Not many teenagers dream of building a global empire, and fewer still actually do it. Harsh Patel, a name now recognized across boardrooms from Mumbai to Dubai, began his entrepreneurial journey at just 19. Today, he is the Founder and Global CEO of Water & Shark, a multinational firm offering legal, financial, and consulting services to clients in over a dozen countries.
Harsh grew up in Mumbai in a modest family, where ambition was a way of life. His parents, Girish and Hemlata Patel, instilled in him a strong work ethic early on. “There were days where we had to stretch every rupee,” he has shared in interviews. That financial pressure became a silent teacher, pushing him toward a career in commerce, law, and eventually, business leadership.
His academic path is as diverse as his company’s global reach. A graduate of Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and GJ Advani Law College, Harsh didn’t stop there. He earned his Chartered Accountant certification, pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Cumbria in the UK, and became a Fellow of CPA Australia. This rare blend of legal and financial acumen gave him a unique perspective in an increasingly complex global economy.
At 19, he founded Water & Shark with the idea of building a firm that could bridge legal and financial gaps for businesses expanding internationally. The name, inspired by the agility and fearlessness of sharks in water, now symbolizes a team that has helped clients in the UAE, UK, Singapore, the US, and beyond.
What makes Harsh different isn’t just his resume, it’s his mindset. He’s known to spend as much time mentoring young professionals as he does closing high-stakes deals. Through the Water & Shark Foundation, he supports the education of underprivileged children and guides aspiring CAs and lawyers across India and the Gulf.
Over the years, Harsh’s work has earned him recognition such as the “Icon of the UAE” (2023) and “UAE’s Most Influential Finance and Legal Professional” (2022). But accolades don’t drive him, impact does. His firm has advised startups like Zepto and industry giants such as NISCO and Simcomm, helping shape the next generation of global businesses.
Today, he holds an advisory role with the Private Office of Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, a testament to the trust he’s built in the Middle East.
So, what’s next for Harsh Patel?
His future plans include deepening Water & Shark’s presence in emerging markets like Africa and Southeast Asia. He’s also investing in AI and fintech, believing that the future of consulting will be as much about algorithms as it is about insights. He’s even working on a book titled Fundamentals of UAE Corporate Tax to simplify complex regulations for Indian businesses expanding into the Gulf.
In an era where business leaders often chase quick success, Harsh Patel stands out for his patience, values, and long-term vision. His story isn’t just about building a business, it’s about creating opportunity, not just for himself, but for everyone willing to dream big.
