LeanX Consulting – We design and implement sovereign innovation eco-systems

In the Shadow by Design, For the Sovereign by Intent

LeanX is a founder-led, sovereign-aligned shadow advisory firm operating at the intersection of innovation, technology, and statecraft. With deep expertise in ecosystem design and nation-scale innovation delivery, LeanX supports decision-makers in building sovereign tech capacities across critical sectors and foundational technologies. Operating discreetly under the mandate and trust of government and investment actors, LeanX enables long-term value creation through models that remain largely invisible — by design. We stay in the shadow so our elite stakeholders never have to.

We develop Innovation Eco-systems, Connect Minds, Mobilize Stakeholders

Our mission is clear: orchestrating transformative innovation initiatives, building resilient sovereign ecosystems, and catalyzing sustainable value for the UAE and the broader region. We operate at the intersection of government vision and practical execution.

About Us

Consulting Services We Offer

The services we offer cover all the dimensions of developing sovereign innovation eco-systems.

Sovereign Ecosystem Design

Crafting innovation frameworks that preserve national autonomy while accelerating economic diversification and technological self-reliance.

Strategic Partner Mobilization

Convening and orchestrating key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to create powerful innovation coalitions with shared national objectives.

Challenge Based Programs

Architecting national initiatives that address specific sovereign challenges through structured innovation methodologies and stakeholder mobilization.

Startup Market Access

We focus on rapid value creation for startups by leveraging our industry connections and matching customers that are essential to quickly generate traction around an innovation ecosystem

Startup Scouting

Bringing in the right talent and the right seeds to kick off an ecosystem often means finding the right founders and startups to generate the first success stories in your innovation journey.

Access to Venture Capital & Soft-Landing

Through our sister company SLK Capital, we can help startups get access to relevant capital and investors. We create supportive environments for global innovators entering the UAE market

Our Founder

Asmae is a strategic architect of sovereign-grade innovation ecosystems, trusted by national stakeholders to design and operationalize systems that deliver measurable economic, technological, and geopolitical impact. She leads complex multi-stakeholders programs and cross-functional teams through mission critical transformations across the MENA region, with a unique ability to navigate power, ambiguity, and accelerated change.

Asmae Lemniei

CEO, The Connector

Celebrating Recognition: Inc. Arabia’s 30 Women of Influence 2025

We are proud to share that our Managing Director has been named among Inc. Arabia’s 30 Women of Influence 2025. This recognition is a testament to the bold clients, partners, and collaborators who have trusted LeanX in advancing sovereign innovation and shaping initiatives that will outlast us.

At LeanX, we view influence not as a crown, but as a responsibility.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the women honored on this list, and we join in celebrating the spirit of Emirati Women’s Day 2025

Customer References and Case-Studies

Lean X has consistently delivered impact in the UAE and across regional innovation ecosystems. This is how we have become a trusted advisor to many government and corporate organizations in the region. Due to the sensitive nature of our work, we share references only with clients after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).