About Us

Our story

We built MingZulu to do things differently

Strategy decks were polished, but execution lagged behind. Networks promised opportunity, but often lacked the right connections or the trust to act on them.

In late 2022, we established a business that combines strategic advisory, growth opportunities and hands-on execution into a cohesive approach that turns direction into measurable growth.

We don’t sit on the sidelines. We stay close to the work, push for momentum and focus on outcomes. Because strategy only matters if it moves the business forward.

We started MingZulu because we noticed a fundamental disconnect in the world of advisory. Reports and recommendations were everywhere, but very little actually changed.

We believed there had to be a better way. One that began with advice, that built out a strategy, paired it with experience, and turned it into action.

Our Founders

Meet our founders

Emma Niven

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Co-Founder, Partner | Transformation Delivery | Operations

Grant Niven

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Founder, Partner | Digital Evangelist | Banker

Emma Niven

Co-Founder, Partner | Transformation Delivery | Operations

Financial Services focused business change professional with extensive experience within the project, program management and project governance space.

Extensive knowledge of program management activities for large complex transformation business change and integration activities, spanning both business, digital and technology. Over my career I have worked across Europe with RBS, Lloyds and JPMorgan. The last 10 years have been based out of UAE working with FGB / FAB, AGTB and for the regulator Central Bank of the UAE

Most recently providing consulting engagement services via Mingzulu for start ups in the SaaS space. I bring a wealth of operational experience that will focus on the operational activities for Mingzulu.

Grant Niven

Founder, Partner | Digital Evangelist | Banker

Founding partner of Mingzulu, a boutique business & investment advisory based out of the UAE - focused on Innovative Digital & Technology enabled enterprises | Banking | VC sectors. Operating out of the UAE supporting the Middle East region and inbound international organisations, Mingzulu works beyond methodologies, taking into account clients unique goals and specific needs to help build powerful ventures & highly effective leadership teams.

From discovery to delivery, Mingzulu works with leading entrepreneurs to uncover the most effective solutions for their business ventures. Advisory, investment execution and Non Exec. Director (NED) services with a wealth of combined industry track record between the founding partners & SME Advisory panel. Passionate about building great experiences & outcomes for our clients.

Prior to Mingzulu, Grant was Head of Group Digital at Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF) over 3 years, accountable for defining and executing the Bank-wide digital vision and strategic initiatives across the organisation.

Originally from, Scotland, UK, Grant has worked in several executive roles over the last 20 years spanning the technology, consulting and financial services industry in Europe and the Middle East. Prior to joining BSF in late 2019, Grant held a partner position with EY where he led the Technology Consulting practice for the financial services sector across the MENA region. Grant is a regular public speaker and prominent voice at leading events across the region on the topics of innovation, digital banking, Fintech, Open Finance and adoption of disruptive technologies across finance and other tech enabled sectors.

mission · Vision · Purpose

What drives us, and what we're building

Mission

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To turn ambition into action by showing up, sharing in the risk, and making business growth actually happen.

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Vision

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To redefine the model for real growth advisory by combining operator-led insight, capital access, and execution - proving that real impact only happens when ambition is met with action.

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Purpose

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To bridge the gap between insight and action so businesses can achieve sustainable growth. We exist to provide clarity, connection, and operational muscle that businesses need to scale and navigate complex markets. We measure our own success only through the sustainable growth of those we serve.

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Our partners

An ecosystem built for growth

Our network of strategic partners, technology innovators, investors and industry leaders enables us to connect ideas, unlock opportunities and deliver transformative outcomes across the Middle East, UK and wider international markets.