MENA Leap - Your Partner for Market Entry and Growth in the MENA Region
We help businesses analyze new markets, build go-to-market-strategies partnerships, and promote trade and investment across Europe and the MENA region. Whether you’re entering the Gulf for the first time, expanding your business in the MENA region, or looking for cross-border trade, we provide tailored strategies, hands-on support, and access to a large network to turn opportunities into sustainable success.
About me
With a background in International Relations and Development Studies, I have worked at the intersection of the public and private sector and across business associations, corporations, government-funded projects, and the startup ecosystem. My core expertise lies in strategy development, project management, international business development, and the design and execution of cross-country initiatives and events.
Connecting Europe and the Gulf States
Today, I work as a consultant and supporting European and international clients in navigating the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and broader Gulf markets. My focus lies on Go-to-market strategy, market entry, and business development - from identifying opportunities, developing strategies to positioning companies with the right clients and strategic partners.
My previous GCC-focussed roles and my current work for Kent Consulting & Events in the UAE, have strengthened this regional expertise. Working closely with ministries, investment promotion agencies, free zones, and private-sector actors, I advise companies on international expansion, lead trade and FDI projects, and develop cross-border partnerships between Germany and the Arab world.
Expertise in the startup and innovation ecosystem
Alongside my MENA expertise, I bring a strong background in the startup and innovation ecosystem. I managed startup scouting for startup programmes, built networks for startups with investors and partners, and supported startups in internationalisation and market readiness.
In my role for a federal ministry-funded Social Innovation Programme, I worked with government, academia, and civil society to support early-stage innovators, combining strategic programme leadership with hands-on coaching, event formats, and public-sector alignment.
Market Research & Opportunity Assessment
We provide in-depth market insights, competitive analysis, and customer validation for companies expanding into the MENA region, Middle Eastern clients with business interests in Europe, and cross-border trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) initiatives.
Go-to-Market & Market Entry Strategy
We develop tailored go-to-market and market entry strategies, covering positioning, pricing, route-to-market, partner models, and regulatory considerations for the MENA region.
Business Development & Executive Support
We support partner identification, relationship building, and business development, including tailored networking formats, trade show representation and support, high-level market positioning, and hands-on execution during market entry and local projects.
Strategic and collaborative approach
I combine analytical depth with a pragmatic, partnership-oriented approach. My consulting style is shaped by cross-cultural experience, including extended stays in the Gulf States, Germany and the UK and a strong understanding of how public and private sector stakeholders shape market dynamics in MENA economies.
Whether you are looking to enter the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or the wider Middle East, or exploring opportunities from the MENA region into Europe, I help you navigate the landscape, validate opportunities, and build the right partnerships to move forward with confidence.
I work with a small set of trusted local companies and partners in legal, compliance, consulting that provide additional expertise and manpower for large-scale projects.
