Jigar Sagar’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up, he spent his early years assisting his father at a small shop nestled in the vibrant Gold Souk of Sharjah. This hands-on experience served as the foundation for what would become an extraordinary path in the world of business. Over the years, Jigar has transformed from a young boy helping out in a family business to one of the most significant and influential figures in the entrepreneurial landscape of the United Arab Emirates.
Today, he embodies the spirit of a serial entrepreneur and strategic investor, continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth. His role extends beyond just business; he serves as a trusted advisor to government entities, helping shape policies that foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Moreover, his commitment to nurturing the tech and startup sectors across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has made a lasting impact, promoting economic development and inspiring countless aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.
As Jigar continues to pave the way for future generations, his story is a testament to the incredible possibilities that await in the ever-evolving business environment of the UAE. Through his dedication and visionary approach, he is not only contributing to the growth of the region but is also inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurial spirit that is set to redefine the future of business in the Emirates.
A Vision Rooted in Humble Beginnings
Jigar’s story begins early. Immersed in the retail rhythms of Sharjah, he developed a hands-on understanding of customers, operations, and resilience, lessons that later shaped his entrepreneurial DNA.
Over the past 15 years, he has founded, scaled, and advised more than 30 ventures with a combined valuation exceeding $350 million, marking him as a prolific driver of business innovation in the UAE.
As founder of ecosystem engines like Triliv Holdings, EZMS, AppiZap, Créo, MPlatform, and Talent Higher, Jigar’s reach extends far beyond his own ventures. Through entities such as Set Hub (formerly Business Incorporation Zone), he has played a pivotal role in facilitating the launch of over 25,000 companies, democratizing access to entrepreneurship and accelerating the growth of new businesses across industries.
Driving the UAE’s Economic Transformation
Jigar’s work has not only shaped private enterprise but also influenced public policy and economic strategy. Known for his collaboration with government bodies, he has been instrumental in reshaping UAE free zones through innovative public-private partnerships infusing digitization, modern licensing frameworks, and ecosystem support structures that make the UAE a leading destination for startups and scaleups alike.
One of his strategic milestones was his involvement in the growth of Creative Zone, which he helped transform into Dubai’s largest business setup advisory firm. After joining as a finance manager, Jigar advanced into strategic leadership roles before exiting in a multi-million-dollar deal, a move that freed him to focus on broader ecosystem transformation and government services innovation.
Through these efforts, Sagar has contributed to the vibrancy of the UAE’s non-oil economy, supporting a diversified entrepreneurial base that increasingly integrates technology, finance, AI, and digital services, which are sectors identified by policymakers as pillars for future GCC economic growth.
Empowering Innovators Beyond Capital
Jigar’s philosophy centers on more than just business formation. He emphasises the mentorship, strategic guidance, and operational support necessary for startups to thrive. His leadership helped launch initiatives that accounted for nearly 5% of all new business setups in the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrating his role in sustaining entrepreneurial momentum even in difficult times.
As an investor, he brings more than funding to the table. His capital is paired with deep operational insight, founder mentorship, and access to networks, a blend that has strengthened ventures in fintech, recruitment tech, marketing, and SaaS. His work embodies the ethos of strategic, long-term value creation, rather than short-term returns.
A Thought Leader on the Global Stage
Beyond business building, Jigar Sagar is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and scaling strategies across regional and international platforms. Recognised as one of the “50 Indian Aces” by Arabian Business in 2024, his voice holds weight in discussions about economic diversification, startup policy, and the future of business in the GCC.
He has also called publicly for the UAE to accelerate the creation of homegrown unicorns, emphasising smart capital, talent development, mentorship infrastructure, and a culture that embraces risk, that is, critical elements for long-term ecosystem growth.
A Vision for the Next Generation
Today, Jigar’s influence extends to over 250,000 entrepreneurs whose business journeys have been shaped by his platforms, guidance, or investment support. His companies collectively employ over 3,000 professionals, contributing to economic activity and professional development across the region.
With a bold vision to empower 100 million entrepreneurs globally, Jigar Sagar continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a business leader in the GCC. His story illustrates how entrepreneurial ambition, when paired with strategic insight and ecosystem building, can transform not just individual ventures but entire economic landscapes.
