‘Emotional ROI’ the cornerstone of digital entrepreneurship

The session brought together Raj Shamani, entrepreneur, investor, and one of India’s most influential digital voices, in conversation with Big Hass, radio host at Pulse 95 Radio and advocate for Arab creative talent.

“For creators, every post is a small deposit into a bank of credibility that turns your influence into capital,” said Raj Shamani, opening the conversation and highlighting the generational shift driving global markets. “The previous generation focused on owning assets; today’s generation cares about earning people’s beliefs. We’re no longer chasing only financial ROI; we’re pursuing emotional and social ROI. It’s about credibility, purpose, and belonging.”

Shamani reflected on his journey from recording podcasts in his bedroom to building international partnerships and investment networks. “I never created content just to go viral. I care about clarity, learning, and teaching. If I can learn from the top one percent and teach the rest, the capital, the business, and the opportunities naturally follow.”

He also emphasised that while business tools evolve, relationships remain at the core of enterprise. “Earlier, relationships were built in boardrooms; now they’re built online. But the foundation hasn’t changed; trust matters. Digital entrepreneurs are not gatekeepers to traditional players; we’re market creators. Through content, we’re building entirely new industries around knowledge, creativity, and connection.”

Shamani drew parallels between regional business values and the new digital economy. “In the UAE and the region, like India, authenticity is what drives success. It is the ability to connect with people, not just markets.” Reflecting on the UAE’s growing role as a global launchpad for young innovators, he added: “In the past, you had to go West to go global. Today, you can take a flight to the UAE and reach the world.”

The session concluded by highlighting how digital entrepreneurs and creative investors are redefining capital beyond financial value by turning trust, innovation, and community into engines of global growth.

The two-day annual forum is being held in conjunction with the World Investment Conference (WIC 2025) at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, this year’s forum is being held under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”, and has brought together more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries.