From Humble Beginnings in Sharjah’s Gold Souk to Serial Entrepreneurship
Jigar Sagar’s journey began in the bustling lanes of Sharjah’s Gold Souk, where, at just ten years old, he was introduced to the fundamentals of business. Working in his family’s jewelry shop, Jigar observed cash transactions and bookkeeping, absorbing essential business principles. This early exposure to customer service, financial management, and the dynamics of daily transactions laid a foundation that would shape his future career. Today, Jigar Sagar stands as a successful serial entrepreneur, committed to empowering others and fostering entrepreneurship in the UAE.
A Calling, Not a Career Choice
For Jigar, entrepreneurship is more than a career – it’s a calling. His experiences in both corporate settings and startups led him to realize that his true passion lay in creating and scaling businesses. “The journey of identifying opportunities, building something from the ground up, and empowering others keeps me driven,” Jigar explains. His focus is not solely on personal success but on contributing to the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By fostering new businesses, he aims to support the country’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovation and economic resilience.
Achievements During Challenging Times
One of Jigar’s most significant achievements came during the global COVID-19 pandemic. In a time of economic uncertainty, his efforts facilitated over 5% of all new company setups in the UAE, transforming thousands of dreams into reality. This accomplishment represented more than business growth; it embodied resilience and a commitment to the UAE’s economic stability. “During a time of crisis, this achievement validated our mission to enable entrepreneurship and support economic resilience,” Jigar says. The experience reinforced his belief in the power of a shared vision and in the strength of community during challenging times.
Scaling New Heights with Ocube, Talent Higher, and AppiZap
Today, Jigar’s focus is on scaling ventures that align with his career goals and passion for innovation. He is currently expanding early-stage ventures such as Ocube and Talent Higher, alongside crafting a go-to-market strategy for AppiZap. Projected to exceed $100 million in valuation, AppiZap is a testament to Jigar’s strategic foresight and ambition. Additionally, he is in the process of writing a book on entrepreneurship, intending to share insights and lessons gathered over his years of building and scaling businesses. By documenting his journey, Jigar hopes to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their potential and pursue their dreams with determination.
Inspiration and Influences
When it comes to inspiration, Jigar is quick to credit the people who have influenced his path. Whether they are mentors from his corporate years or fellow entrepreneurs, the shared insights have helped him navigate challenges and achieve his vision. With a deep belief in the power of collective learning, Jigar views these influences as instrumental to his success and as a guide through the complexities of his career.
Motivation Through Purpose and Passion
Staying motivated, even in the face of setbacks, is not a challenge for Jigar. He emphasizes that when one’s purpose goes beyond profit, challenges are reframed as opportunities. For Jigar, creating value and helping others achieve success drive him forward. “When you’re driven by purpose rather than just profit, challenges become opportunities for growth and innovation,” he shares. This mindset has allowed him to approach each setback with resilience, focusing on solutions and long-term growth rather than immediate gains.
Learning from Setbacks and Building Value
Jigar’s career hasn’t been without its difficulties. Early on, he faced a significant setback in gold trading, losing a portion of his savings. Reflecting on this experience, he highlights the importance of distinguishing between value creation and value transfer. The lesson prompted him to shift his focus from speculative activities to building sustainable businesses that generate real value. This approach has become a cornerstone of his career, guiding him to create impactful ventures that contribute positively to the economy and society.
A Legacy of Lasting Impact
Jigar’s definition of success has evolved throughout his career. What began as a focus on financial gains and seizing opportunities has grown into a broader vision of creating a legacy. He now measures success by the impact he leaves on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the pathways he creates for future generations. His goal is to dismantle barriers to entrepreneurship, enabling more people to become business leaders and contribute to the UAE’s ambitious growth vision.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those just starting their professional journey, Jigar has valuable advice. He encourages young professionals to embrace entrepreneurship early, noting that while corporate experience is beneficial, nothing compares to the hands-on lessons learned from building a business. “Every challenge teaches you something valuable, and time is your most precious asset,” he emphasizes. This focus on lifelong learning and adaptability is key to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business.
Looking Ahead
With a career marked by resilience, growth, and community impact, Jigar Sagar is committed to leaving a legacy that reflects his passion for enabling others. Through his various ventures, his book, and his personal commitment to the UAE’s entrepreneurial vision, he aims to inspire future generations. By focusing on value creation, empowering others, and building sustainable businesses, Jigar exemplifies what it means to be a visionary in the UAE’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
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