“I Had to Beg, Borrow, and Steal to Fund The Business” | Sky Kurtz 

Meet Sky Kurtz, the founder and CEO of Pure Harvest Smart Farms, who is redefining what is possible for food production in the Middle East. Born in the US and trained on Wall Street, Sky’s journey took a dramatic turn when he confronted the food quality crisis in the MENA region firsthand. Instead of accepting the status quo, he saw an opportunity to create real impact – leveraging cutting-edge technology to grow fresh, high-quality produce right in the desert. 
 

Sky’s story is one of grit, vision, and relentless problem-solving. He risked everything – his savings, his reputation, and his comfort – to tackle a problem many thought unsolvable. The result? Pure Harvest Smart Farms, a company that now stands at the forefront of the region’s agri-tech revolution. 

But this isn’t just a story about farming; it’s about strategic thinking and bold risk-taking. Sky’s decision to start with tomatoes wasn’t random – it was a calculated move to prove market fit, technical excellence, and economic viability in the region’s largest produce segment. Every step, from land selection to legal structuring, was meticulously planned to remove investor doubts and pave the way for scalable impact. 
 

Dania Alshowaikh sits down with Sky Kurtz to hear how betting on big problems can lead to big returns, why the MENA region is ground zero for climate and food innovation, and what it really takes to build something that’s never been done before. Sky’s journey will inspire anyone who believes that the toughest challenges can spark the most transformative solutions.