Dariush Soudi, founder of Arena Capital and Gladiator Summit, and Angela Soudi, creator of Junior Gladiator Kidpreneurs, are a Dubai-based British couple dedicated to empowering the next generation with entrepreneurial skills.
Their inspiring story highlights how they built a thriving business and contributed to the UAE’s growing entrepreneurial community.
Dariush, 58, a Briton of Iranian origin, credits the UAE’s infrastructure and leadership for creating an environment that fosters entrepreneurship.
“The UAE’s world-class infrastructure, tax-friendly policies, and ease of doing business make it a hub for entrepreneurs. The leadership here creates a ‘yes, we can’ mindset that inspires energy and drives growth. Dubai is a city of constant opportunity, where new ideas and projects take shape in a vibrant atmosphere of possibility,” Dariush shared.
Angela, 48, reflected on her journey of launching a business in Dubai. “The UAE’s supportive, forward-thinking environment encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s the perfect place to grow and develop ideas organically,” she said. Together, the couple has built multiple businesses and inspired others through their Gladiator Mastery events, which evolved into the Gladiator Summit.
New Beginnings
Angela’s professional career began in sales and marketing with top medical and orthopaedic companies in Europe. Before moving to Dubai in 2010, she served as managing director of a German-based mobility company in the UK.
In Dubai, she started a new chapter, joining forces with Dariush to establish several successful ventures. In 2022, they launched Gladiator Mastery events, which have since grown into the Gladiator Summit, a platform that helps entrepreneurs learn, grow, and succeed.
Angela’s passion lies in youth empowerment. Through her Junior Gladiator Kidpreneurs programme, she equips children and teens with essential entrepreneurial skills, preparing them to become future leaders.
In addition to mentoring youth, Angela hosts a podcast on entrepreneurship and personal development and is set to release her first children’s book focused on teaching business concepts in a fun and relatable way.
Dariush, a celebrated entrepreneur and strategist, has been recognized as the “Most Inspiring Entrepreneur in the Middle East” for several years. Known for his no-nonsense approach, he challenges individuals to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their dreams. “One thing I realized early on was that traditional education wasn’t for me. Being dyslexic, I had to find alternative paths to success, starting with sales and eventually building my businesses,” Dariush explained.
With over 40 years of experience, Dariush has built a significant investment portfolio, created a community of individuals who benefit from his programmes, and runs one of the UAE’s most popular podcasts. His ability to share life lessons in a relatable and powerful way has made him a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Finding Strength Together
The couple’s journey has been shaped by shared experiences and challenges. They first met as neighbors, both navigating personal struggles. Angela was managing business development for an orthopaedic company, while Dariush was focused on his entrepreneurial ventures. Their bond grew stronger as they supported each other through difficult times, including health challenges and financial hardships.
“The UAE offered us safety, opportunity, and the perfect environment to rebuild our lives and businesses,” Dariush said.
Their early efforts involved hosting small workshops for business owners, but the demand quickly grew. “Initially, we ran monthly events for 50-100 attendees, but the logistics became overwhelming. When we paused in May 2023, people kept asking for another event. That’s when we decided to expand our approach multiple speakers, affordable tickets, and a larger venue,” Dariush explained.
This risk paid off, with 500 tickets selling out in just six weeks for Gladiator Summit II, which will be held at the World Trade Center. The upcoming event is five times larger than their first, a testament to the demand for their platform.
Tips for Aspiring Couples
Dariush and Angela offer practical advice for couples looking to start a business:
- Start with an Audience: You don’t need a lot of capital—focus on building an engaged audience and effective communication.
- Communicate Openly: Clear and honest communication between partners is crucial for success.
- Leverage Strengths: Recognize and utilize each other’s strengths to build a balanced partnership.
- Be Patient: Growth takes time, and patience is essential for overcoming challenges.
Looking Ahead
Through their efforts, Dariush and Angela Soudi continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Their journey highlights the power of resilience, teamwork, and a shared vision, making them role models in Dubai’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
