Hi, and thanks for reading more about me!
My Story
Born in Saudi Arabia to Indian parents, I grew up in a vibrant expat community that shaped my global perspective and fluid sense of identity.
After moving to Canada for university, I studied engineering but found my path in finance. For nearly seven years, I worked across global equities, strategy, and business management, gaining valuable leadership skills.
Entrepreneurship always called to me. From selling campus merch in university to co-founding Trvlar, a social travel app, I kept building and learning.
Eventually, I left my corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. This journey led to Arrimo – a private membership offering exclusive hotel rates and insider perks, making exceptional travel experiences more personal and accessible.
It’s my vision for how travel should be experienced, and I’m passionate about sharing it with others.
Here is a timeline of my story.
Early Years – Saudi Arabia
Grew up in the Middle East, surrounded by different cultures, languages, and worldviews.
Spent most of my childhood obsessed with cricket — even spent a summer in India chasing that dream. Didn’t make it pro. Still love the sport and waiting for my team to lift the cup.
University – Canada
Moved across the world for school.
Studied engineering — never really worked as one, but looking back, it was the best decision.
Taught me how to think, work hard, and push through late nights (useful now more than ever).
First Venture
Went back to Saudi one summer to visit family and started looking for internships.
Got an offer – then lost it after the company realized I was an expat (internships were typically reserved for Saudi citizens).
Figured I’d hire myself.
Got together with a few friends and launched a merch company.
Sold custom apparel to student clubs – since we were all at different universities, we thought we could scale fast.
Learned to pitch, price, and deliver.
It didn’t last, but the bug to build never left.
Career in Finance
Spent about 7 years working at a bank in Toronto – across finance, strategy, and global equities business management.
Not quite sure how I ended up in finance. Probably a mix of timing, luck, and my love for spreadsheets and suits.
Built relationships, learned from smart leaders, and saw how organizations operate at scale.
Started Trvlar
I wanted to learn how to code – and had an idea inspired by previous trips with friends.
With people living in different countries and juggling different work schedules, planning a trip together felt harder than it should be.
So, I got a few friends together and started building a social travel app that helped friends connect during trips.
Grew a waitlist of 1,000+ users. Learned a ton—from building a team to raising capital. We didn’t ship fast enough, and the product didn’t quite click, so we eventually shut it down.
Left My Job to Explore and Build
I left my 9-5 to travel and explore a few business ideas.
Booked a one way ticket to Istanbul — thought I’d do something in the fashion space — visited factories, explored partnerships. Turkiye is known for clothing production, and on previous trips, I’d found some unique, high-quality pieces. But this time, nothing stood out as something I wanted to pursue.
So I kept moving – visited different cities across Asia and the Middle East, spending time with family and friends. During my travels, I was fortunate enough to stay at some incredible hotels and resorts.
This inspired my next venture.
Building Arrimo
Now building Arrimo, a private membership for modern travelers.
Helping people access the world’s best hotels – with insider rates and special perks.
Making travel feel more inspired, more personal, and more attainable.
Currently, on the road finding the best hotels for our members.
Social Media Links
Add me on these platforms:
The End
To keep reading, visit my blog here for my latest articles.