This is how the CEO of Multipolitan plans to build a world for the borderless enthusiast

"How They See It” is where we delve into the minds of those steering the ships of today’s most dynamic companies. In this instalment, we ask Nirbhay Handa, CEO and Co-Founder of Multipolitan, about his work leading this transformative global mobility company. He shares his vision for empowering a new generation of global citizens, fostering sovereign diversity, and helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of international relocation with confidence and ease.

The world is your oyster, but opening it can be tricky. As the founder of Multipolitan, I've made it my mission to help people navigate the legalities and logistics of living globally so they can thrive anywhere. However, this work concerns more than relocating families or catering to the wealthy. It's about reshaping our understanding of citizenship, sovereignty, and global opportunity in a rapidly changing world.

The future is multipolar, and we're witnessing the emergence of what I call "Multipolitans" — individuals who challenge traditional ideas of belonging. These people are at the forefront of a global shift, blurring the lines between nations, corporations, and the digital realm.

Consider this: corporations like Apple and Saudi Aramco now have market capitalisations surpassing the GDPs of nations like Brazil. This means they potentially wield more influence over social and economic policies than many sovereign states. At the same time, millennials — mobile, transnational, and embracing digital assets — are driven by a desire for self-governance. By 2030, they're projected to hold the largest share of global wealth.

These trends are setting the stage for a "Sovereignty Shuffle." We'll likely see the rise of "e-nations" in the metaverse, governed by shared values and advanced e-governance. These digital jurisdictions, characterised by economic neutrality, legal robustness, and fiscal attractiveness, may influence the world without traditional landmasses or natural resources.

As Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, puts it, "The metaverse is not just transforming how we see the world, but how we participate in it." This new reality calls for a complete rethinking of governance and societal structures.

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Empowering global citizens and governments

At Multipolitan, we're working to empower this new generation of global citizens. We're developing a comprehensive, productised interface for all immigration needs that is accessible worldwide. Imagine a super app that provides essential utilities for travel, relocation, and visas, designed specifically for the borderless enthusiast.

But our vision extends beyond individuals. We're also partnering with governments to help them stay competitive in the race for global talent. Our research shows that even a 10 per cent reduction in visa processing times can boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by up to 3.5 per cent. We're helping countries create attractive fiscal climates for entrepreneurs through special economic zones (SEZs) and innovative FDI tools.

For instance, we recently proposed a pioneering approach in Southeast Asia to fund public education infrastructure by offering residence permits to investors. In South Asia, we're exploring a capital raise for an old-age housing facility to attract Western retirees with world-class yet affordable healthcare infrastructure.

Technology is key to realising this vision. We're investing in AI to streamline documentation and administration and exploring blockchain to revolutionise immigration processes. Imagine visa applications and background checks conducted on secure, transparent digital platforms.

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Challenges and misconceptions

However, this journey hasn't been without its challenges. Making the leap to entrepreneurship was daunting. After early success in the corporate world, I questioned whether I had the courage to build a meaningful brand and business. I've always admired the meritocracy of sports, where performance is the ultimate measure of success. This inspired me to build a business that operates like a sports team, where competition drives continuous self-improvement.

Another significant challenge has been safeguarding creativity amidst the daily demands of business. It's crucial to maintain an innovative edge while addressing immediate concerns. That's why I've surrounded myself with a competent team, including a Chief of Staff and COO, who handle day-to-day problem-solving, allowing me to focus on our long-term vision.

Success, to me, means building a transparent, reliable, and legally robust international mobility system. It's about allowing individuals to explore opportunities freely, enabling businesses to access global talent pools without bureaucratic hurdles, and helping governments attract investment where it's needed most.

On a personal level, success means ensuring that my founding team of 10, who've followed me on this venture, see this as the best decision they ever made. Their trust and commitment drive me to exceed expectations and push the boundaries of what's possible in global mobility.

Still, there are many misconceptions about our work. Some think we only cater to the wealthy or people from developing countries. In reality, our services are increasingly sought after by entrepreneurs and professionals from developed nations, including the United States. These individuals diversify their assets, currency exposure, domicile, and governance to ensure financial longevity and personal security in an uncertain world.

Despite the challenges we face globally, I remain hopeful. I'm inspired by the relentless human spirit, young people challenging the status quo, scientific advancements pushing boundaries, and countless acts of kindness creating a positive feedback loop of goodwill.

As we navigate this new era of global citizenship, it's not our circumstances that define us but our commitment to facing challenges head-on. The world is changing, but with the right tools and mindset, we can all become Multipolitans, thriving in a borderless future. That's the vision we're working towards at Multipolitan, and it's a future I'm excited to help create.