Renowned UK entrepreneur sets up regional HQ in Dubai to support high-growth ventures across the Middle East
Hamilton Bradshaw, the investment, advisory and mentoring firm founded by renowned entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den star James Caan CBE, has officially expanded into the Middle East with the launch of its regional headquarters in Dubai. The move marks a milestone in the firm’s 22-year legacy of scaling high-growth ventures through its distinctive ‘from idea to exit’ model.
“Dubai is at the heart of a transformation,” said Caan, whose investment portfolio spans recruitment, real estate, digital services, accounting and legal sectors. “This region is brimming with opportunity. We want to back individuals with the passion and ambition to build market-leading businesses – whether they are at the idea stage, preparing for exit, or anywhere in between.”
The newly formed Hamilton Bradshaw MENA division will be headquartered in Dubai and led by Ayman Alashkar, a seasoned business leader, AI expert and long-time Dubai resident. Alashkar brings over two decades of experience and a deep understanding of the region’s dynamic business environment.
“What drew me to Hamilton Bradshaw is the firm’s human-first ethos,” Alashkar said. “James Caan has built a legacy by investing not just in businesses, but in the people behind them. That’s exactly what we plan to bring to Dubai and the broader Middle East.”
With this expansion, Hamilton Bradshaw is positioning itself as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive during what many are calling the Middle East’s ‘golden era’. The Dubai office will act as a launchpad for activity across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
Uniquely amongst investment firms of its type, Hamilton Bradshaw works with entrepreneurs throughout their business journeys – from ‘idea to exit’.
“There are so many hidden entrepreneurs in a place like Dubai. They might be recruitment consultants, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, or management consultants – all with scalable ideas,” Caan explained. “We help unlock that potential with a full suite of financial, operational and advisory services.”
The firm’s model focuses on turning early-stage ventures into profitable, acquirable businesses with recurring revenues and strong management structures. “We have buyers ready for mature businesses with recurring revenues and stable leadership beyond the founder. We know how to get there, starting with just an idea, an entrepreneur and a vision. And investment is ready to flow into the Middle East, creating life-changing opportunities for business founders,” Caan added.
From his early beginnings in East London to building Alexander Mann into a £95 million recruitment powerhouse, Caan’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to resilience and sharp business acumen – qualities he looks for in every founder Hamilton Bradshaw supports.
“Starting a business is always hard,” Caan noted. “But the Middle East – and Dubai in particular – has both the appetite and infrastructure to support the kind of entrepreneurs we want to back.”
“Dubai is more than a business destination – it’s a launchpad for bold ideas and ambitious people,” Alashkar said. “We’re here to help entrepreneurs unlock that potential.”
स्रोत: खलीज टाइम
Published: 16 Apr 2025
