Sarisha Ved founded the successful fashion brand F5 Global at only 16 years-old and has encompassed the Gen-Z passion to protect the planet by creating a fashion brand for the future.
The sustainable athleisure brand is part of the Apparel Group – one of the largest retailers in the Middle East who are connected to global fashion brands from Aldo to Dune, and focuses on comfortable streetwear by offering stylish clothing for adults and kids that is versatile, trendy and colourful. Designed for both Gen-Z and Millennials, the brand also places ethics at the forefront of its identity – fashion with a conscience!
I am Sarisha Ved, Founder of F5 Global, UAE’s most adored conscious athleisure brand. I started F5 at 14 as part of my school project and eventually decided to build this business to work towards a bigger purpose.
Honestly, entrepreneurship came to me naturally; having parents who co-founded an omnichannel retail business, it couldn’t have been a better platform for me to start my own. I launched F5 as it was a solution to the change I wanted to see in the fashion market. So, to answer your question, I haven’t sat down and planned my career. I have specific goals that revolve around my further education and business, and I want to achieve them by the time I turn 25.
Having an ethical stance is extremely important to me. As a brand, we’ve been striving for perfection and ensuring that we use 100% sustainable materials; it took me more than six months to find the right factory to work with. So from the fabrics to the zippers to the design prints, it’s all consciously produced and ethically designed, and that has been our biggest challenge, too, because it’s important for us to work with the right manufacturers who practice fair trade and are certified as well. Many brands claim sustainability but being certified the way we are – with our GOTS and SEDEX – makes a huge impact.
I went to Nathdwara in India a few years ago with my family to do charity work. When we got there, the organizer told us how those children had to walk four hours from their village and wait three hours just to get a pen, a notebook, a pair of shoes, a blanket, and food. It made me realize that things we take for granted are something people can only dream of. Having this wonderful life that I do, there is nothing more I could ask for except to try to change something in the world. Even if it’s just a few children’s lives, it’s a significant impact because it goes down in generations. At the time, I only had this one sentence in mind. A hundred percent of the proceeds go towards children’s education. Then I asked myself if I wanted to do this long-term or do it as a school project and finish it off. I thought if I have an idea and the support, why not?” So far, we have raised USD17,000 for children’s education in association with Emirates Red Crescent where we support children from underprivileged communities by providing schools with necessary teaching equipment and learning aids, such as computers and tablets. This campaign helps support vulnerable students, orphans, and people of determination, who have been affected academically during the COVID-19 pandemic. The teaching equipment includes electronic devices, enabling them to pursue their education remotely. That’s definitely one of my most significant achievements so far, and there are going to be bigger milestones and achievements that we shall speak about in the coming years.
F5 is beyond a business for me; when your purpose becomes your passion, you start working towards it, and eventually, everything starts to work out. I genuinely believe it is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution.
We do a lot of student internships at F5 because, as a business, we want to focus on educating and empowering future generations. Six of my friends came and worked at F5 with me; two of them created my whole website; one of them is still working on it. The other two helped me plan two marketing initiatives and the social media content that we used. I couldn’t have asked for a better team right at the beginning of my journey.
Wow, that’s a beautiful question. Gender equality is both a fundamental human right and an essential foundation for a sustainable world. Advancing more women into management and leadership roles is what I have stood by and practiced with F5 Global as well. 80% diverse young women who head central departments. They are passionate about sustainability and are paid equally to their male colleagues.
How much younger are we talking about now? 😊
I think I might need a little more time to answer this question with perfection, but I would surely advise 14-year-old Sarisha that be confident and fearless with every decision you make; it will all work out. Being confident can be hard when you are a teenager starting a full-fledged business.
I am only focusing on global domination. My aim is to ensure people around the world have easy access to sustainable fashion.
Our ideal customer is the 23-year-old Alicia, a digital native, tech-savvy, informed, and aware, and she has been unapologetic in what she demands. Having a purpose and being value-driven isn’t just a personal requirement for my generation anymore – it is something they expect from all the people they follow, the content they consume, and the items they purchase.
Our mission is to ensure that F5, the fashion-forward and planet-positive brand, is easily accessible worldwide. The London Pop-Up is our first step towards expanding the brand globally. Oxford Street in London is the busiest high street in Europe, what better place to build awareness about the brand that aims to go global? Also, we can’t wait to learn people’s response to our brand, in the UAE, it’s been loved by the Gen Z audience for the luxury streetwear we’re offering. The brand stands for a purpose, and we firmly believe that the people of London are waiting to embrace sustainable fashion and its purpose. We couldn’t think of a better city than London to have our first ever international pop-up.
June
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.