Viaka Newsletter: Scaling B2B business across. the globe with Aarti Samani!
This week, we sat down with Aarti Samani!
What do you currently do?
I run a boutique consultancy & professional services business. We work with business owners and investors as advisors, interim leaders or operating partners to accelerate our client’s growth trajectory and help them reach their key milestones faster.
What prompted you to go down this career path and how did you get into this field?
I have worked with corporates and growth stage businesses in AI powered technology for 20+ years. Yes, I worked in AI well before it became mainstream!!
During this time, I led one of the largest technology integrations in the investment banking sector, transformed the way a billion people interact with their smartphones, saved lives in operating theaters by equipping surgeons with the right information, and made identity verification with biometrics easy, secure and inclusive. And I have done this as a hands-on executive formulating strategy, leading product management, marketing, partnerships and other key functions in the business.
The common barrier to success across them all is the executive team’s difficulty in balancing strategy, execution and operations. When you are in the weeds dealing with day to day problems, whilst under pressure to grow, there is never enough time to zoom out and focus on strategy. This leads to teams working in silos and not achieving their targets.
As a passionate but exhausted executive, I often wished for a business partner who would help me to identify and solve some of these issues. But I was unable to find an affordable full stack service provider.
So I set out to solve that problem, by starting my own firm. We understand the goals, go deep into the business to identify opportunities as well as problem areas, and then zoom out again to offer solutions.
What originally got you interested in connecting with the MENA startup ecosystem and other like-minded folks in Europe/North America?
My first visit to the region was in 1991 to the UAE, as a young teenager, just as they were recovering from the Gulf war. The enterprising and resilient nature of the people remained with me, and I sought opportunities to work with them. Everything is aligned now to allow me to create value for businesses in the region.
With the vast portfolio of experience that I have collected in Europe, USA and Asia, I am able and keen to help entrepreneurs and investors from MENA to grow.
What types of connections are you looking to make through Viaka? This can be from the MENA side, as well as with other MENA-connected folks in the Viaka Network
I want to connect with:
Tech business owners and investors looking to scale and create a global presence - I can add value to them.
Investors looking to buy profitable businesses in Asia
Owners looking to sell their business due to retirement or other life changing events
Where will that take you?
It will allow me to grow internationally, and play a role in a very exciting market!
Aarti’s company, Shreem Growth Partners, is an affiliate partner to the CogX festival, running 12-14th Sept at the O2 in London. As part of this initiative, Aarti is able to secure 30% discounted tickets for the community, and free passes to the networking and expo sessions. At the event, Aarti is running a session on Wednesday 13th September, 8:00-1:00pm
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Viaka Connect pulls together the top fractional service providers, freelancers, consultants and agencies in the Network, puts them in one place, and makes it super easy to access their services.
Service providers are Viaka Network members, vetted for their quality and experience, and have worked in North America, MENA, and Europe 🌍 Looking for something in particular, or just interested in the concept? Click here to check it out!
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
So you’re thinking of moving to the UAE? We’re hosting a virtual panel discussion on August 30th with folks who have relocated from the “West” to the UAE. Join the audience here.
Fintech events are going to be frequent in the MENA region this year — check out this article for details on all the top events and conferences!
Viaka Connect is hosting workshops hosted by Network experts on topics like personal branding and digital presence! Be sure to sign up for the Network for access.
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Work Opportunities
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond!
Flat6Labs Jordan is hiring an Investment Associate - Apply Here
Audo is hiring an Enterprise Account Executive - Reply to this email for details
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Reads of the Week
Viaka has launched a Network Reading List, where Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions of their own.
Understanding sharia transactions (DL Piper)
Tech Talent in Tunisia (Tech Cabal)
Check out Viaka’s full reading list here.
Weekly News Digest
Check out our weekly digest — we provide news from all across the MENA startup ecosystem, every single Friday. Be sure to follow our LinkedIn and Twitter for more.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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