Investor, Startup Builder & Women in Tech Advocate
Fatima Abdulla focuses on investing in deeptech startups while also building an AI venture that tackles critical challenges in financial compliance. Beyond investment and entrepreneurship, she creates pathways for women in technology through global communities like Google’s developer and mentorship networks, as well as Women in AI. Her passion lies in bridging innovation, capital, and community to shape the future of technology.
1. What do you consider the main achievements in your life?
Working across industries like SpaceTech, FinTech, PropTech, Drones, Robotics, and Telecom. I have led initiatives that have impacted startup DeepTech ecosystems across UAE & Saudi Arabia market to EMEA region.
Over the past few years, I have built a diverse portfolio of impact across Space, ClimateTech, FinTech, Drones and Robotics, working at the intersection of investment, startup growth & techical due diligence. I have directly contributed to the acceleration of 150+ startups and faciliated 12+ startup programs. These programs have generated over 1,300 jobs and facilitated millions in venture investments. I developed dashboards, market forecasts, and innovation strategies that guided both public and private tech investments.
As a Google Women Techmakers Mentor and now a GDG Organizer for Abu Dhabi, I’ve been able to champion inclusive innovation by mentoring women founders and building accessible tech communities across the MENA region.
Lastly, I take pride in my academic journey: earning a Master’s in Data Science, publishing papers at the International Astronautical Congress, and remaining dedicated to both technical depth and social impact.
Each chapter of my journey — whether in venture, data, space, or community leadership — has been about building ecosystems that empower people, especially women, to lead boldly.
2. What drives you to be at the Top of your Game? What are your success strategies?
Honestly, what lights a fire under me is getting in the trenches with founders. Watching their grit, vision, and get-it-done attitude pushes me to up my own game every single day. But if I’m honest, the biggest driver has always been my dad—his rock-solid faith in me gave me the courage to take risks, hustle hard, and surprise even myself with how far I could go. And between you and me, I feel like I’m just warming up.
My playbook is pretty simple: know exactly where you’re headed, block out distractions, and don’t squander your energy on things that don’t matter. I’ve gotten really good at saying “no,” guarding my time fiercely, and sticking to habits that keep me centered—waking up early, mapping out my day with intention, that sort of thing. I try to listen more than I talk, stay curious instead of needing to be right, and make sure I’m paying it forward whenever I can. At the end of the day, helping others succeed is what makes the ride worth it.
3. Have you dealt with failure? If so, how did you overcome it and resurge when all the chips were down?
Honestly, one of my biggest failures wasn’t missing a target; it was learning how to work with people who were really tough to deal with. In the beginning, I thought working my tail off would be enough—but I quickly found out that handling egos, office politics, and resistance is just as important as any technical skill.
It took a lot of self-reflection, patience, and leaning on mentors to change my approach. I learned to listen first, speak up with calm confidence, and only pick battles that are worth it. What once felt like a headache eventually became one of my greatest strengths: navigating tricky situations without losing my voice.
That taught me that failure isn’t always about falling short. Sometimes it’s the uncomfortable moments that push you to grow.
4. How easy was it for you to speak up and share your story when times were tough?
It was not always easy to speak up in challenging moments, yet I was fortunate to have a close circle of mentors and peers whose guidance proved invaluable. They listened with empathy and offered timely encouragement whenever I felt uncertain, demonstrating that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful catalyst for learning, growth, and authentic leadership. Their unwavering support empowered me to pause, realign my focus, and continue sharing my journey even when it was far from perfect.
5. What did you have to do in order to be able to do share your story to inspire others?
Throughout my journey, I remained unwavering in my commitment, even when the outcome was uncertain. I maintained a clear focus, devoted myself fully to the work at hand, and treated every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Above all, I chose to lead by example valuing tangible results over rhetoric and discovered that authentic dedication resonates far more powerfully than words alone. This approach has allowed me to share my story with genuine purpose and, in doing so, inspire others through the example of what determined effort can achieve.