Abdiqani M. Jama
I design and build robust software and systems, from core platforms to production-grade products. Exited co-founder of a digital bank, with experience in safety-critical engineering and end-to-end startup execution.
Systems meant for Permanence
I am a technology builder with experience spanning consumer technology, safety-critical engineering, and startup execution.
My journey began at TomTom in Amsterdam, where I learned the fundamentals of software quality at scale. I then moved into the high-stakes world of aerospace engineering at Rolls-Royce.
Working on engine control systems for the Airbus A350 and A330neo taught me that systems should be testable, repeatable, and resilient from the start.
Today, I apply that same discipline to the startup world. I co-founded Niyah Ltd, which was acquired by Wahed Invest, and I continue to advise founders on building systems that scale calmly.
Safety-Critical
Experience with DO-178B/C standards and high-stakes systems integration.
Startup Execution
Built from zero to exit. Practical understanding of product-market fit.
Systems Thinking
Designing for clear failure modes and long-term maintainability.
Global Experience
Working across UK, Europe, and the Horn of Africa ecosystems.
Professional Journey
A track record of high-impact leadership in both corporate and startup environments.
Rolls-Royce
Technical Lead — Software Verification
Software verification and validation in safety-critical systems under DO-178B/C standards. Led hardware–software integration across multiple aerospace programmes including Trent 7000 and Airbus A350 platforms.
Innovate Ventures
Co-Founder | Builder | Advisor
Built startups from scratch: idea → product → team → execution. Trained founders and early teams on systems, delivery, and technical decision-making. Advised startups at various stages, from greenfield to scaling.
Niyah Ltd
Co-Founder / Builder (Exited)
Built one of the first Islamic digital banking platforms. Involved in system design, product build, and execution. Company acquired by Wahed Invest.
TomTom Internal BV
Software Automation Testing
Built and maintained automated test frameworks. Worked on continuous testing, regression automation, and UAT at scale within production-grade software systems.
Core Competencies
Expertise lies at the intersection of technical excellence and strategic vision.
Engineering & Architecture
- Safety-Critical V&V (DO-178B/C)
- High-Level Requirements Analysis
- Hardware-Software Integration
- Reliable & Auditable System Design
Software & App Development
- Production-Grade Systems
- Architecture
- Web Platforms & Mobile Apps
- System-Level Thinking
- User-Facing Products
Product & Execution
- Concept to Production
- Correctness at Speed
- Long-Term Maintainability
- Delivery Constraints
- MVP Planning
Advisory & Leadership
- Venture Building
- Technical Team Scaling
- Operating Autonomy
- Strategic Tech Stewardship
- Founders Advisory
Featured Projects
A selection of work demonstrating impact across enterprise and startup landscapes.
Niyah Ltd
Needed to build a reliable, production-grade Islamic digital banking platform from zero to launch in a regulated market.
Fintech Systems, Product Build, Strategic Execution
Successfully launched the platform and achieved a successful exit through acquisition by Wahed Invest.
Aerospace Systems Integration
Complexity in hardware-software integration for multiple aerospace engines powering commercial and business aircraft.
DO-178B/C, Software Verification, Systems Integration
Led integration for Trent 7000 and A350 platforms, ensuring full traceability and compliance with global aviation standards.
Venture Building & Advisory
Early-stage founders often struggle with technical decision-making, delivery cadence, and building autonomous teams.
Systems Thinking, Founder Coaching, MVP Delivery
Trained and advised dozens of founders across Africa, helping them move from idea to production-grade execution.
Press & Media
My work on the Niyah digital banking platform gained industry attention and was covered by leading global and fintech publications, following both the public launch of the product and its subsequent acquisition.
Advisory & Systems Thinking
I help organisations move faster without sacrificing reliability. My approach is grounded in safety-critical engineering discipline, applied with the agility required in high-growth environments.
For Founders & Early Teams
- MVP Planning & Practical Execution
- Scaling Systems Calmly
- Technical Decision-Making & Delivery
- Building Technical Autonomy
For Organisations
- Regulated Engineering for Modern Products
- Improving Team Efficiency & Clarity
- Systems Thinking (Tech, People, Process)
- Sustainable Software Architecture
Let's Build Something Resilient
Whether you're looking to scale a system, refine a product, or need strategic advisory, my door is always open to high-impact conversations.
Usually responds within 24 hours