Media Release
Dubai, Feb 4: Prathap Mendonca was recently featured on Gulf Talkies, the Konkani version of the Daijiworld TV show hosted by Walter Nandalike.
Presented below are excerpts from the interview, tracing his inspiring journey from a small village in coastal Karnataka to becoming a respected entrepreneur and business leader in the UAE.
From Coastal Karnataka to the UAE
From a small village in coastal Karnataka to the heart of the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem, Prathap Mendonca has built a remarkable career marked by perseverance, disciplined growth and trust-driven leadership.
Building a Diversified Business Group
Founder of Design Infinity, Prathap today leads a diversified group of five to six companies employing nearly 1,700 people across interiors, construction, healthcare, trading and technology. What began 13 years ago with just two people operating from an 800 sq ft office has grown into one of the UAE’s prominent business groups, with an annual turnover of around Rs 2,000 crore.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 24, 1974, at Kallianpur Goreti Hospital, Prathap hails from Tallur parish and is associated with St Francis Assisi Church, Tallur. His schooling began at St Philomena School, Tallur, followed by Tallur Government School and St Mary’s School, Kundapur. He completed his PUC at Bhandarkars College before moving to Hubballi, where he earned his degree in architecture from BV Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology between 1992 and 1997.
Family Background and Support
Prathap is the son of the late Fredrick R Mendonca, who worked abroad for many years, and Irene Lilly Mendonca, a former zilla panchayat member and social worker. He has three brothers and a sister. In 2005, he married Cital Fernandes, who continues to play a key role in both his personal life and business journey.
Professional Beginnings Abroad
After completing his studies, Prathap began his professional career in Goa under architect Tulio D’Souza. In 1998, he moved to Qatar for a year before arriving in Dubai on April 16, 1999. He joined Teknion, a Canada-based furniture company, where he handled architectural design and sales operations across the Middle East and India.
Learning Design and Sales Together
Between 1999 and 2004, Prathap balanced design work in the mornings and sales responsibilities in the afternoons. This exposure to both creative and commercial aspects of the industry proved to be a turning point, laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset.
First Entrepreneurial Experience
His first hands-on business experience came between 2007 and 2011, when he worked in the Indian real estate sector along with his brother. In 2012, he co-founded Design Infinity with a partner, marking the beginning of his independent entrepreneurial journey.
Growth of Design Infinity
Today, Design Infinity employs over 1,400 professionals. The company operates from a nearly 20,000 sq ft head office in Dubai, has a licensed branch in Abu Dhabi, and runs a massive 100,000 sq ft facility at Dubai Investment Park housing joinery, metal, glass and signage divisions. Around 170 professionals work at the corporate office alone.
Strategic Diversification into New Sectors
Diversification followed naturally. In 2014, Prathap ventured into the healthcare sector by launching a medical centre with a partner, starting with a 2,000 sq ft facility. In 2015, he established a joinery unit that initially occupied 3,000 sq ft and has since expanded into a 100,000 sq ft factory. A pharmacy was launched in 2017, followed by further expansion of the medical centre. In 2018, he started Orbit Infinity, a general trading company.
Facing the Covid-19 Challenge
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 marked one of the toughest phases for the group. With Dubai shut down for nearly six weeks, the company survived by increasing business volumes and offering competitive pricing. All 600 employees at the time were retained. Office staff accepted a temporary 20 per cent salary cut for two months, and the deducted amount was fully repaid in 2021, reinforcing trust between management and employees.
Post-Covid Expansion and New Ventures
After the pandemic, growth continued. In 2022, Vibrant Star Building Construction was launched under the leadership of his wife, Cital Fernandes. Prathap also acquired full ownership of Oxford Medical Center and Gulf Care Diagnostic, and invested in Cravin Technology, evaluating every opportunity with a long-term perspective.
Why Healthcare Became a Focus Area
Explaining his entry into healthcare, Prathap said it came through a coincidental proposal from a general manager. Despite being capital-intensive with slow returns, he viewed the sector as a long-term investment, which took nearly six to seven years to break even.
Business Philosophy and Financial Discipline
A strong advocate of starting small, Prathap noted that he has never taken loans for his businesses. Whatever he saved, he reinvested. He believes starting small helps entrepreneurs understand the basics, while starting big carries higher risks. Quality, timely delivery and ethical practices, he says, are critical for sustainable success.
Teamwork and Leadership Style
Managing multiple companies is possible, according to Prathap, because of trusted partners and committed team members who work like a family. Operations are divided department-wise, with partners overseeing day-to-day activities.
Family as a Source of Strength
On the personal front, Prathap credits his mother for motivating him, his wife for standing firmly by his decisions, his daughter Cianna, a Class 12 student, for inspiring him, and his son Cinnon, a Class 9 student, for being a constant source of encouragement.
Giving Back to Society
Beyond business success, Prathap strongly believes in giving back to society. Growing up watching people help others left a lasting impact on him. He says helping others gives him true happiness.
Message to Young Entrepreneurs
Sharing advice for youngsters, he recommends gaining at least four to five years of industry experience before starting a business. He encourages them to start small, grow steadily, remain optimistic, maintain clear intentions and contribute positively to society.
About Design Infinity
Established in 2012, Design Infinity is a leading turnkey interior fit-out and design firm based in Dubai, with a licensed branch in Abu Dhabi. The company specialises in delivering high-end interior and fit-out solutions for commercial spaces, ensuring each project meets the unique needs and ambitions of its clients.
Design Infinity’s expertise spans banking, hospitality, retail, corporate offices and other sectors. With a team of over 1,400 skilled professionals and a fully integrated Joinery and Upholstery, Glass and Metal, and Signage facility spanning 100,000 sq ft at Dubai Investment Park, the company combines creativity with functionality to deliver high-quality interiors.
The firm follows strict Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental policies, reflecting its commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.
Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Design Infinity’s success is built on a foundation of quality, innovation and attention to detail. By integrating advanced technology and eco-friendly materials, the firm consistently raises industry standards. Its ability to deliver complete turnkey solutions, from concept to execution, has earned it a strong reputation for precision, reliability and timely delivery.
Contributing to Sustainable Practices
Design Infinity is committed to sustainability and actively incorporates eco-friendly materials and green practices into its projects. By focusing on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, the company promotes greener and more sustainable workspaces across the UAE.
Notable Projects and Sector Expertise
Over the past year, Design Infinity has completed several notable projects for clients including VFS Global, IIMA Dubai, International Media Investment, RAKBANK, Bhima Jewellers, Landmark, Rothschild, AW Rostamani, Odoo, Dubai South Headquarters, DMCC, Emirates NBD, Pullman, Novotel, Museum of the Future (Refik Anadol installation), flydubai, Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, and the American University of Sharjah.
These projects reflect the company’s expertise across corporate, banking, hospitality, education and cultural sectors, and its ability to execute medium to large-scale projects with innovation and precision.