Software engineer Qazi Omair Ahmed built a successful US-based business through technical innovation.
From Limited Resources to Limitless Possibilities
“I’m a software engineer who believes in creating change through code,” says Qazi Omair Ahmed, now based in Vancouver and working on cutting-edge AI projects with companies like Scale AI. His journey, however, started far from the high-tech environments of North America. Growing up in a middle-class Indian household, Ahmed’s access to technology was minimal, but his determination was boundless.
“We couldn’t afford the latest devices or coding bootcamps,” Ahmed recalls.
“But what we lacked in resources, we made up for in determination.”
Late nights spent on a shared computer, troubleshooting error messages, and poring over free online resources became his norm. This self-taught perseverance not only sharpened his coding skills but also laid the foundation for his innovative mindset.
Pioneering Technical Education with Analytix Club
In a competitive educational landscape where technical education was largely theoretical, Ahmed made waves by founding the Analytix Club—India’s first high school organization focused on practical programming skills.
“Everyone should know how to code, it is basic education,” Ahmed explains.
The club introduced students to real-world tools like version control and collaborative coding, opening doors to practical learning.
By focusing on more than just coding basics, the Analytix Club equipped students with skills like project management and teamwork—capabilities often missing in traditional curricula.
“It wasn’t just about learning to code,” Ahmed says, “It was about showing that your contributions to software can have a great impact on community challenges, regardless of where you come from.”
Breaking Barriers with Open Source
Ahmed’s work with Google Code-in and Canonical/Ubuntu further shaped his career, where he was awarded Top 5. Contributing to open-source projects allowed him to see how software could impact users worldwide.
“A few hundred lines of code can make a real difference,” he says.
As part of the Ubuntu ecosystem, he tackled challenges reserved for seasoned developers, writing software in Python, Java, C++, Ruby, and Node.js.
One of his most significant achievements was implementing quality testing protocols that improved system efficiency. These experiences not only honed his engineering skills but also reinforced his belief in software as a global problem-solving tool.
Fazper: Building a Business Without Borders
In 2020, Ahmed proved that geography is no barrier to entrepreneurship. He founded Fazper, initially offering freelance development services. By establishing an LLC in Wyoming, he tapped into the benefits of running a US-based business remotely.
“The beauty of the American dream and software engineering is that it transcends borders,” he notes. “You don’t have to be physically in America to build an American business.”
Fazper’s freelance roots evolved into a full-fledged e-commerce automation venture with the creation of FBA Rocket, a platform addressing the complexities of selling on Amazon’s marketplace. What started as an internal tool to streamline Fazper’s operations grew into a robust system that processed over $350,000 in sales, a 483.33% boost.
Innovating E-Commerce with FBA Rocket
Unlike many e-commerce solutions focused on isolated tasks, FBA Rocket tackled the entire ecosystem. By integrating advanced data analytics, predictive inventory management, and real-time market analysis, Ahmed designed a platform that could scale seamlessly while maintaining robust security.
“Ahmed’s engineering-first approach is what sets FBA Rocket apart,” says Ryan Zhang, Senior Software Engineer at Shopify.
“His work demonstrates enterprise-level rigor and a deep understanding of e-commerce automation.”
Pushing the Limits of AI with Scale AI
Ahmed’s current contract with AI companies like Scale AI reflects his passion for innovation. By focusing on training and improving large language models, he’s helped enhance AI-generated code accuracy by 30%. His expertise spans multiple programming languages and complex evaluation processes, pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.
Lessons for the Next Generation
Ahmed’s journey—from coding by candlelight to building a global business—demonstrates that geography, resources, and background are not limitations. His philosophy, centered on technical excellence and problem-solving, resonates with aspiring engineers worldwide.
For those who dream of entrepreneurship, his story offers a clear roadmap: master the fundamentals, embrace real-world challenges, and innovate boldly.
