Your partner in turning ideas into success stories


a man sitting in front of a laptop computer
a man sitting in front of a laptop computer

We’re a team of business guides who believe starting and growing a company shouldn’t be complicated. With clear steps and hands-on support, we help entrepreneurs turn big ideas into real success stories.

Your partner in turning ideas into success stories

a man sitting in front of a laptop computer

We’re a team of business guides who believe starting and growing a company shouldn’t be complicated. With clear steps and hands-on support, we help entrepreneurs turn big ideas into real success stories.

ETAG Background

ETAG Background

ETAG Background

We don’t just build businesses. We build confidence and long-lasting success.

We don’t just build businesses. We build confidence and long-lasting success.

Every enterprise has a story—and ours began with a simple frustration: transforming a business in the GCC felt impossibly labyrinthine. Layers of regulatory compliance, fragmented financial systems, jargon-laden strategies, and cross-border hurdles… it was enough to stall even the most ambitious leaders, turning bold visions into bureaucratic quagmires.

So, in 2023, we decided to change that. What started as one architect with 15+ years of regional grit—a laptop, endless strategy sessions, and a mission to make transformation accessible—has evolved into ETAG: Elevate Transformation Architects Guild. A discreet collective empowering family offices, multinationals, and visionary entrepreneurs across the GCC and beyond, from Riyadh boardrooms to Dubai ventures.

We believe elevation should fuel ambition, not fuel frustration. Our guild demystifies the daunting: decoding CMA compliance, architecting ERP migrations, optimizing multi-million capex cycles, and forging governance that scales without strain. We’ve unlocked hundreds of millions in value—from Big-4 led IPO preps across hundreds of locations to Vision 2030 policy overhauls for sovereign funds, and digital modernizations for family conglomerates spanning F&B and tech disruptors.

Today, ETAG isn’t just advisors—we’re the guild that turns complexity into clarity. Founder-led for precision, onboarding elite SMEs for depth. Whether pioneering net-zero roadmaps for energy leaders or building synergies across startups with real-time revenue capture, every engagement reinforces our ethos: precision with purpose, discretion with impact. Ready to elevate your story? Let’s architect the ascent, one strategic step at a time.

Timeline

Timeline

Timeline

Mission & Vision

Mission & Vision

What drives us today, and what inspires us for tomorrow

person in red sweater holding babys hand

Misson

Vision

Our Mission

  • Make starting and growing a business simple, clear, and stress-free

  • Cut through jargon and confusion with easy-to-follow steps

  • Blend strategy with hands-on support to help entrepreneurs move forward

  • Give clients clarity, confidence, and momentum to turn ideas into thriving businesses

Misson

Vision

Our Mission

  • Make starting and growing a business simple, clear, and stress-free

  • Cut through jargon and confusion with easy-to-follow steps

  • Blend strategy with hands-on support to help entrepreneurs move forward

  • Give clients clarity, confidence, and momentum to turn ideas into thriving businesses

Mission & Vision

What drives us today, and what inspires us for tomorrow

Misson

Vision

Our Mission

  • Make starting and growing a business simple, clear, and stress-free

  • Cut through jargon and confusion with easy-to-follow steps

  • Blend strategy with hands-on support to help entrepreneurs move forward

  • Give clients clarity, confidence, and momentum to turn ideas into thriving businesses

"When I started this company, I knew one thing for sure — business shouldn’t feel scary. Too many great ideas never get off the ground because the process feels overwhelming. My goal has always been to make things clear, simple, and even enjoyable for entrepreneurs. That’s what drives me every single day."

Muhammad Azharuddin

Founder & CEO

"When I started this company, I knew one thing for sure — business shouldn’t feel scary. Too many great ideas never get off the ground because the process feels overwhelming. My goal has always been to make things clear, simple, and even enjoyable for entrepreneurs. That’s what drives me every single day."

Muhammad Azharuddin

Founder & CEO

Our Values

Our Values

Scaling businesses with values that actually mean something

From the way we support clients to how we build strategies, our values guide us at every step. Together, they form SCALE — because scaling your business is exactly what we’re here to do.

S

Support

We’ve got your back. From day one to long after your launch, we’re here with guidance, encouragement, and solutions so you never feel like you’re doing it alone.

S

Support

We’ve got your back. From day one to long after your launch, we’re here with guidance, encouragement, and solutions so you never feel like you’re doing it alone.

C

Clarity

No jargon, no overcomplication. We explain things in plain language and create simple steps that make sense, so you always know what’s happening and why.

C

Clarity

No jargon, no overcomplication. We explain things in plain language and create simple steps that make sense, so you always know what’s happening and why.

A

Adaptability

Business is never one-size-fits-all. We flex and adjust strategies to fit your unique challenges, your market, and your goals — keeping you ahead of the curve.

A

Adaptability

Business is never one-size-fits-all. We flex and adjust strategies to fit your unique challenges, your market, and your goals — keeping you ahead of the curve.

L

Leadership

We don’t just guide — we lead by example. With decades of experience, we give you the confidence to make bold moves and the direction to do it wisely.

L

Leadership

We don’t just guide — we lead by example. With decades of experience, we give you the confidence to make bold moves and the direction to do it wisely.

E

Execution

Plans are only as good as what you do with them. We make sure strategies turn into action, so you see real results, not just pretty presentations.

E

Execution

Plans are only as good as what you do with them. We make sure strategies turn into action, so you see real results, not just pretty presentations.

Our Values

Scaling businesses with values that actually mean something

From the way we support clients to how we build strategies, our values guide us at every step. Together, they form SCALE — because scaling your business is exactly what we’re here to do.

S

Support

We’ve got your back. From day one to long after your launch, we’re here with guidance, encouragement, and solutions so you never feel like you’re doing it alone.

C

Clarity

No jargon, no overcomplication. We explain things in plain language and create simple steps that make sense, so you always know what’s happening and why.

A

Adaptability

Business is never one-size-fits-all. We flex and adjust strategies to fit your unique challenges, your market, and your goals — keeping you ahead of the curve.

L

Leadership

We don’t just guide — we lead by example. With decades of experience, we give you the confidence to make bold moves and the direction to do it wisely.

E

Execution

Plans are only as good as what you do with them. We make sure strategies turn into action, so you see real results, not just pretty presentations.

KEY PERSONS

KEY PERSONS

Meet the strategists, builders, and storytellers behind the magic

Muhammad Azharuddin

Founder & CEO

The Strategist

Muhammad Azharuddin started his journey with a Bachelor’s in Commerce specializing in Audit & Accounting, followed by a Master’s in Economics from the same university and an MBA in Finance. With over 15 years of experience in financial strategy, transformations, and Big-4 consulting, his passion for optimizing capital efficiency and driving sustainable growth has led him to lead major initiatives across the GCC, including restructuring deals, venture launches, and financial system implementations in family-owned groups, public institutions, and startups.

  • SOCPA Certified (Since 2015)

  • MBA in Strategic Management and Finance

  • Master's in Economics

  • Bachelor’s in Audit & Accounting

  • Microsoft Certified Professional

Qualification

  • 15+ years in business in industry, and big 4 consultancy

  • Worked with Middle East Fortune 500 companies on international expansion strategies

  • Guided local family businesses, startups and multinational from concept to launch, securing multi-million-dollar investments

Experience

  • Business strategy and growth planning

  • International market entry and expansion

  • Investor relations and fundraising

  • Leadership and organizational development

Area of Specialization

Muhammad Azharuddin

Founder & CEO

The Strategist

Muhammad Azharuddin started his journey with a Bachelor’s in Commerce specializing in Audit & Accounting, followed by a Master’s in Economics from the same university and an MBA in Finance. With over 15 years of experience in financial strategy, transformations, and Big-4 consulting, his passion for optimizing capital efficiency and driving sustainable growth has led him to lead major initiatives across the GCC, including restructuring deals, venture launches, and financial system implementations in family-owned groups, public institutions, and startups.

  • SOCPA Certified (Since 2015)

  • MBA in Strategic Management and Finance

  • Master's in Economics

  • Bachelor’s in Audit & Accounting

  • Microsoft Certified Professional

Qualification

  • 15+ years in business in industry, and big 4 consultancy

  • Worked with Middle East Fortune 500 companies on international expansion strategies

  • Guided local family businesses, startups and multinational from concept to launch, securing multi-million-dollar investments

Experience

  • Business strategy and growth planning

  • International market entry and expansion

  • Investor relations and fundraising

  • Leadership and organizational development

Area of Specialization

KEY PERSONS

Meet the strategists, builders, and storytellers behind the magic

Muhammad Azharuddin

Founder & CEO

The Strategist

Muhammad Azharuddin started his journey with a Bachelor’s in Commerce specializing in Audit & Accounting, followed by a Master’s in Economics from the same university and an MBA in Finance. With over 15 years of experience in financial strategy, transformations, and Big-4 consulting, his passion for optimizing capital efficiency and driving sustainable growth has led him to lead major initiatives across the GCC, including restructuring deals, venture launches, and financial system implementations in family-owned groups, public institutions, and startups.

  • SOCPA Certified (Since 2015)

  • MBA in Strategic Management and Finance

  • Master's in Economics

  • Bachelor’s in Audit & Accounting

  • Microsoft Certified Professional

Qualification

  • 15+ years in business in industry, and big 4 consultancy

  • Worked with Middle East Fortune 500 companies on international expansion strategies

  • Guided local family businesses, startups and multinational from concept to launch, securing multi-million-dollar investments

Experience

  • Business strategy and growth planning

  • International market entry and expansion

  • Investor relations and fundraising

  • Leadership and organizational development

Area of Specialization

Awards

Awards

Awards

Founder Achievement Recognition
we’ve earned for making business simpler, smarter, and more successful

2014-2018

Financial Controller - GCC Region Business Development

• Led SR 500M+ expansion across UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt for a leading Saudi retail holding group. • Optimized capex cycle: budgeting, tenders, contracts, and reporting for data-driven sustainability. • Aligned strategies with GCC best practices, driving operational excellence in leasing and feasibility. • Established financial frameworks reinforcing discipline and scalability for family-owned enterprises.

2014-2018

Financial Controller - GCC Region Business Development

• Led SR 500M+ expansion across UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt for a leading Saudi retail holding group. • Optimized capex cycle: budgeting, tenders, contracts, and reporting for data-driven sustainability. • Aligned strategies with GCC best practices, driving operational excellence in leasing and feasibility. • Established financial frameworks reinforcing discipline and scalability for family-owned enterprises.

2014-2018

Financial Controller - GCC Region Business Development

• Led SR 500M+ expansion across UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Egypt for a leading Saudi retail holding group. • Optimized capex cycle: budgeting, tenders, contracts, and reporting for data-driven sustainability. • Aligned strategies with GCC best practices, driving operational excellence in leasing and feasibility. • Established financial frameworks reinforcing discipline and scalability for family-owned enterprises.

2019-2020

IPO Compliance Architect – Nationwide Asset Valuation Lead

• Directed verification for 270+ locations at a major Saudi retailer, prepping for IPO under Deloitte mandate. • Overcame logistics/timeline hurdles with a 45-person team, leveraging off-peak resources for cost efficiency. • Delivered on-time auditor concurrence, transforming bottlenecks into seamless execution. • Ensured 100% reporting accuracy, enabling strategic growth amid tight deadlines.

2019-2020

IPO Compliance Architect – Nationwide Asset Valuation Lead

• Directed verification for 270+ locations at a major Saudi retailer, prepping for IPO under Deloitte mandate. • Overcame logistics/timeline hurdles with a 45-person team, leveraging off-peak resources for cost efficiency. • Delivered on-time auditor concurrence, transforming bottlenecks into seamless execution. • Ensured 100% reporting accuracy, enabling strategic growth amid tight deadlines.

2019-2020

IPO Compliance Architect – Nationwide Asset Valuation Lead

• Directed verification for 270+ locations at a major Saudi retailer, prepping for IPO under Deloitte mandate. • Overcame logistics/timeline hurdles with a 45-person team, leveraging off-peak resources for cost efficiency. • Delivered on-time auditor concurrence, transforming bottlenecks into seamless execution. • Ensured 100% reporting accuracy, enabling strategic growth amid tight deadlines.

2021-2022

Finance Business Excellence Lead – Vision 2030 Initiative

• Developed policy manuals for 5 divisions at a premier Saudi public investment fund (PIF). • Collaborated with global SMEs to align deliverables with strategic objectives and SWF standards. • Embedded governance/compliance for sustainable operations, supporting Riyadh HQ rollout. • Drove high-quality execution, blending on-ground teams with Deloitte expertise.

2021-2022

Finance Business Excellence Lead – Vision 2030 Initiative

• Developed policy manuals for 5 divisions at a premier Saudi public investment fund (PIF). • Collaborated with global SMEs to align deliverables with strategic objectives and SWF standards. • Embedded governance/compliance for sustainable operations, supporting Riyadh HQ rollout. • Drove high-quality execution, blending on-ground teams with Deloitte expertise.

2021-2022

Finance Business Excellence Lead – Vision 2030 Initiative

• Developed policy manuals for 5 divisions at a premier Saudi public investment fund (PIF). • Collaborated with global SMEs to align deliverables with strategic objectives and SWF standards. • Embedded governance/compliance for sustainable operations, supporting Riyadh HQ rollout. • Drove high-quality execution, blending on-ground teams with Deloitte expertise.

2022

PMO Lead – Lubricants Vertical Finance Transformation

• Oversaw IPO readiness for a key Saudi energy corporation’s division, including carveouts and ERP migration. • Conducted GAP assessments, policy development, and cybersecurity evals for CMA compliance. • Coordinated cross-Big 4 teams, ensuring end-to-end financial record accuracy. • Laid foundations for scalable governance, unlocking IPO success in a volatile sector.

2022

PMO Lead – Lubricants Vertical Finance Transformation

• Oversaw IPO readiness for a key Saudi energy corporation’s division, including carveouts and ERP migration. • Conducted GAP assessments, policy development, and cybersecurity evals for CMA compliance. • Coordinated cross-Big 4 teams, ensuring end-to-end financial record accuracy. • Laid foundations for scalable governance, unlocking IPO success in a volatile sector.

2022

PMO Lead – Lubricants Vertical Finance Transformation

• Oversaw IPO readiness for a key Saudi energy corporation’s division, including carveouts and ERP migration. • Conducted GAP assessments, policy development, and cybersecurity evals for CMA compliance. • Coordinated cross-Big 4 teams, ensuring end-to-end financial record accuracy. • Laid foundations for scalable governance, unlocking IPO success in a volatile sector.