Business
A passionate rider, golfer, and avid reader, he advises young entrepreneurs to focus and persevere in their careers
Updated : Jul 16, 2024, 09:40 PM IST
Kabir Joshi's journey from selling perfumes on US streets to becoming a millionaire in Dubai is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, he stands as the CEO of Vantage Capital and Vantage Properties, overseeing property transactions worth Dh1.5 billion.
Born into a middle-class family with a military background, Joshi moved frequently, adapting to new environments and making new friends every 13-14 months. This resilience prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Joshi migrated to the US at a young age and attended the University of Central Florida. However, during a trip to India, a serious accident left his right arm paralyzed. Despite multiple surgeries, he completed his degree remotely from Punjab, India. Returning to the US, he faced limited job prospects with his three-year degree and began selling perfumes in Chicago. Fear of arrest without a permit led him to Washington DC, where he found work in a call center and later joined the Federal Emergency Management Authority.
Joshi's first exposure to real estate came through underwriting flood insurance for a real estate firm and making initial deals at a brokerage. In 2003, a Dubai property show in New York awakened his interest. Impressed by the booming market, he decided to explore opportunities in Dubai.After a visit to India for his wedding in 2004, Joshi stopped in Dubai and secured a job with Dubai Holding’s sales team. This role launched his career in Dubai's property market, which he has called home ever since.
In 2019, following the acquisition of Noor Bank by Dubai Islamic Bank, Joshi founded Vantage Capital Advisory. His firm focused on family offices and financial institutions, offering real estate advisory services. By 2023, he launched Vantage Properties, handling multiple developments and a team of 12 people, with plans to double the team soon.
Joshi's journey was marked by several turning points. Professionally, his work in a local bank’s real estate unit provided insights into how banks view real estate, helping him balance aggressive expansion with risk aversion. Personally, his near-death accident instilled in him a fearless approach to life and business.
He credits moving to Dubai and his role at Dubai Holding as pivotal moments. “Dubai has given me opportunities I couldn’t have found anywhere else,” Joshi said. A passionate rider, golfer, and avid reader, he advises young entrepreneurs to focus and persevere in their careers.