They are decision-makers.
Quiet authority · Decisive capital
A network of capital, influence, and long-term thinking.
Long-term capital with generational perspective.
Independent thinkers backing high-potential opportunities.
Capital paired with operational insight.
Influence across industries and markets.
Every interaction leads to a clear, private decision.
Back with conviction.
Follow with intent.
Step away — quietly.
These are not celebrities pretending to invest. They’re industry giants who’ve built vast empires from the ground up, tough, self-made, resilient moguls who’ve been through the hardhships, faced setbacks, risen to power and are now paving a clear path for the next-gen.
Dr. Anuraag Guglaani is a globally recognised business leader, investor, board member, mentor and academic with extensive experience across technology, transformation, governance, strategy and international business. He holds multiple advanced qualifications including Ph.D, B.Eng, DIM, MBA, FCIML, EMBA, CISM, CGEIT and CDPSE, reflecting his multidisciplinary expertise across management, information security, governance and digital privacy.
He serves as Board Member for multiple large family business groups across the MEASA region and is associated with organisations such as Wazir Holdings, Wazir Advisory, Pan African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Corporation, World Youth Forum and IBI Union. He is also the co-founder of two tech startups, an active investor and mentor to MSMEs, a thought leader and speaker, and an Adjunct Professor of Business Data Analytics, Marketing and Leadership at American University.
Dr. Guglaani has received several prestigious honours, including the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, President’s Volunteer Service Medal of Honor, UAE Super 100, Top 100 Change Maker Africa, Global Icon, International Excellence Award and recognition for excellence in entrepreneurship, finance transformation, intelligent automation and technology governance. His investment and operations exposure spans the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and North America, covering sectors such as real estate, FMCG, manufacturing, technology, fintech, proptech, hospitality, logistics, consulting, retail, agriculture and industrial projects.
Ankur is a Chartered Accountant from India and holds an MBA from Georgetown University, USA. He began his career as an Investment Banker (M&A), working with Citigroup in New York and Credit Suisse in London. Over the years, he has built a strong global foundation in finance, strategy, and cross-border transactions.
With over 20 years of experience across Fortune 50 organizations, Ankur has advised Fortune 500 companies on complex cross-border M&A deals spanning sectors such as banking and financial services, consumer goods, retail, luxury, education, real estate, media, telecom, healthcare, and white goods. During his tenure at Citigroup, he also built an emerging markets long-only equity portfolio for the firm’s US Defined Benefit Plan and executed over $60 million in new investments and commitments, while supporting expansion across North America and EMEA.
He later led the expansion of Training The Street’s operations across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, strengthening its presence as a global leader in financial training. Ankur is also an active angel investor, with over 20 investments in the past five years. Currently, he focuses on venture capital investments in early and growth-stage startups, ranging from Seed to Series B, through platforms such as Inflection Point Ventures and Physis Capital.
Tauseef Khan, Chairman of Dugasta Properties, is a self-made entrepreneur whose journey reflects determination, resilience, and an unwavering belief in dreaming big. Born into a middle-class family in Aligarh, India, his early life was shaped by strong values, discipline, and the sacrifices of his parents. Despite limited resources and challenges along the way, he remained focused on building a better future—not just for himself, but for his family—eventually bringing his parents to Dubai and fulfilling his lifelong commitment to them.
His entry into Dubai was unexpected, shaped by the Gulf War, but he turned adversity into opportunity. Starting his career in sales, he gradually built a deep understanding of the UAE market before transitioning into real estate. Leveraging his background in civil engineering, he founded Dugasta Properties, a company built on a conservative yet innovative approach. Over the years, he evolved from property management into development, creating projects that align closely with investor needs while maintaining a strong reputation for trust and delivery.
Under his leadership, Dugasta Properties has emerged as a standout player in Dubai’s real estate sector, known for bold offerings such as guaranteed returns and a customer-first philosophy. His success is deeply rooted in core values—honesty, integrity, and dedication—which continue to guide both his personal and professional journey. Tauseef Khan’s story is not just about business success, but about perseverance, purpose, and giving back, making him a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.
Dr. Dhiraj Jain is a visionary entrepreneur, co-founder, and impact-driven leader with over two decades of experience in building and scaling successful businesses. His approach goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship—focused on creating long-term value, empowering individuals, and helping organisations unlock their full potential. With a strong strategic mindset, he mentors leaders and businesses to navigate challenges, make bold decisions, and achieve sustainable growth.
As the co-founder of 1XL and founder of multiple ventures across real estate, business setup, and mobility, Dr. Dhiraj has built a diversified global portfolio. His ventures—including 1XL Infra, Vista Global Real Estate, and Vista Corporate Global Business Setup—are designed to simplify business growth, enable global expansion, and create high-value investment opportunities. His journey, as outlined on page 3, reflects a steady evolution from corporate experience to international entrepreneurship, continuously expanding into new markets and industries.
Beyond business, Dr. Dhiraj is a leadership coach, mentor, and published author of books like The Lazy CEO and The Growth Playbook, inspiring individuals to lead with purpose and clarity. His work also extends into impactful social initiatives across healthcare, wellness, and community development, driving meaningful change at scale. Through mentorship, innovation, and philanthropy, he continues to shape a new generation of leaders while creating lasting global impact.
Shanti Mohan is the Co-Founder and CEO of LVX, formerly known as LetsVenture, a global private-marketplace platform that enhances transparency and access for investors. Under her leadership, LVX has helped over 715 companies raise close to USD 130 million in early-stage funding, with investors from 60 countries, including HNIs, family offices, institutions, and syndicate leads.
A second-time entrepreneur, Shanti previously built an embedded systems startup in the early 2000s. She is also an active angel investor with investments in over 50 startups and has contributed significantly to ecosystem and policy development at both state and central levels. She was a nominated member of SEBI’s AIF committee, headed by Mr. Narayana Murthy.
Shanti is also a GP at SamVed, a US-based fund focused on early-stage B2B and B2C startups solving real-world challenges. Based in Bangalore, she also runs MyPragati, a non-profit supporting education and skill-building for a village community near Darjeeling, working with around 70 families.
Ankur Aggarwal is a transformative force in the UAE real estate sector, serving as the visionary Founder & Chairman of Bricks n Woods (BNW). Partnering with Bollywood celebrity Vivek Oberoi, Ankur has guided BNW to manage an impressive AUM of 14.8 billion AED, setting new industry standards and redefining market expectations.
With over 17 years of economic expertise and entrepreneurial brilliance, Ankur specializes in exclusive properties, demonstrating his deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer needs. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the Global Business Award by NNS Media Group, Icons Of UAE by India Today Group & NKN Media, Global Indian of the Year by Asia One, Leadership Award by NDTV & NKN Media, and the CEO Middle East Award by Arabian Business.
Currently, Ankur’s innovative vision is focused on transforming Al Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK). His forward-thinking concepts are shaping the future landscape, driving significant progress, and establishing him as a key figure in Dubai’s real estate evolution.
Beyond his professional success, Ankur is renowned for his philanthropic efforts and unwavering commitment to social causes. He actively supports women empowerment, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment at BNW. Ankur’s leadership style is characterized by empathy, integrity, and a genuine concern for societal well-being, making him a respected and admired leader in the industry.
Ankur’s philanthropic initiatives extend to various community development projects and charitable activities, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact on society. His holistic approach to leadership not only drives business success but also fosters a culture of compassion and social responsibility.
Vishal is an experienced commercial lawyer with a robust academic background, holding a BA.LLB and LL.M from The Maharaja Sayajirao University, followed by a second LL.M from Birmingham University specializing in International Commercial Law with a focus on M&A and Oil and Gas Law. With professional experience that includes working for multinational corporations like TATA, Vishal has established himself as an accomplished legal expert.
Vishal offers legal advice on DIFC and ADGM laws to a wide range of clients and frequently co-counsels cases before the Onshore Courts alongside local attorneys. His core competencies include cross-jurisdictional recovery, structuring facilities agreements for multinational banks, and expertise in mergers, partnership buyouts, and asset purchase agreements. He has also recently advised on vessel sale and purchase agreements and charter party agreements.
In addition to his commercial law practice, Vishal specializes in product liability, premises liability, and product recall cases, particularly within the FMCG, Petroleum, and Leisure industries. He has a strong track record in arbitration, successfully representing numerous clients. Licensed by the Bar Council of India and the Dubai Legal Affairs Department, Vishal brings a wealth of cross-border legal expertise and strategic acumen to his practice.
Meet Sunill Kumaar, a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader who has redefined rapid success in India’s real estate market. In just 120 days, he transformed Skywing Real Estate from a bold idea into a high-growth venture, achieving an impressive ₹150 million in sales and establishing the company among the fastest-growing real estate firms in the country.
Driven by the belief that real estate is about people, trust, and life-changing decisions, Mr. Kumaar identified critical gaps in transparency, service quality, and client experience. With a strong focus on market intelligence, ethical practices, and operational efficiency, he built Skywing on a client-centric foundation. Under his leadership, a high-performing team and sharp execution in high-growth corridors enabled swift market acceptance and national recognition, including an award presented by Shah Rukh Khan.
Today, Sunill Kumaar’s journey stands as a compelling example of how clear vision, disciplined execution, and unwavering commitment to customer value can create exceptional impact in record time. His story continues to inspire entrepreneurs by proving that purpose-driven leadership can redefine what is possible in the real estate industry.
