Hamilton Bradshaw MENA announces first investment with CompassPoint, a startup specialising in offering Fractional FP&A and CFO services.
Dubai, UAE – June 5, 2025 — Hamilton Bradshaw, the private equity firm founded by James Caan CBE, is proud to announce its first investment into CompassPoint, a boutique firm specialising in FP&A and fractional CFO services across the GCC and UK.
Founded by Zaid Aboobaker and Zain Ul Abideen, CompassPoint brings deep expertise in financial strategy, operational transformation, and scalable growth solutions tailored for SMEs and professional service businesses.
This partnership marks the first step in Hamilton Bradshaw MENA’s investment activity and exemplifies its commitment to backing founder-led startups and scale-ups.
CompassPoint: Strategic, Scalable Finance and People Solutions
CompassPoint operates at the intersection of strategic financial leadership and operational delivery, offering customised, outsourced solutions for companies that need assistance with their financial planning.
- Zaid Aboobaker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, brings more than 20 years of experience spanning Europe, India, and the Middle East. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, Zaid has supported startups and mature companies through high-growth phases, M&A, and strategic transformation. He has been based in Dubai since 2009.
- Zain Ul Abideen, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and seasoned finance professional with over a decade of expertise in financial planning, treasury, and process optimisation. He helps clients improve financial visibility, streamline reporting, and unlock new value through data-driven insights.
Together, they have built a delivery-focused firm that scales with client needs—from high-level strategic finance to recruitment of key operational hires.
Why Hamilton Bradshaw Backed CompassPoint
What began as a shared belief between the HB and CompassPoint teams in people-first investing, evolved into a deeper alignment around values, ambition, and commercial strategy.
“Zaid and Zain stood out as founders who are not only sharp and dependable, but deeply embedded in the markets they serve,” said James Caan CBE, Chairman of Hamilton Bradshaw. “Their model is agile, their experience is grounded, and their delivery is top-tier. CompassPoint is the ideal first partner for HB MENA.”
Ayman Alashkar, CEO of Hamilton Bradshaw MENA, added:
“CompassPoint embodies the kind of entrepreneurial leadership we want to champion in the region. Founders with demonstrable domain expertise and years of local market knowledge.
Together Zaid and Zain have built a business that is nimble, values-led, and essential to the evolving needs of SMEs across the GCC. We are delighted that our first investment under HB MENA is one rooted in strategic alignment and deep operational substance.”
Shared Vision: Scale with Real Value
This partnership is grounded in a shared objective: to scale CompassPoint into a market-leading platform, that creates real, enduring business value for its stakeholders and clients.
Together, Hamilton Bradshaw and CompassPoint are committed to sustainable, strategic growth—with a focus on quality of service, long-term partnerships, and impact.
What’s Next
CompassPoint is already working with a growing client base across the Gulf and the UK, particularly in sectors like professional services, consulting, and digital transformation. The firm’s approach — offering customised, executive-level finance and operational guidance on a fractional basis — is gaining traction as businesses look for smarter, more adaptive growth strategies.
With our investment into CompassPoint, HB MENA establishes the foundation of its investment model: selecting high-quality partners with deep local roots and proven delivery capability. More investments to come.
About Hamilton Bradshaw
Hamilton Bradshaw is a London-based private equity firm founded by James Caan CBE, renowned for its people-first investment philosophy. With a focus on professional services, recruitment, and growth-stage businesses, HB builds long-term value through strategic partnerships and mentorship. The firm’s leadership has a strong track record in scaling founder-led businesses through hands-on support and access to global networks.
Hamilton Bradshaw MENA
Chief Executive Officer: ayman@hbpe.com
About CompassPoint
CompassPoint is a boutique financial, operational, and talent advisory firm specialising in fractional CFO and COO services across the GCC and UK, financial planning & analysis (FP&A). Founded by Zaid Aboobaker and Zain Ul Abideen, CompassPoint supports scaling SMEs and professional services firms through expert strategy, flexible delivery, and team development.