical marketing agency, I have successfully helped hundreds of wholesalers and manufacturers establish their online presence and expand their reach. I am also a board member of the Diamond Club West Coast, one of the most prestigious organizations for jewelers. My motivation for creating Verjet stemmed from my observation of the challenges that wholesalers and manufacturers face in finding the right online niche to connect with their target audiences. In 2022, I single-handedly funded and launched Verjet, a platform designed to seamlessly connect wholesale buyers with top-notch, verified vendors.Prior to relocating to the US, I owned and managed a Gold & Jewelry wholesale/retail company with over 10M in revenue and multiple stores. During this time, I also implemented the first financial software in the jewelry industry in Iran, which revolutionized the way businesses managed their finances.Upon receiving a scholarship to pursue an MBA from the University of California, Riverside with a focus on online business and marketing, I founded ITJ Group with no initial funding. Today, ITJ Group is an international enterprise with over 40 employees, serving clients of all sizes, technical backgrounds, and locations.Beyond my entrepreneurial endeavors, I am passionate about giving back to my community. In my free time, I indulge in writing poetry and exploring the natural landscapes of California. I am also dedicated to advancing early childhood education and improving the quality of life in underdeveloped countries in the Middle East. As the youngest person to solely invest and build a middle school in a rural area of Iran, I am proud to make a positive impact in the world.My educational background includes a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Azad Gharb in Tehran and a Master's of Science in Applied Mechanics from Sharif University of Technology, one of the most prestigious universities in the Middle East. Additionally, I received an MBA from the University of California, Riverside, for which I earned a scholarship.