# Saeed Amidi

> Saeed Amidi is the Tehran-born founder and CEO of Plug and Play, based in Sunnyvale, California. His career began in packaging, bottled water and family property businesses before startup tenants and the Medallion Rug Gallery drew him into technology investing. He now leads a global platform connecting entrepreneurs with corporations, investors, universities and governments, with recent work focused on applied AI and European partnerships.

- **Role:** Founder and CEO at Plug and Play (global organisation, including Europe)
- **Organizations:** Plug and Play Tech Center, Plug and Play Europe, Amidzad Partners, Amidi Group, American Liquid Packaging Systems, Medallion Rug Gallery, Hollywood Production Center, International Center for Biosaline Agriculture
- **From:** Tehran, Iran
- **Nationality:** Iranian-American
- **Education:** Menlo College
- **Known for:** Founded Plug and Play in 2006 and led its expansion into an international innovation and investment network., Amidi’s investments and investment partnerships have included PayPal, Dropbox and Danger., In his 2026 anniversary post, reported 60+ Plug and Play locations, 550+ partners and activity across 25+ industry verticals.

## Career timeline

- **1979** — Began a bottled-water distribution business while a student at Menlo College; built a career in packaging and bottled water.
- **1999** — Amidzad Partners was founded by Pejman Nozad with Rahim and Saeed Amidi.
- **2006** — Launched Plug and Play in Sunnyvale, California.
- **2024** — Discussed Plug and Play’s Orlando operation and its work connecting startups with corporate customers.
- **2025** — Discussed plans for AI centres of excellence in Spain.
- **2026** — Marked Plug and Play’s twentieth anniversary and pursued AI partnerships, including discussions linking Madrid with Silicon Valley.

## Achievements

- Founded Plug and Play in 2006 and led its expansion into an international innovation and investment network.
- Amidi’s investments and investment partnerships have included PayPal, Dropbox and Danger.
- In his 2026 anniversary post, reported 60+ Plug and Play locations, 550+ partners and activity across 25+ industry verticals.
- Serves as a board member of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Met Madrid digitalisation minister Miguel López-Valverde at Plug and Play in California as an agreement of intent sought to connect Madrid’s planned AI centre with Silicon Valley.
- **2026-09** — Appeared in Michael Ashley’s Professor Mash interview, published September 11, discussing his beginnings and AI work in San Jose.
- **2026-05** — Recorded a TeqTalk interview with Jas Kaur during the Silicon Valley May Summit 2026, discussing AI centres of excellence and partnerships.
- **2026-02** — Discussed Korea’s AI ambitions and the importance of connections to international infrastructure in The Asia Business Daily.

## Links

- Website: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedamidi
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/SaeedAmidi

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/saeed-amidi
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22