J

James Evans

CEO

Dubai, United Arab Emirates12 yrs 6 mos experience

Key Highlights

  • Raised over $67 million in startup funding.
  • Expert in financial strategy and investor relations.
  • Passionate advocate for MENA startup ecosystem.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a Fintech and Proptech financial strategist with extensive fundraising experience.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Financial StrategyFundraisingFinancial Planning & AnalysisFinancial Modeling

Other Skills

Analytical SkillsBig Data AnalyticsBudgetingBudgeting & ForecastingBusiness AnalysisCash FlowCertified Public AccountingConsolidationCustomer ServiceData AnalysisData AnalyticsData ModelingData VisualizationEnglishEvent Planning

About

CFO at Holo | MENA Startup Advocate I’m that guy who really loves startups and has a vision for the MENA region to shine on the global stage. Growing up in MENA, I’ve always dreamed of seeing our region’s startups make a massive international impact. I’m dedicated to turning that dream into reality through early-stage company management and fundraising. With over a decade of finance experience and a passion for scaling high-potential ventures, I’m an ACCA member and finance professional committed to transforming the MENA startup ecosystem. My journey began with a BA Honours in Accounting and Finance from the University of Middlesex and an MSc in Finance from the University of Aberdeen Business School. Starting out at PwC, I built a strong foundation in audit, financial modeling, and data analytics, with expertise in Excel VBA automation and client relationship management. Currently, as the Chief Financial Officer at Holo, a pioneering Proptech company, I oversee everything from financial strategy to investor relations. My role here reflects my commitment to excellence and strategic decision-making in a dynamic growth-stage environment. I firmly believe in the ripple effect of support, where helping one founder can uplift others and create a more vibrant ecosystem. It doesn’t have to be a competition; there’s ample financial capacity in the market, and it’s about harnessing our collective strength rather than vying for resources. Looking ahead 10-20 years, I want to reflect not just on financial gains but on being part of a transformative movement that shapes the future of MENA startups. If you’re passionate about transforming the startup landscape and building a lasting impact, let’s connect.

Experience

Ogram

2 roles

Advisor

Jun 2024Oct 2024 · 4 mos · Remote

CFO

Jan 2023Jun 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos · Remote

  • Led finance at a growth stage staffing tech.
  • Raised KSA expansion round.
Certified Public AccountingFinancial Strategy

Holo

CFO

Jun 2024Present · 1 yr 9 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Hybrid

  • Leading finance at a growth stage proptech. Raised Series A ($22m)
Financial StrategyInvestor RelationsFundraising

Sparebay

Advisor

Feb 2024Mar 2025 · 1 yr 1 mo · Dubai, United Arab Emirates · Remote

  • Advising an early stage parking technology company through their pre seed and seed stages.

Tarabut gateway

2 roles

Head of Finance

Promoted

Jun 2022Feb 2023 · 8 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Led finance at an early stage Fintech.
  • Raised Series A ($33m)
Certified Public AccountingFinancial Strategy

FP&A and Investor Relations

Jul 2021May 2022 · 10 mos · Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Led FP&A at early stage fintech.
  • Raised pre Series A ($12m)
Certified Public AccountingFinancial Planning & Analysis

Kentech group

Group Financial Analyst

Apr 2018Jul 2021 · 3 yrs 3 mos · Dubai

  • In my tenure at Kentech Group as an FP&A Manager, I spearheaded the financial planning and analysis division, significantly enhancing forecasting accuracy, implementing cutting-edge data visualization tools, and leading substantial cost-saving initiatives. My role was pivotal in advancing the company's strategic planning, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
  • ♦Led the creation of a comprehensive forecasting model, improving financial insights at both regional and group levels.
  • ♦Performed in-depth financial analysis, contributing to macro and micro-level strategic decisions.
  • ♦Enhanced month-end reporting processes, supporting regional offices and consolidating group financials.
  • ♦Drove the adoption of PowerBI, modernizing data visualization and reporting across the organization.
  • ♦Played a key role in the implementation of a new Oracle ERP system, optimizing business operations.
  • ♦Conducted commercial analysis for project and pipeline opportunities, aiding in cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
  • ♦Contributed to M&A activities, including building forecasting models and scouting potential acquisitions.
  • ♦Achieved a cultural shift towards data-driven decision-making, leading to improved forecasting and operational insights.
Certified Public AccountingFinancial Planning & Analysis

Barsurf

Co-Founder

Mar 2017Jun 2020 · 3 yrs 3 mos · Dubai

  • With extensive experience in the dynamic field of mobile application development, particularly in the nightlife sector, my tenure as Co-Founder of Barsurf, a Dubai-based nightlife app, has been both enriching and challenging. This role allowed me to delve into various facets of the start-up ecosystem, from technical development to marketing and investor relations.
  • ♦Co-Founded Barsurf, a pioneering nightlife mobile application based in Dubai, enhancing the local nightlife experience.
  • ♦Played a key role in data collection and analysis for the initial application setup, ensuring a solid foundation for development.
  • ♦Contributed to the coding aspects of the application, showcasing a versatile skill set in both technical and managerial capacities.
  • ♦Led the development team, managing workflows and timelines to meet project milestones effectively.
  • ♦Drove social media marketing strategies and customer outreach initiatives, significantly increasing app visibility and user engagement.
  • ♦Engaged in investment pitches and presentations to large audiences, securing funding and support for the application.
  • ♦Actively participated in the Dubai start-up scene, contributing to its growth and nurturing new ventures through strategic insights.
  • ♦Facilitated the continuous progression and development of Barsurf, playing a critical role in its success and recognition in the Dubai nightlife scene.

Pricewaterhousecoopers

2 roles

Senior Consultant

Apr 2016Mar 2018 · 1 yr 11 mos · Dubai

  • As a Senior Consultant in Deals-TS at PwC from January 2016 to April 2018, I honed my expertise in financial modeling, leveraging a suite of advanced software tools. My role involved leading and collaborating on projects that spanned forecasting, feasibility studies, and data presentation, enhancing my analytical capabilities and proficiency in Excel and VBA automation.
  • ♦Led and supported financial modeling projects, focusing on forecasting, feasibility, and data presentation models primarily in Excel.
  • ♦Gained extensive experience with Tableau and Google Office Suite, working on regional financial modeling projects.
  • ♦Engaged in significant data analytics work, contributing to both internal PwC projects and external client assignments.
  • ♦Specialized in automating models through VBA, achieving a high level of efficiency and accuracy in data handling.
  • ♦Collaborated closely with colleagues across the region, enhancing teamwork and project management skills.
  • ♦Developed and delivered high-quality data analytics and presentation projects to meet client needs.
  • ♦Acquired an exceptional level of Excel proficiency, enabling the handling of complex analytical tasks with ease.
  • ♦Contributed to the improvement of internal processes through the adoption and adaptation of new software and analytical techniques.

Audit Associate

Sep 2013Apr 2016 · 2 yrs 7 mos · Dubai

  • With a solid background in audit, my tenure from September 30, 2013, to April 1, 2016, as an Audit Associate provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in auditing processes, especially within the retail and technology sectors. My experience spans from hands-on auditing tasks to managing client relationships and team mentorship, showcasing a robust skill set in critical thinking and Microsoft Office, with insights into SAP and operations of finance functions across FMCG and healthcare industries.
  • ♦Assisted seniors and managers in all aspects of audit processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
  • ♦Gained extensive experience in the retail sector and managed larger clients in the technology field.
  • ♦Developed high-level critical thinking and exceptional Microsoft Office skills.
  • ♦Acquired insights into the operations side of businesses, focusing on finance functions.
  • ♦Gathered experience with the SAP accounting system, expanding my technical capabilities.
  • ♦Focused on FMCG industry while also conducting audits in the healthcare sector, broadening industry exposure.
  • ♦Established strong working relationships with teams and client personnel, fostering a collaborative environment.
  • ♦Mentored junior team members and took an active role in college recruiting and organizing team-building activities.
Certified Public AccountingFinancial Modeling

Education

Aston University

Bachelor of Laws - LLB — Law

Mar 2025Apr 2029

University of Aberdeen

MSc Finance

Feb 2022Jan 2024

ACCA

ACCA — Accounting and Finance

Jan 2013Jan 2018

Middlesex University Dubai

BA Hons Accounting and Finance — Accounting and Finance

Jan 2009Jan 2013

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