Transforming the Real Estate & IT Landscape of Bangladesh

Mike Kazi projects his rapid upward trajectory and transformative growth in Bangladesh’s real estate and IT. In a conversation with COLORS, Kazi shares his innovative strategies, sustainable practices, and commitment to excellence, which makes him a beacon of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs and established leaders alike. 

In the dynamic and rapidly changing landscape of global commerce, Mike Kazi has emerged as an indisputable catalyst for change. Kazi has crafted a profound and enduring legacy within the realms of IT, ITES, and property management. 

Mike Kazi believes that innovation is the bedrock of success in any competitive market, stating, “If we can pioneer what others fail to envision, we spearhead the march forward.”

Navigating the multifaceted terrains of these sectors with adept expertise, Kazi’s impressive oversight of 20 diverse businesses highlights his expansive career.

In the backdrop of swift technological evolution, Kazi’s extraordinary trajectory underscores its profound impact. Running businesses across is especially challenging “In a competitive market, the leaders are those who can envision and create what others can’t,” he starts with.

Building a Real Estate Behemoth: Apex Property Limited

The founder of Apex Property Limited, Mike Kazi, has carved out a significant presence in Bangladesh’s competitive real estate market. Apex Property provides services to buy, sell, rent, and manage properties in Bangladesh. 

His ingenious home improvement and property management solutions, combined with the efforts of his IT company, Apex DMIT, managed to digitize the real estate market in Bangladesh. His platforms let users contact buyers more easily and help create transparency in managing and improving properties with the help of technology.

Apex DMIT: Economic Catalyst & Employment Engine

Apex DMIT provides 24/7 data management, software, analytics, and infrastructure services solutions in the financial, banking, and real estate industries in the US and Bangladesh.

Encouraged by his mother’s wish to give back to her homeland, Chairman of Apex DMIT, Mike Kazi – a successful businessman in the US – established one of the first BPO businesses in Bangladesh in 2009.

Kazi states, “My mission extends beyond profit. It’s about job creation, economic strengthening, and fostering a culture of innovation.” His strategic measures, such as tax deductions and remittance-earning incentives, highlight his commitment to bolstering the national economy and improving individual financial well-being.

Inviting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Kazi has further tapped into the untapped potential of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) as a tool for investments. A novel digital platform was born under his vision, revolutionizing how real estate transactions are conducted. “Our company is built on a mission to set new standards and redefine the norms in the real estate industry. Attracting FDI is not what offers are just about, the vision is to increase communication on a global level and increase foreign remittances for our country,” Mr. Kazi comments.

Since the last decade, there has been a considerable change in global flows of trade and finance, including a surge in FDI. Understanding the vital role that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays in economic growth, he creates an easy and appealing business environment to attract foreign investments.

Kazi believes there are entrepreneurs like himself doing business in different countries around the world who are willing to invest in their own country and the local economy to drive substantial growth through foreign FDIs. He adds that Apex Property is aiming to simplify this process and encourage them to invest using a transparent platform.

By earning foreign currency for Bangladesh through the export of IT services, implementing IT projects, and providing IT Enabled Services in Bangladesh, Apex DMIT aspires to be the largest US-based IT Enabled Service provider in the country that is aligned with the government’s goals of a Digital Bangladesh.

Transforming Corporate Culture in Bangladesh

Kazi’s influence extends beyond business strategies, having a substantial impact on Bangladesh’s corporate culture. With initiatives to foster talent and promote creativity, he has reinvigorated the corporate atmosphere, proving that “Being a leader means being able to steer a team of over 1500 employees towards a common goal. It’s about people, not just strategy.”

Being a celebrated member of the Entrepreneur’s Organization Bangladesh has helped him become a part of a community that helps to grow entrepreneurs and share the best practices to run successful businesses. “EO Bangladesh has not just helped me professionally by being able to network with entrepreneurs all over the world, it has also helped me overcome personal problems by creating a strong support system for entrepreneurs all around the world,” he explains.

Redefining Traditional Business Models

Kazi’s vision extends to disrupting traditional business models in the wake of technological advancements. He says, “The future of service delivery lies in harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and robotics. These technologies are our allies in providing seamless, efficient services to our customers.”

His platform provides many after-sales services for property owners to be able to sell, rent, and maintain their properties without hassle. Users can take pictures of the properties, share them with potential buyers/sellers, and easily avail of various property-related services through their app. The customers can also share valuable feedback through the same platform to help create an immersive experience in real estate services.

Addressing the Employment Crisis & Talent Shortages

In addressing Bangladesh’s job crisis and talent shortage, Kazi’s leadership has demonstrated strategic planning and commitment to employee growth. He believes that Bangladesh has a talent pool to build a skilled workforce that would help businesses grow exponentially. He highly encourages reading habits among his employees and invests a big chunk in educating them regularly.

Recognizing the significance of research and development (R&D) and employee training, Kazi has prioritized investments in these areas. He believes, “Lean Six Sigma is not just a methodology; it’s a mindset. A mindset that seeks to improve efficiency and eliminate waste, driving better results for our customers.”

Leveraging Technology & Creating Inclusivity to Drive Growth

Kazi embraces technological advances like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Process Automation to revolutionize service delivery. He asserts, “In the digital age, a successful business harnesses technological change to redefine the way we work.”

With a 20% female workforce, Apex DMIT is working steadfastly towards upskilling the local labor force in Bangladesh. As an equal-opportunity employer, Apex DMIT is also working to bring the gender balance in the company to 50/50 by 2025.

Recognising the Importance of a Building an Expertise 

In a volatile market landscape, Kazi believes that even though diversification is appealing for businesses,  sticking to niches and areas of individual expertise is important to thrive in a particular area, skill set, or business.

“Being a jack of all trades means that you master none. I believe one needs to invest a substantial amount of time and effort to master a skill and succeed in something, like reaching the apex,” the entrepreneur concludes.

Preparing for a Career at Apex

Kazi encourages continuous improvement and skill development for those aspiring to join Apex. He sees every challenge as “an opportunity for innovation and improvement,” and urges prospective candidates to embody the same spirit.

From humble beginnings to reaching unimaginable heights, Kazi’s path is a shining beacon for those looking to make their mark in the world of business and beyond.