Chris Zadeh - the visionary
behind whangai
Introduction
whangai is a traditional Maori practice where a child is raised by someone other than their birth parents.
Perseverance
Give in, give up, or give it all—those are your choices.
The Kiwi, a symbol of perseverance and pride, reminds us that with unwavering determination, success is inevitable.
Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small.” The Koru, symbolizing new life & peace, teaches us that passion fuels growth and unlocks our true potential.
Passion
People
With people, personal connection is key. The Wera symbol represents friendship, family, & harmony—values that drive everything we do.
Product
The Hei Matau, a Maori fish hook, symbolizes strength, prosperity, and abundance—qualities we aim to bring to every product.
whangāi knows it’s the merge of these values into one tight knit team that will maximise the chances of success.
Chris Zadeh
Founder of Whangai
"I wanted to create a firm based on the values I have nourished over the years. I believe in the Maori concepts represented by the Hei Matau, Koru, Kiwi, and Wera symbols."
Chris Zadeh
Founder of Whangai
Expertise
We bring to the table
20
years of experience in tech and finance
Scaling groundbreaking companies and pushing the limits of what's possible.
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adds value through expert advice
Guidance on scaling, strategy, funding, and M&A to accelerate growth and achieve their vision
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a mentor who’s someone who’s been there
Having a mentor who’s been there makes all the difference, understanding both the emotions and the pitfalls.
Investments
HirePort
HirePort streamlines talent supplier management, reducing costs and saving time by providing clear oversight, collaboration tools, and advanced analytics—all integrated directly with your ATS.
HR Tech
He can deliver an unexpected hook 👊 and confront you when you most need it, with a no-nonsense and 100% open approach, and always stands in your corner of the ring and is your biggest supporter, then Chris is the guy.
HR Tech
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Lepaya
Power skill trainings that enable professionals to be more effective in their work and enjoy more happiness in life.
EdTech
“I heard the founder Rene do his pitch at a conference and I called him and said I want to be a part of his journey. I did not see their numbers or any deck but when I saw Rene I knew I wanted in”
EdTech
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Eye Security
Making Europe a safe place to do business by combining no-nonsense cybersecurity measures with insurance for SME.
Cybersecurity
I have been working in fintech for 25 years, protecting banks from cyber attacks so when I heard the story of Eye, I knew this was a homerun and begged everyone to let me in:-)
Cybersecurity
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The founder
Explore his journey
With over two decades of experience in tech and finance, Chris Zadeh has built and scaled groundbreaking companies, always pushing the limits of what's possible.
His hands-on approach, combined with his passion for innovation, ensures that every entrepreneur who partners with Whangai is empowered to reach new heights.
Follow his adventures and what he’s up to next on Instagram at:
@chriszadeh
“Throughout my career as a CEO, entrepreneur and investor, I have rarely worked with anyone who has impressed me greatly as an entrepreneur, negotiator and strategist. Except Chris Zadeh, who has proven to be very successful and capable in all these areas. Moreover, he keeps his word and is 100% reliable.”
Alex Mulder
Founder USG People
“Chris has a unique combination of skills: on the one hand, he can think along with Technology down to the smallest level of detail. On the other hand, I have rarely met someone who can deliver such a persuasive sales pitch. There are many good Tech people and many good salespeople on this earth. However, you rarely find a combination of both in one person. Except with Chris...”
Nick Bortot
Founder BUX
“I have known, mentored and worked with Chris for more than 20 years and for me it is a fact that if Chris is part of a deal, the deal will be better.”
Kalo Bagijn
Founder BinckBank & Brand New Day Bank
“Chris is an enterprising and technically savvy sparring partner with whom you always break new ground.”
Maarten Edixhoven
CEO Van Lanschot
“I got to know Chris during our collaboration at Ohpen. His energy, creativity and sharpness make him a very valuable sparring partner and a nice guy to work with.”
Rutger Ruigrok
MD NPM Capital
“Chris never settles for mediocrity; his focus, curiosity and candor make him one of my favorite business partners.”
Nadine Klokke
CEO Knab Bank
“I know Chris as one of the few individuals who combines vision, passion and rigorous execution. Chris is a true entrepreneur and his energy and curiosity are inspiring.”
Marko Keim
Boardmember Aegon
“I have come to know Chris as a person who uses his energy and focus to believe, create and grow. His sharp and creative entrepreneurial thinking combined with his witty personality stand out. He continues where others stop and does not shy away from obstacles or barriers, he prefers to overcome them.”
Karin Van Baardwijk
CEO Robeco
“Chris is one of the best negotiators I have ever met and during my time as CEO of Temenos I have met many”
David Arnott
CEO Temenos
“Chris is literally the best 'warrior' you can have by your side.”
Dennis Dijkstra
CEO FlowTraders
“Chris is a straightforward, down-to-earth guy. He has the unique quality of being an IT “master” with strong commercial and business acumen. Chris shares knowledge & experience, dares to challenge you and makes sure you get honest and direct feedback to improve your performance.”
Jordy Kool
Investor
“Chris is an authentic personality who knows how to connect strategic issues with practical implementation. This provides him with crucial knowledge to guide the transition to a new phase with new funders.”
Sven Kelder
CEO Robidus