An article by Wael Jaber, founder & CEO, CLAN Investment

Entrepreneurship used to be about solving a singular problem or offering a distinct service. A founder’s task has always been to create a product or a service, build a company around it, and scale it up. While still effective in many industries, this method now runs the risk of constraining growth and innovation.

Today, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who understand that their business exists as part of a broader ecosystem—one that is interconnected, dynamic, and continually evolving. To stay ahead, founders must stop thinking in isolated verticals and instead view their ventures as ecosystems that thrive on collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector synergy.

The rise of ecosystem thinking in entrepreneurship

Companies must now think horizontally, exploring opportunities beyond their industry boundaries. Take the tech sector as a key example. Giants such as Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft are no longer just tech companies. They evolved into ecosystems. Apple has built an ecosystem around its products, services, and partnerships, which work seamlessly together to create value for users. Their approach extends beyond the devices they sell, as it includes their app store, streaming services, financial systems, and even their health data analytics. Adopting an ecosystem approach, Apple has expanded the reach of its business and created a more resilient model in the face of changing consumer preferences.

Ecosystem thinking drives innovation

A major benefit of ecosystem thinking is its ability to foster innovation. Companies that break free from vertical silos can tap into a broader range of ideas and technologies, which in turn fuels creative solutions and problem-solving. This cross-pollination of ideas has been a driving force behind the success of many modern enterprises.

Consider the rise of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, which requires the collaboration of various sectors—automotive, energy, technology, and infrastructure. Leaders like Tesla have capitalised on this interconnectedness. The company not only manufactures cars but also develops autonomous driving software, builds charging stations, and advances energy storage solutions. The creation of a holistic ecosystem has allowed Tesla to innovate in ways that go beyond just vehicle manufacturing. Their success demonstrates the importance of looking beyond the immediate vertical and recognising opportunities in adjoining markets.

A local example of ecosystem thinking in our region is the growth of the Dubai-based Careem. Originally a ride-hailing service, Careem has expanded its business into a full-fledged “super app”, offering everything from food delivery to digital payments and microfinance. This broad expansion reflects a shift in mindset from focusing solely on transportation to building an interconnected ecosystem that serves multiple consumer needs. In doing so, Careem positioned itself as a platform for innovation, one that is adaptable to the changing needs of the market.

Building interconnected business models across sectors

To truly embrace ecosystem thinking, founders must design their business models to encourage synergy across different sectors. This means integrating technologies and services that complement each other, allowing businesses to scale in new ways. Cross-industry partnerships, joint ventures, and strategic alliances will become increasingly important as businesses realise that no company can succeed in isolation.

In the Middle East, the blending of sectors is already well underway. A good example would be the collaboration between the real estate sector and the technology sector. In cities like Dubai and Riyadh, the demand for smart cities has led to partnerships between property developers and tech companies. Collaborations of this nature focus on integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart grids, and data analytics to enhance the functionality of buildings and entire urban spaces. This synergy between real estate and technology not only creates smarter cities but also opens new business opportunities and revenue streams for both sectors.

Consider the integration of finance and technology globally. The rise of fintech has blurred the lines between banking, technology, and consumer services. Companies like Square and Stripe are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered banking, offering payment processing solutions, business loans, and even cryptocurrency services. Thinking beyond traditional finance enabled these companies to tap into underserved markets and create new revenue streams.

A shift towards interconnectedness

For today’s founders, the shift toward thinking in ecosystems is essential for long-term success. Entrepreneurs who recognise that their enterprises exist within a larger, more dynamic system will be better equipped to navigate challenges and capitalise on new opportunities. As industries continue to evolve, the companies that thrive will be those that build flexible, interconnected models that foster collaboration across sectors.

But the real question is, how can founders prepare for a future where collaboration is paramount? The key lies in adopting a mindset that values partnership over competition, flexibility over rigidity, and innovation over tradition. Founders who approach business-building as an ecosystem will find themselves more resilient to market shifts, better able to scale, and positioned to lead industries rather than just participate in them.