Hadif Abdullah Zamzam is a Fellow at UAE National Experts Program and Senior Associate – Value Creation, Disruptive Investments at Mubadala Investment Company. He has worked in several sectors, including healthcare, real estate, hospitality and tourism, and retail.
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Q. Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
Hadif Zamzam: I’m Hadif, and I’ve had the opportunity to work in multiple sectors over the past decade, including real estate, hospitality and tourism, retail, and healthcare. My skills in navigating socio-economic forces and trends have been recognized, and I’ve been fortunate enough to build an equitable skill set in strategy and business management. Right now, I’m part of Mubadala’s Value Creation Team (under the Disruptive Investments Platform), where I’m helping leading organizations achieve their goals and implement new initiatives. It’s a demanding and innovative environment that focuses on economic development, and I love the challenge of working out of my comfort zone.
I’m also a father of three – two girls and a boy. They are my biggest source of motivation and inspiration, and I work hard every day to create a better future for them. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but I’m fortunate to have a supportive team at work and an amazing partner at home.
Q. How would you define “disruptive investment”, and what makes it different from traditional investment forms?
Hadif Zamzam: Disruptive investment refers to an investment strategy that seeks to identify and invest in companies or technologies that have the potential to fundamentally change the way a particular industry operates. The goal is to identify disruptive technologies or business models that have the potential to displace established players and create entirely new markets.
Disruptive investments are different from traditional investment forms in several ways. Firstly, they often involve investing in companies or technologies that are still in their early stages of development and have not yet proven their viability. Secondly, disruptive investments tend to focus on innovation and cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to revolutionize an industry, or multiple industries. Lastly, disruptive investments often require a different investment approach compared to traditional investments, such as actively participating in the development of the technology or business model, as well as being willing to tolerate higher levels of risk and uncertainty.
Q. How do you identify opportunities for disruptive investment, and what criteria do you use to evaluate potential investments in this space?
Hadif Zamzam: It all starts with identifying an industry or market that is ripe for disruption, which involves understanding the current state of the industry and identifying areas where there is potential for significant change in the status quo. This is only possible after an in-depth analysis of trends, consumer behaviour, and regulatory environment. The next step is to build knowledge of emerging technologies and innovations in and around the space you’ve identified, as well as the impact they will have on the market. These parameters generally provide a potential investor with an initial business case for the “theory” behind an investment.
When it comes to putting theory in practice, though, there is no step more important that the assessment of the management team and their business model. This involves assessing the experience and track record of the management team, as well as the potential for scalability and profitability of the business model.
Q. Could you describe a project or initiative you are particularly proud of in your work at Mubadala, and how your skills and experience were instrumental in its success?
Hadif Zamzam: One project that I am particularly proud of during my time at Mubadala was when I was part of the Healthcare Unit and helped create a program to ensure the continuity of medical care for at-risk, chronically ill, and elderly patients in the emirate of Abu Dhabi during the early stages of full lockdown during the Covid Pandemic.
As someone who has more diabetic family members than I can count, this project was especially fulfilling for me. Despite not being a medical professional, my skills and experience were instrumental in the success of this initiative. I worked closely with multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurers, and government agencies, to ensure that patients received the care they needed during a time of crisis.
I am proud to say that the program was adopted by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi and ensured that even in the midst of a global pandemic, care was being delivered to those who needed it most. Knowing that I played a role in improving the lives of vulnerable individuals and families during a difficult time is one of my most rewarding experiences at Mubadala.
Q. What are some of the main challenges or risks associated with disruptive investment, and how can we mitigate these risks?
Hadif Zamzam: Disruptive investments are often made in emerging technologies or new markets that are untested, and they rely on emerging technologies that are still in development. This means that there is a risk that the market will not develop as expected, or the technology may not work as expected. To mitigate this risk, investors should conduct thorough market research and assess the potential demand for the technology or innovation as well as the strength of the company’s development team. There is also a risk that, after investments have been made, the management team may not be able to execute on the plan or that the plan may not be successful, which is another reason it is important to place a huge emphasis on getting familiar with the management team and their ability to make it out of a tough situation.
Q. What makes industries ripe for disruption and how do you identify potential investment opportunities based on these characteristics?
Hadif Zamzam: While there is no clear-cut method, there are some symptoms an investor can look out for. Industries that have been slow to adopt new technologies or have not kept up with changing consumer needs are inherently at risk of being disrupted by companies that find a way to bridge the gap and address a consumer pain-point. Another sign is an industry which has, historically, had high barriers to entry, and is made up of a handful of large players with significant market power. Small start-ups with significantly higher levels of agility, grit, and drive have been able to punch above their weight, leveraging technology and smooth user interfaces to meet the needs of the masses.
Q. How do you see the field of disruptive investment evolving in the future, and what do you think will be the key drivers of this evolution?
Hadif Zamzam: Disruptive investments are only disruptive, until they’re not. Apple and Microsoft, once considered to be extremely disruptive choices for the traditional investor, are now considered blue-chip. Personally, I believe disruptive investing is a tendency, or an ethos, rather than a specific field with clear cut lines. That being said, though, there are certain ideas that are beginning to gain momentum, such as the concept of impact investing, which seeks to generate social or environmental benefits in addition to financial returns. This could include investments in companies that are addressing social or environmental challenges through their business activities. This is especially true when it comes to the growing focus on sustainability, and there is likely to be an increased in investments that directly address the challenges that our planet faces. This could include investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation, as well as countless other areas.
Q. What suggestions do you have for early-stage investors?
Hadif Zamzam: Before making any investment, it is important to conduct thorough due diligence to assess the potential risks and returns of the investment. This includes assessing the market opportunity, the management team and business model, and the potential financial returns. Investment is not about being sentimental and try to avoid falling in love with the idea of an investment if your due diligence tells you otherwise.
Early-stage investments are inherently risky, so it is important to diversify your portfolio across different investments to spread your risk. This can help to minimize the impact of any individual investment that doesn’t perform as expected. These investments also typically take longer to mature than more traditional investments, so it is important to be patient and take a long-term view. This means being prepared to wait for several years before seeing a return on your investment.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the fact that you can provide valuable support to the companies you invest in by offering your expertise and connections. This can help to accelerate the growth of the company and increase your chances of a successful return on your investment.
Q. What was the role and influence of NEP program in your career progress?
Hadif Zamzam: The program has had a significant impact on my career progress, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it. The chance to interact with individuals from so many different backgrounds and of such a high calibre was extremely beneficial for my personal and professional development. The program provided a platform for me to expand my knowledge, exchange ideas and collaborate with a diverse group of individuals.
One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the exposure to new ideas and paradigms. Being able to engage with experts from various fields and learning about their perspectives and approaches has helped me to broaden my horizons and develop new ways of thinking.
Overall, the program has been an inspirational experience, and it has had a profound impact on my career trajectory. I feel honoured to have been a part of such a transformative program and believe that it has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to society.
Q. Do you have any final words for our readers?
Today, being open to taking calculated risks and exploring new ideas is crucial. By staying curious and seeking out innovative opportunities, you can position yourself to make a positive impact on the world through your investments. Keep an open mind, do your research, and stay focused on your goals. With perseverance and a willingness to take calculated risks, you can achieve great things. Thank you.
