The global MSME sector is increasingly turning to technology for growth and efficiency, with platforms focusing on digital transformation gaining traction. In this space, BigDot, a blockchain and AI-driven platform founded by Mahesh Prajapati, is working to address the needs of underserved micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Headquartered in the UAE, BigDot provides a suite of nine digital tools, including e-commerce stores, booking platforms, accounting systems and customer engagement solutions, aimed at enhancing MSMEs’ online presence and operational efficiency. Speaking to Finance Middle East, Mahesh Prajapati, Co-Founder and CEO, discussed his journey across markets like the US, UK, China and the Middle East and his vision for empowering MSMEs through technology.
What drove you to join the startup world?
I began my entrepreneurial journey with Creative Creatures long before startups became mainstream. Over the years, my experience with startups in the US, Qatar, UAE, and India deepened my passion for building impactful businesses. The idea for BigDot evolved over time, but the pandemic highlighted the need for small businesses to go digital.
 At BigDot, our leadership team is committed to empowering small businesses globally with innovative digital tools that drive e-payments and promote financial inclusion. Governments are eager to support small businesses for better tax collection, while businesses are ready to adapt, as customers increasingly prefer online shopping and competitors are already there.
Why did you choose the Middle East to start/expand the business?
The Middle East and Africa are dynamic regions with thriving SME sectors and strong government support for digital transformation and financial inclusion. Their strategic importance, diverse markets and untapped potential make them ideal for BigDot’s mission. We are equally committed to empowering small businesses in both regions, driving growth and resilience through innovative solutions.
How would you describe the region’s startup scene in three words?
Dynamic, evolving and promising.
Is there something that has surprised you in your journey?
Yes, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the region’s strong commitment and eagerness to accelerate MSME empowerment. It has far exceeded our expectations. Milestones like securing partnerships with two prestigious banks in Qatar and being accepted into Visa’s Acceptance Fast Track Program have been key highlights. Being a part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has helped our credibility in a big way. We are delighted that things are moving faster than we initially anticipated and as many as three governments are interested in using BigDot for transforming their MSME landscape.
What are (in your view) the keys to approaching investors successfully?
Investors want to assess the upside potential of the business and the team’s ability to reach there. They want to see strong market traction, reputable partnerships and a clear picture of how you’re solving problems better than anyone else. It’s also important to show them how their investment will drive growth and returns. I’ve learned that being transparent about what you know and what you don’t builds trust.
Investors also value feedback from your existing investors, especially when it comes to how committed and dedicated the founders are.
In our case, Visa’s Acceptance Fast Track Program and MBRIF’s Acceleration Program have tremendously improved our credibility and interactions with investors.
What was the most challenging part of raising funding and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of raising funding was during the early days when our product was still in development, the team was unpolished and the future was uncertain. Understandably, investors were hesitant to take the risk.
To navigate this, I turned to my friends and network—people who:
- Trusted me professionally
- Had the financial means to invest
- Were willing to take calculated risks
I shared an honest narrative, openly discussing the risks involved while committing to doing everything possible to safeguard their investment.
I treated their trust with the utmost responsibility, providing formal updates on progress and challenges at regular intervals. Not everyone agreed to invest, but those who did vouch for our professionalism and work ethic inspired others to follow suit.
This approach helped us secure the initial funding and set a foundation of trust and transparency. Today, raising investment is the least of our concerns.
What is the best piece of financial advice you have received?
“Sales Cure All.” The biggest validation of a successful business is its sales. A healthy cash flow ensures your business can navigate uncertainties, while sustainable growth provides the foundation for long-term success. Strong sales address most challenges by driving revenue and keeping the business moving forward. No matter the strategy, consistent sales remain the ultimate lifeline of any business.
What has been your biggest success and your biggest failure?
Biggest success
Our biggest success at BigDot has been our platform’s positive impact on small businesses. This impact caught Visa’s attention, leading to our acceptance into Visa’s Acceptance Fast Track Program. Today, at least three governments, several banks, and a couple of telecom companies are actively engaged with us to roll out BigDot in their ecosystems.
Additionally, being included in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund in the UAE was a game-changer for us, as it significantly boosted our reputation and credibility. These milestones validate our vision of empowering small businesses globally and strengthen our confidence in scaling and delivering real value.
Failure
One of our sales channels involves working with direct distributors of IT services. Our biggest failure was underestimating the effort required to get these partners up and running and introducing a new product to their existing offerings required far more participation from our side than we initially anticipated.
To overcome this, we recalibrated our strategy by focusing on fewer partners at a time and prioritising those who were actively committed to dedicating local resources. We also focused on training them for decentralised operations, which is at the core of our strategy. We are committed to making necessary corrections, learning from this experience, and continuing to grow our channel effectively.
What is the best quality a leader can have?
Empathy. And truthfulness. I’ve learned that the best ideas don’t go far without the support of a great team. A leader should see themselves as part of the team, not above it—someone who inspires but is also willing to be inspired by those around them.
When a leader truly listens, values everyone’s input, and fosters a sense of “we rise and fall together,” it creates a bond that people genuinely care about. This feeling of unity and shared purpose makes a team unstoppable. Empathy isn’t just a leadership trait—it’s the heart of what makes people want to follow you.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
In five years, we envision BigDot becoming the de facto operating system for small businesses—an easy-to-use, comprehensive, and affordable platform enabling businesses to thrive in the digital economy. Our goal is to establish BigDot’s blockchain-powered credit rating system as a credible and reliable tool for banks and financial institutions, empowering them to confidently offer financial services to small businesses.
While financial milestones are important, they merely reflect the positive impact we aim to create in the small business ecosystem. Our ultimate aspiration is to transform the way small businesses operate, ensuring they can grow sustainably, access financial inclusion and contribute to a stronger economy and be a unicorn in five years or earlier.
