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what. Expands to the United Arab Emirates

We went shopping again. We bought Pulsify Innovation Consultancy and its client portfolio, a respected local marketing & Web3 consultancy. With this move, we’ve bridged European and Middle Eastern SMEs, fostering innovation and global growth opportunities.

7 days ago
By What. Team
Written by
What. Team
09.10.2024

We are delighted to share that, on the heels of our Onebyte and eCommercify acquisitions, we are growing again. 

We’ve acquired acquiring Pulsify Innovation Consultancy and its client portfolio, a respected local marketing & Web3 consultancy. This marks our entry into one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking markets. As part of this acquisition, we’re welcoming Liwaa Chehayeb, Pulsify’s Founder and CEO, to the what. leadership team. Liwaa has taken on the role of Head of our Dubai business unit and will spearhead our growth and development efforts in the region.

Why the UAE (and Middle East)?

Our decision to expand to the region was driven by the following factors: 

Thriving SME ecosystem: The Middle Eastern region boasts a robust small and medium-sized enterprise sector, which creates a perfect alignment with our core mission of guiding SMEs in their digital evolution.

Innovation Hub: The UAE’s strong focus on advanced sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and smart cities provides a great platform to showcase our expertise.  Not only will keep us at the leading edge of digital innovation, but will also enable us to deliver the latest trends and technologies to our clients.

Global Business Nexus: Dubai’s position as an international business hub offers unparalleled exposure to diverse markets and business practices. This multicultural environment will enhance our ability to develop globally relevant, tailored solutions for our clients operating across various markets.

Expanding to the UAE is a natural and strategic step for us. We introduce our proven methodology to create a powerful synergy between Swiss precision and the ‘think big’ spirit of the UAE businesses. Our mission is clear: to be the catalyst that propels SMEs on both sides of this bridge to digital growth.

Founding partner

What’s in it for our clients?

Global reach and expertise

Our presence in Dubai provides our clients with a strategic gateway to Middle Eastern, Asian, and African markets. By combining our Swiss precision and efficiency with new multicultural insights, we can offer more nuanced, diverse strategies for businesses operating across borders.

Cutting-edge innovation and tailored solutions 

Our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions remains as strong as ever. Our multi-market presence will allow us to test innovative approaches in diverse business environments, quickly identify best practices, and rapidly implement improvements across regions. 

Access to new markets and opportunities

European SMEs can now leverage our expertise to enter the dynamic Middle Eastern market, while Middle Eastern businesses can utilise our services to expand into Europe. This two-way bridge opens up new growth opportunities, allowing our clients to tap into previously unexplored markets with the confidence of having a knowledgeable partner on both sides.

The local presence and relationships are key to business success in the region. This acquisition allows what. AG to be close to the clients currently serviced, while adapting to the local culture and requirements. I’m personally excited about this opportunity to join forces and boost our consultancy by world-class resources and experience that what. brings.

Head of Dubai Unit

what.’s next: High-performance innovation for SMEs

This expansion into the UAE marks a significant milestone on our journey. It’s not just about geographical growth; it’s about expanding our capabilities and expertise, and enhancing our ability to serve SMEs in an increasingly global marketplace.

We remain the consultancy that executes: an active partner who works alongside our clients to turn their digital ambitions into tangible business growth. We’ll keep delivering high-speed results with real-world impact, which are underpinned by transparent collaboration and constant evolvement of our craft.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we invite you to join us. Whether you’re a European company looking to expand into the Middle East, a Middle Eastern business eyeing European markets, or simply an SME wanting to stay ahead in the digital realm, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

What. Team