From the moment I sat down with Dr. V. Francis John, my neighbor and the luminary behind Ztartup.com and Kube VC, it was clear that I was in the presence of a true visionary. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and innovation.
Chief Enablement Officer at Ztartup.com and Kube VC, his journey is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment. Holding a doctorate in business administration from the European International University, Paris, Dr. John’s depth of knowledge is profound. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Dubai’s economic landscape – with global reach.
Dr. John’s passion for technology and leadership in the startup ecosystem is not just a career but a calling. “It’s a long story, spanning four decades in the entertainment, technology, and political industries,” he shares, recounting his early fascination with sound and light engineering. Discussing his professional evolution, his story is a vivid tapestry of experiences. His ventures into various industries, from diamond studded gold jewelry to digital cinema in Bollywood, showcase his diverse entrepreneurial spirit. It’s clear that his path has been anything but conventional.
As he spoke, Dr. John’s eyes lit up, recalling his journey: “I was not a sound engineer, I was not a light engineer, but I knew this technology was evolving,” he reflects. His early days were marked by a deep curiosity and a determination to bring state-of-the-art technology and innovation to India.
While in high school, he was mesmerized by sound and light engineering at school musicals and plays, which took him on a path of technological exploration. He then transitioned from a DJ to an impresario, which involved a series of strategic moves driven by his ability to foresee merging technology with art – and highlights his business acumen. “I knew I didn’t have that capability to be on stage, but I could facilitate those people on stage,” he explains. This desire to elevate others became a recurring theme in his career.
His expansive career also led him to dabble in politics and religion, understanding the importance of these sectors in the societal fabric. Dr. John’s philosophy transcends business; it’s about creating a positive impact. “My philosophy is one world, one universe, and one God,” he states, underscoring his holistic approach to life and business.
The Road to Dubai
Dr. John has been pivotal in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India, harnessing his diverse experiences, spiritual insights, and unyielding enthusiasm to create a platform that significantly shapes the startup landscape.
Initially involved with Dubai Duty Free as one of the four global vendors supplying diamondstudded gold jewelry, Dr. John’s business endeavors took him through various industries. “During those years of my business, there were a lot of areas I wanted to delve into,” he recalls. His pursuit of uncharted territories led him from Delhi to Mumbai, India’s bustling hub for Bollywood, where he aimed to revolutionize the film industry by introducing digital cinema — a pioneering move at the time.
However, his journey wasn’t without its challenges. He faced a lack of support systems in India, such as angel investors or venture capitalists. “Even when I went to the bank, the manager would say the whole project is fantastic, but just get your father to put his signature on it,” he shares.
Upon his transition to Dubai, he sought to continue his innovative pursuits, but with a clear understanding of the financial constraints that often plague creative minds. “People in the creative fields are always out of money; we’re always experimenting, creating, ideating, and spending,” he explains. This insight became the catalyst for his next venture.
Diamond-Studded Dubai
When COVID struck, Dr. John was already working on a virtual platform to support startups. He envisioned a space where startups could be mentored, coached, and scaled. This vision materialized through his collaboration with Shafi, who ran a successful private ambulance service in India and Dubai. Together, they scaled the operation, even partnering with Uber to launch a unique limousine service under the Ziqitza Fleet.
Ztartup.com, under his guidance, has become a melting pot of innovation and creativity. “We are the first private sector incubator accelerator that has been given certification by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai,” Dr. John proudly notes. His model is unique: “There is no top-down structure. That’s the difference, and that’s the secret sauce,” he revealed.
Ztartup.com has become a vibrant hub for diverse and innovative businesses, spanning emergency medical response, airport assistance, fertility medicine, e-commerce, and fintech. Dr. John’s mission is both clear and ambitious: “To leverage artificial intelligence and blockchain to empower startups and investors and to create positive social impact.”
Under his leadership, Ztartup has taken an unorthodox path, focusing not just on conventional business domains but also on art, music, sports, and films. “We are the only incubator who is incubating sports. No other incubator here in this region is touching these subjects,” he proudly states. This diversification has allowed artists and creators to transition into domains like NFT, with Ztartup playing a pivotal role in their journey.
Dr. John’s approach to incubation defies traditional models: His disruptive and inclusive model has not gone unnoticed. Dr. John mentions: “We are pitching it to Harvard and MIT as a case study,” indicating the global recognition of Ztartup’s innovative approach.
With Kube VC, he skilfully navigates investments in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies across various sectors, including B2B, commercial products, services, media, and technology.
When absorbing his personal and professional accolades, it is clear that his sense of fulfillment stems from witnessing others find their paths. He reflects: “I cannot be a singer, I cannot be an artist on stage, I cannot be a director, but I can bring that networking skills. I have a sense of pride, not for myself, but when I see others finding their path.” Dr. V. Francis John is more than a leader; he’s a mentor, an enabler, and a visionary. His journey is not just about technological innovation but about inspiring and guiding others. Sitting across from him, I can’t help but feel inspired by his story – a tale of resilience, continuous learning, and an unrelenting quest to facilitate change and progress. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many, driven by a passion for technology, a commitment to innovation, and a deep desire to empower others.
