Collaboration Proposal
Thinking out loud…
Daoud Gh x Rafees R
Transforming Workspaces into Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
About Daoud Ghannam
Ecosystem Builder
15+ years of experience in Middle East tech and business landscape
Founder & CEO of uMake, Palestine's leading coworking space (2017-2024)
Community Leader
Spearheaded 300+ entrepreneurship events engaging 40,000+ participants
Grew coworking membership to 700+ active members
Startup Mentor
Director of Founder Institute Palestine (2018-Present)
Mentored 150+ innovators and launched 28+ startups through accelerator cohorts
Key Achievements
Revenue Growth
Implemented new sales approaches and service offerings resulting in 33% revenue increase within 4 months (2019)
Cost Optimization
Achieved ~50% reduction in operating costs through process improvements and hybrid virtual programs
Community Resilience
Maintained zero member churn during COVID-19 lockdowns through innovative online engagement
The Gaps I've Identified
Traditional coworking spaces in Dubai are missing key opportunities:
Limited Community Engagement
Most spaces offer desks but lack vibrant communities that foster innovation and collaboration
Untapped Revenue Streams
Over-reliance on desk rentals without diversified service offerings or value-added programs
Inefficient Sales Processes
Traditional sales approaches fail to address emotional drivers and real needs of potential members
Disconnected Ecosystem
Lack of structured support for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey
My Unique Framework: The ICG Model
INSPIRE
Spark ideas through collaborative space, networking events, mentorship, and thought leadership
CREATE
Provide resources to build projects and startups through business services and entrepreneurial programs
GROW
Scale ventures beyond local markets with investment readiness programs and expansion support
Transforming coworking spaces from desk rentals to complete entrepreneurial ecosystems
NEPQ Sales Methodology
Neuro-Emotional Persuasion Questions
A science-driven, psychology-based sales approach that:
  • Lowers prospects' defenses through neutral language
  • Uncovers emotional drivers with empathetic questions
  • Builds trust through consultative dialogue
  • Increases closing rates and shortens sales cycles
At uMake, this approach dramatically increased membership sign-ups while reducing effort per deal.
Strategic Collaboration Opportunities
Six high-impact initiatives for Zentral, Bisdesk, and Rayan Global:
Build Vibrant Member Communities
Transform Zentral from a typical shared office into a dynamic network of innovators
Embed NEPQ & Lean SOPs
Optimize lead-to-lease funnels and boost sales conversions while cutting costs
Launch Startup Programs
Create accelerators and bootcamps to position Zentral as a launchpad for innovation
Strategic Collaboration Opportunities
Continued:
License a "Productized" Model
Create a "Zentral Blueprint" that can be replicated or distributed via Bisdesk
Offer Business Transformation Consulting
Monetize expertise for corporate clients through Rayan Global
Scale Micro-Ecosystems across UAE
Expand impact globally using Bisdesk.ai technology and marketplace reach
Opportunity 1: Building Vibrant Communities
From Space Rental to Thriving Network
  • Design and implement robust community-building programs
  • Organize regular events (workshops, panel talks, mentor meetups)
  • Create branded event series (e.g., "Zentral Ignite" forums)
  • Facilitate special-interest clubs and peer networks
  • Activate mentorship connections within Zentral
Impact: Higher member satisfaction, increased retention, more referrals, and greater media visibility
Opportunity 2: NEPQ Sales Optimization
NEPQ Training Workshops
Train Zentral's community managers and sales reps in consultative selling techniques
Data-Driven Lead Generation
Implement targeted outreach campaigns and CRM nurturing sequences with valuable content
AI-Driven Sales Assistant
Incorporate NEPQ-style dialogue in Bisdesk.ai to handle initial website inquiries
Expected Results: Boost occupancy from ~80% to 95%+, shorten sales cycles, and improve overall profitability
Opportunity 3: Startup & Innovation Programs
Positioning Zentral as an Innovation Hub
  • "Zentral Accelerator" - 3-4 month cohort-based program for early-stage startups
  • "Zentral Ignite" investment readiness bootcamp for fundraising preparation
  • Quarterly Founders' Circle Forum for knowledge exchange and pitching
Benefits: Generate PR buzz, create new revenue streams, and feed a pipeline of growing companies that can scale within Zentral's ecosystem
Opportunity 4: "Business Center 2.0" Model
1
Document the Winning Formula
Systematize the mix of space design, community programming, services, and processes that make a coworking space successful
2
Create "Zentral Blueprint"
Develop a repeatable playbook that integrates Inspire-Create-Grow phases into a cohesive, high-performing package
3
Scale via Bisdesk Platform
Offer the model to underperforming business centers on Bisdesk's marketplace as a managed service
Result: New revenue streams through consulting fees, licensing, or equity partnerships in revamped centers
Opportunity 5: Business Transformation Consulting
Monetizing Expertise via Rayan Global
Package Daoud's know-how as a consulting product for external organizations:
  • Help corporations repurpose office space into innovation hubs
  • Assist real estate developers in planning entrepreneurial centers
  • Create tailored Inspire-Create-Grow environments for clients
Business Support Marketplace
Establish curated partner offerings for Zentral tenants:
  • Accounting & VAT services
  • Legal company setup
  • HR/recruitment
  • Creative design
  • IT support
Revenue models: Commissions on referrals or margins on packaged deals
Opportunity 6: UAE-Wide Expansion
Scaling the Ecosystem Model
  • Develop "Bisdesk-powered" certification for partner spaces on Bisdesk platform
  • Create online portal with event playbooks, mentorship program templates, and virtual mentor network
  • Use Bisdesk.ai to analyze usage patterns and optimize offerings
  • Partner with real estate investors or government entities to set up new hubs
Vision: A network of interconnected innovation hubs across the UAE, powered by a unified Bisdesk platform
Expected Impact
33%
Revenue Growth
Potential increase within first 4 months based on previous results at uMake
50%
Cost Reduction
Possible decrease in fixed operating costs through operational refinements
86%+
Occupancy Target
Achievable occupancy rate with enhanced sales execution and community building
20-30%
Member Value Increase
Potential growth in revenue per member through additional services and programs
Qualitative Benefits
Stronger Brand Position
Establish Zentral as a prestigious hub for innovation in the UAE
Differentiated Marketplace
Position Bisdesk as more than a listing site - a gateway to opportunities
Thought Leadership
Elevate Mr. Rafees's portfolio to thought leadership status in the flexible workspace domain
Ecosystem Impact
Contribute to UAE's knowledge economy goals by cultivating entrepreneurs and startups
Flexible Collaboration Models
Strategic Advisory Role
Part-time advisory retainer or board advisor position providing ongoing guidance on strategy, programs, and operations
Program Design & Consulting
Project-based consulting with clear deliverables and success-based fees tied to results
Joint Venture Partnership
Form a JV for certain expansions (e.g., "Zentral X Bisdesk Academy") with shared equity
Licensing/Revenue Share
License the ICG model, content, and methodologies for a fee or percentage of attributed revenue
Implementation Plan: Phase 1
Short-Term (0-3 Months) - Foundation & Quick Wins
  • Audit & Strategy Alignment
  • Community Kickstart (launch 2-3 high-impact events)
  • Sales Training (NEPQ Lite workshop)
  • Service Pilot (1-2 easy-win partnerships)
  • Marketing & PR Announcement
Focus: Assessment, planning, and immediate high-impact actions to demonstrate value
Implementation Plan: Phase 2
Mid-Term (3-12 Months) - Core Program Implementation
1
Months 3-4
Launch Zentral Startup Program - open applications for accelerator or bootcamp
2
Months 4-6
Integrate full ICG model at Zentral - categorize offerings into Inspire, Create, Grow phases
3
Months 6-9
Optimize sales & operations - refine NEPQ adoption with measurable KPIs
4
Months 9-12
Expand service integration and conduct strategic review to adjust Phase 3 plans
Implementation Plan: Phase 3
Long-Term (12+ Months) - Expansion & Legacy Building
  • Scale via Bisdesk Platform - roll out ICG programs to other locations
  • Develop Bisdesk.ai tools based on collected data
  • Formalize long-term partnership structure
  • Position as thought leaders in future of work and entrepreneurship
  • Continuously innovate with new program ideas
Integration Across Portfolio
Zentral
Living laboratory and flagship showcase of the ICG model, gaining higher occupancy, diversified revenue, and stronger community
Bisdesk
Amplifier and distributor of unique offerings, leveraging Zentral's success to onboard more spaces and increase user engagement
Bisdesk.ai
Innovation engine that productizes outcomes, using AI to scale impact efficiently across multiple locations
Rayan Global
Strategic projects and partnerships arm, pitching the refined business center model to developers, hotels, or government-backed innovation parks
Case Study: uMake Success Story
From Small Space to Thriving Ecosystem
  • Started as a 150 m² pilot hub
  • Expanded to 2,000 m² holistic entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • Hosted 300+ events engaging 40,000+ participants
  • Grew to 700+ active members
  • Survived COVID with zero member churn
  • Graduated 32+ startups through accelerator programs
Zentral's Potential Transformation
1
Current State
Premium workspace with basic amenities and services
2
Phase 1: Community Activation
Regular events, mentor connections, and networking opportunities
3
Phase 2: Program Integration
Accelerator, bootcamps, and structured support for entrepreneurs
4
Phase 3: Ecosystem Hub
Comprehensive platform for innovation with multiple revenue streams
Vision: Zentral becomes the premier destination for entrepreneurs in Dubai
Bisdesk's Evolution Path
From Listing Site to Ecosystem Platform
  • Enhanced marketplace with ICG-certified spaces
  • Digital community for all Bisdesk users
  • Business services marketplace
  • AI-powered matching of entrepreneurs to ideal spaces
  • Virtual mentorship network
  • Event platform across all locations
Differentiation: "Not just a desk, but a complete growth platform"
Alignment with UAE Vision
Knowledge Economy
Supporting UAE's transition to a knowledge-based economy by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
Startup Ecosystem
Strengthening Dubai's position as a regional hub for startups and technology companies
Economic Diversification
Contributing to economic diversification by supporting new ventures across various sectors
Global Talent Attraction
Creating an environment that attracts and retains global entrepreneurial talent
Competitive Landscape Analysis
The ICG model creates significant competitive advantages across all key performance areas
My Unique Value Proposition
What Sets Me Apart
  • Proven track record of transforming small coworking space into thriving ecosystem
  • Developed and implemented the ICG model with measurable results
  • Expertise in NEPQ sales methodology for improved conversions
  • Experience running successful accelerator programs
  • Deep understanding of Middle East entrepreneurial landscape
  • Hands-on operational experience in crisis management and growth
Next Steps
1
Initial Planning Session
Convene a strategy meeting to refine ideas and prioritize Phase 1 initiatives
2
Collaboration Structure
Determine the most suitable engagement model (advisory, consulting, JV, etc.)
3
Quick Win Implementation
Identify and execute 2-3 immediate actions to demonstrate value
4
Detailed Roadmap
Develop comprehensive implementation plan with timelines and KPIs
Proposed timeline: Begin implementation within 2-4 weeks of agreement
The Vision: Beyond Coworking
"We're not just creating better workspaces - we're building engines for innovation where entrepreneurs don't just rent desks, but access a comprehensive support system to inspire ideas, create ventures, and grow businesses."
Thank You
Daoud Ghannam
Ecosystem Builder | Community Architect | Startup Mentor
Email
daoud@ghamir.co
Phone
+971 52 22370 32
LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/daoudghannam
Let's transform workspaces into thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems together.