Financial
Empowering Entrepreneurs and Fostering Financial Wellness for a Thriving Future in the Region!

Integrator had an exclusive interview with Jigar Sagar, a UAE-based serial entrepreneur. In this conversation, he shares motivational, strategic, and actionable insights tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs, business professionals, and those passionate about finance and innovation.
Jigar, tell us the story of your beginnings and what is your core area of expertise?
My entrepreneurial journey began quite early, at age 10, working in my family’s retail shop in Sharjah’s Gold Souk. This early exposure was instrumental in shaping my understanding of business fundamentals. The dynamic nature of the gold market, with its constant price fluctuations, naturally drew me toward understanding numbers and financial mechanics. Every day after school, from 6 PM onwards, I would immerse myself in the family business, learning invaluable lessons about customer service, inventory management, and the importance of building lasting relationships with clients.
What started as basic bookkeeping in the family business evolved into a deeper passion for finance and accounting. The gold market taught me early on that success in business isn’t just about sales – it’s about understanding the numbers behind those sales, managing inventory effectively, and maintaining precise financial records. This realization led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in finance from the American University of Dubai, where I graduated with Cum Laude honors.
My core expertise lies in understanding the intricate relationship between numbers and business success. Whether it’s corporate finance, strategic planning, or risk management, I believe that financial literacy is the backbone of any successful enterprise. This financial acumen, combined with my practical experience in business setup and growth strategies, has been crucial in my journey from the Gold Souk to managing multiple successful ventures. My expertise has evolved to encompass not just financial management, but also strategic business development, risk mitigation, and the creation of sustainable business models that can weather market fluctuations and economic challenges.
Tell us about what inspired you to transition from a finance manager to an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship was always the end goal for me—employment was a stepping stone in my larger journey. My brief stint at HSBC’s treasury department and subsequent role as Finance Manager at Creative Zone helped me build a strong foundation for my entrepreneurial aspirations.
Employment served multiple crucial purposes: it allowed me to accumulate capital for future investments, provided hands-on experience in corporate operations, and offered valuable insights into both effective and ineffective business practices. I specifically chose to work at Creative Zone, a startup at the time, rather than working with a large multinational, because I recognised that startups offer accelerated learning opportunities and growth potential that established corporations typically can’t match.
In a startup environment, roles are often fluid, and this allowed me to gain experience across multiple aspects of the business. I progressively moved from finance to sales, then to operations, and eventually became the key point person for government relations. This comprehensive exposure was invaluable in understanding how different business components interact and influence each other.
What truly inspired me was the opportunity to build something from the ground up. At Creative Zone, I witnessed firsthand how good business relationships could lead to new venture opportunities. This experience culminated in my acquisition of a minority stake in the company pre-Covid, marking my first significant step from employee to owner.
The transition wasn’t just about changing roles – it was about fulfilling a vision I’d had since my early days in the Gold Souk. I wanted to create not just successful businesses, but entire ecosystems that could support and nurture other entrepreneurs. This desire led me to launch multiple ventures, each addressing specific market gaps and needs I’d identified during my employment years.
How did you approach financial management and scaling Creative Zone to become Dubai’s largest business setup advisory firm? Can you share the (financial) details of your exit from Creative Zone?
The scaling of Creative Zone was built on three fundamental principles I learned from my early days in the Gold Souk: meticulous financial management, customer service excellence, and continuous innovation in service offerings.
In the initial phases, our focus was primarily on robust cash flow management and maintaining lean operations. This meant being extremely mindful of our expenses while simultaneously investing in growth opportunities. Drawing from my family business experience, I understood that customer service would be our key differentiator in a competitive market.
We consistently expanded our service portfolio to address evolving market needs. This included launching Creative Zone Business Hub and Creative Zone Tax & Accounting, which helped create additional revenue streams while providing more comprehensive solutions to our clients. Our approach to growth was always customer-centric, ensuring that each new service offering addressed a genuine market need.
The success of this strategy culminated in a multi-million dollar exit to a fund. This exit validated our business model and growth strategy, while also providing resources for future ventures and investments in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
You had mentioned that hardworking people are paid the least during the Gladiator Summit in Dubai? What made you say so?
This observation comes from years of experience and studying successful business patterns. While our traditional education system promotes the idea that hard work alone equals success and higher compensation, the reality of modern business presents a different truth.
Don’t misunderstand – hard work is absolutely essential and non-negotiable for success. However, it’s the combination of hard work with smart strategic thinking that truly creates exponential value. I’ve seen countless examples of people who work incredibly hard in their jobs, putting in long hours and maximum effort, yet they remain in the same financial position year after year.
The key differentiator lies in how you channel that hard work. Are you building something sustainable? Are you creating systems that can work for you? Are you developing multiple revenue streams? These are the questions that separate those who are merely working hard from those who are creating lasting wealth.
When I started at the Gold Souk, I could have simply focused on being the hardest working person in the shop. Instead, I used that experience to learn about business operations, customer service, and financial management. I then applied these lessons to build multiple businesses, creating sustainable systems rather than just trading time for money.
The most successful entrepreneurs I’ve encountered are indeed hardworking, but they combine this with strategic thinking, market awareness, and the ability to build scalable systems. They outwork their competition while simultaneously working smart – creating businesses that can grow beyond their personal time investment.
Tell us in what ways are free zones adapting to the needs of today’s entrepreneurs, and what innovations are you bringing to these spaces?
The evolution of free zones in the UAE represents one of the most dynamic shifts in our business ecosystem. Today’s entrepreneurs demand more than just a business license—they need a comprehensive support system that enables their success, and free zones are rapidly adapting to meet these changing needs.
The primary transformation we’re seeing is the shift from traditional licensing centers to integrated business enablement hubs. Free zones are now focusing on making the entire process simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for entrepreneurs. This includes digitising operations, streamlining procedures, and reducing documentation requirements. What used to take weeks can now often be accomplished in days or even hours.
However, real innovation lies in how we’re reimagining the role of free zones in the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of being mere service providers, we’re transitioning these spaces into comprehensive market platforms. This means creating entire ecosystems where entrepreneurs can not only establish their businesses but also find partners, connect with customers, and access various support services.
Through my involvement with various free zones, I’ve focused on introducing innovations that address real entrepreneurial pain points. This includes developing new partnerships that provide value-added services.
You’ve mentioned a goal to empower over 100 million entrepreneurs globally. What drives this ambitious vision?
I believe empowering entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to build a better world. While individual inventions can certainly make an impact, entrepreneurs create lasting change by building sustainable businesses that serve society’s needs. They’re not just creating wealth, they’re solving problems, generating employment, and driving innovation across all sectors.
The goal of 100 million entrepreneurs might sound ambitious, but consider the ripple effect. If each entrepreneur creates even just a few jobs and serves a few hundred customers, we’re talking about improving millions of lives. These entrepreneurs will build businesses that not only serve today’s needs but anticipate and solve tomorrow’s challenges.
What really drives me is the long-term impact. When we empower entrepreneurs, we’re not just helping individuals succeed—we’re creating a chain reaction of positive change that will benefit future generations. These entrepreneurs will create the jobs of tomorrow, develop solutions for emerging challenges, and build the foundations for continued economic growth.
This is particularly relevant in the UAE, where we’re transitioning from attracting global wealth to nurturing homegrown innovation. By empowering entrepreneurs here and globally, we’re helping create a more dynamic, resilient, and prosperous world for future generations. It’s about building a legacy of sustainable growth and innovation that extends far beyond our own time.
Financial
CFI Caps Off Record-Breaking 2024 with Unprecedented Q4 Performance, Surpassing $1.12 Trillion In Trading Volume

CFI Financial Group has concluded 2024 with record-breaking achievements, reinforcing its status as one of the fastest-growing online trading providers worldwide. With an all-time high in trading volumes, exponential growth in active clients and significant global expansion, CFI has set new industry benchmarks, solidifying its position as a dominant force in online trading.
Q4 2024: A Historic Finish to a Landmark Year
- Unprecedented Trading Volume: In Q4 2024, CFI shattered previous records, surpassing $1.12 trillion in trading volume, exceeding Q3’s $1.03 trillion. This milestone brings H2 2024’s total to a staggering $2.15 trillion, reflecting a 142% year-over-year increase from H2 2023.
- Surging Client Activity: Q4 saw a 27% increase from Q3 in active clients. New clients continued their rapid ascent, reinforcing CFI’s commitment to providing accessible and efficient trading solutions.
- Soaring Client Deposits & Transactions: Q4 saw a 39% increase in client funding, following a 31% jump in Q3, reflecting growing confidence in CFI’s offerings.
Strategic Expansion & Leadership Reinforcement in Q4
CFI’s relentless pursuit of global growth and leadership reinforcement was evident in Q4 with key expansions and executive appointments, including:
- Launch of CFI Financial Investment Company in Azerbaijan, marking the firm’s first licensed local presence in the region, with Ilgar Rustambayli appointed as CEO.
- Commencement of operations in South Africa, furthering CFI’s reach across continents, with Zihaad Israfil named CEO.
- Opening of CFI’s third UAE office in Sharjah following its second one in Abu Dhabi, strengthening the company’s regional presence and accessibility.
- Introduction of the CFI Rewards Program, offering exclusive incentives such as VIP experiences at global sporting events and unique client engagement opportunities.
- Appointment of Ahmad Khatib as Chief Business Development Officer and Ziad Melhem as Chief Marketing Officer, further strengthening CFI’s leadership team and positioning the company for continued strategic growth.
Industry-Leading Partnerships & Brand Expansion
- Official Online Trading Partner of MI Cape Town, connecting with cricket’s massive 2.5 billion-strong global audience.
- Exclusive “CFI Driven by Success” Celebration at Dubai’s Museum of the Future, featuring Global Brand Ambassador and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
- Launch of the “Trading Transparency+” Program, an initiative dedicated to market education, trading realities and risk awareness, reinforcing CFI’s commitment to responsible trading.
2024: A Year of Unparalleled Success & Growth
- Total annual trading volume exceeding previous records, cementing CFI as an industry leader.
- A 120% year-over-year increase in new clients, reflecting traders and investors solid demand for the company’s services.
- Expansion into new markets, solidifying CFI’s international footprint and reputation as a top-tier financial institution.
- Technological advancements, including AI-driven trading tools and seamless platform integrations, enhancing the overall trading experience.
- New Global Brand Ambassador Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time Formula 1 World Champion, aligning with the group’s unwavering pursuit of excellence, innovation and advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
- Strategic Regional Partnerships with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, including extended collaborations with NBA Abu Dhabi Games and UFC 308, as well as partnerships with FIBA WASL, the Khaleeji Zain 2024 GCC Cup and many more.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on this extraordinary year, CFI remains committed to sustained growth, technological innovation and expanding its reach in key markets. With new initiatives in the pipeline, CFI is poised to redefine excellence in the online trading industry in 2025 and beyond.
Financial
SemanticPay: Pioneering Seamless AI Transactions for the Agent Economy

A cutting-edge AI startup emerges from stealth, announcing the launch of SemanticPay, a groundbreaking solution designed to power the emerging AI agent economy. SemanticPay is set to become the essential infrastructure that enables AI-powered agents to seamlessly transact and create value in the digital world. Developed by a team of AI, FinTech, and Web3 experts, SemanticPay will establish the monetization layer necessary to support autonomous AI agents, positioning itself as the first mover in this transformative space.
The rapid evolution of AI, decreasing compute costs and breakthroughs in AI models like DeepSeek R-1 are democratizing access to powerful AI leading to the proliferation of autonomous “AI agents” – intelligent systems capable of executing complex tasks, optimizing workflows, and unlocking new revenue streams. However, the current internet infrastructure, designed for human interactions, presents significant challenges for AI agents to transact seamlessly. “The internet was built by humans for humans, not agents,” says one of the co-founders of SemanticPay. Challenges arise such as compatibility issues with human-centric systems, regulatory uncertainty that slows adoption rate, restrictive firewalls that misidentify agents as bots, and outdated monetization models not suited for microtransactions.
This is where SemanticPay steps in – building the “Visa for AI” – a comprehensive platform that addresses these challenges and empowers AI agents to become full participants in the digital economy. SemanticPay builds a robust transaction infrastructure that allows AI agents to securely interact, access services, and engage in economic activity. By developing a specialized infrastructure, they will eliminate these constraints and unlock new opportunities for an AI-powered economy.
Key Features of SemanticPay Include:
- Access: SemanticPay’s Agentic API layer ensures that AI agents can access web services and data sources seamlessly, unlocking new opportunities for interaction and information retrieval.
- Identity: Traditional internet structures often categorize AI agents as bots, blocking their ability to perform legitimate tasks. Through Agent ID and “Know Your Agent” (KYA) protocols, SemanticPay establishes a secure, compliant framework for transactions, building trust and ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Payment: The platform will offer optimized payment rails, supporting fiat currencies, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies for high-frequency, low-value transactions crucial to the AI agent economy.
- Empowerment: Value-added services such as data analytics, decision-making tools, and access to specialized AI models will enhance the capabilities of AI agents, driving efficiency and growth.
Rooted in the GCC, SemanticPay aims to scale globally, with its team currently having a presence in APAC and Europe. They are building the foundation for a new AI-powered economy that bridges the gap between web operators and AI agent builders – paving the way for a future where these intelligent agents play a vital role in our digital world, driving innovation and creating value for all stakeholders.
Financial
Hasnae Taleb and Jeff Ransdell to Drive Innovation in UAE with a $45 Million to Support UAE Startups

Jeff Ransdell, Managing Director and Founding Partner of Fuel Venture Capital, and Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, are making waves in the UAE investment landscape by introducing a $300 million vintage fund. This ambitious initiative dedicates $45 million specifically to fuel the growth of startups within the GCC region. The fund is strategically structured to offer regional investors a rare opportunity to capture exponential returns by backing high-growth ventures before they reach public markets.
The collaboration between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital takes the form of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), leveraging both firms’ unmatched expertise in capital markets and venture investments. With decades of collective experience, Ransdell and Taleb are uniquely positioned to guide companies through the critical phases of growth, scaling, and eventual public listings. Their shared vision is built on the understanding that private market investments in pre-IPO companies have the potential to generate immediate returns of up to 200% from day one, presenting a transformative proposition for investors across the UAE and broader GCC region.
The vintage fund provides access to an elite portfolio of high-potential startups backed by Fuel Venture Capital. Notable names include:
• Betr – A disruptive sports betting platform co-founded by Jake Paul, integrating real-time engagement with microbetting.
• Curve – A fintech innovator providing a single card that aggregates all financial accounts into one seamless experience.
• CookUnity – A chef-to-consumer platform redefining meal delivery with curated, gourmet-quality meals.
• Novopayment – A fintech infrastructure company driving digital payments innovation across the Americas.
• Aexlab – A pioneer in virtual reality gaming and social engagement technologies.
These companies are not just building market-leading products; they are poised to reshape industries and create outsized investment returns when they enter the public markets.
Jeff Ransdell and Hasnae Taleb believe in creating pathways for local investors to participate in the most promising global opportunities. This vintage fund provides GCC-based investors exclusive pre-market access to disruptive businesses that would otherwise remain out of reach until a much later stage.

Jeff Ransdell, founder of Fuel Venture Capital, brings a remarkable career spanning decades in public markets. As a former Managing Director at Merrill Lynch, he led a team responsible for managing a staggering $130 billion in assets for some of the world’s most influential investors. His deep understanding of capital markets, asset management, and scaling high-growth companies provides him with a unique ability to identify and nurture disruptive startups poised for exponential success.

Hasnae Taleb shattered barriers as the youngest equity trader on Wall Street and the first Arab African woman to achieve such recognition in global capital markets. Known for her sharp analytical mind and fearless decision-making, Taleb earned the nickname “Shewolf of Nasdaq” for her unparalleled ability and navigate high-stakes trading scenarios with precision. Now, as Managing Partner of Mintiply Capital, she leverages her expertise in trading, equity markets, and entrepreneurship to build ecosystems that empower innovators and investors alike.
“Both Jeff and I understand what it takes to list companies and the immense value creation that occurs before a company goes public,” said Hasnae Taleb. “We are bringing this opportunity to investors in the region to give them access to exceptional returns and a strategic advantage over traditional investment avenues.”
Jeff Ransdell added, “The GCC market is evolving rapidly, and there’s a growing appetite for sophisticated investment vehicles. This fund delivers exactly that — it empowers investors to support transformative businesses while capturing the kind of returns typically reserved for institutional players.”
The introduction of this vintage fund and the strategic partnership between Mintiply Capital and Fuel Venture Capital reflect a shared commitment to enhancing the financial ecosystem in the UAE and KSA. By supporting visionary entrepreneurs and scaling innovative businesses, the duo aims to foster sustainable economic growth and establish the region as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence and venture capital success.
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