Our Story
Founded with a simple belief that HR should enable growth, not add burden, Virtual Key was established in October 2021 after witnessing too many startups and SMEs in the UAE struggle with people management, compliance, and everyday HR operations. Many growing businesses needed expert HR support, but without the cost and complexity of building a full in-house HR team.
That’s why we built Virtual Key — to become an agile, ethical, and scalable HR partner for businesses that are ready to grow. From recruitment and HR outsourcing to consulting and HR technology support, we help founders build strong teams, stay compliant, and create workplaces that perform.
Today, Virtual Key is trusted by 150+ startups and SMEs across the UAE, with a 97% client satisfaction rate and a 90% client retention rate — proving that ethical and personalised HR support drives long-term impact.
We become your HR department — without hiring one.
Our Vision, Mission & Goal
Vision
To become the #1 affordable and 100% reliable HR partner for SMEs across the UAE and GCC by simplifying HR for business owners through ethical practices, structured systems, and a boutique team that delivers fast, responsive, and consistent results.
Mission
To build structured, compliant, and efficient workplaces by offering ethical, transparent, and high-quality HR solutions from recruitment to outsourcing so that founders can focus on growth while we manage their people operations end-to-end.
Our Goal
To give entrepreneurs the freedom to focus on strategy and innovation by taking ownership of their HR operations ensuring every business we support becomes confident, compliant, and ready to grow.
Our Core Values
Simplicity
HR should empower, not overwhelm. Our solutions are clear, practical, and easy to implement.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and fairness in every collaboration.
Agility
Startups move fast — and so do we. We adapt quickly, respond promptly, and deliver solutions aligned with your pace.
People-First Approach
Behind every business are people. We prioritise employee experience, workplace culture, and human connection in everything we do.
Partnership
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
What We Offer (At a Glance)
With Virtual Key, you get access to a full suite of HR services from recruitment and HR management to compliance, consulting, training, and leadership support. Whether you need help hiring, structuring HR systems, or developing your leadership team, we’ve got you covered.
If you’d like full details, head over to our Services page to explore each offering.
Why Businesses Choose Virtual Key
Founder Friendly
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
Cost effective & Scalable
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
Compliance & Quality Focus
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
Flexible to Your Needs
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
People Centric Culture
We work alongside founders as their long-term HR partner, not just a service provider.
MEET Our Founder
Ms. Amruta Heblikar
Founder
From leaving her hometown to pursue higher education in London, to leading HR teams across the UK, India, and the UAE, Amruta Heblikar has always believed in building people-first, purpose-driven workplaces.
With an MA in Marketing and a Diploma in Human Resources Management, Amruta brings 17+ years of international HR experience, supporting businesses through growth, change, and compliance across multiple markets.
After the pandemic, she identified a growing gap, businesses needed reliable HR support, but not at the cost or complexity of building an in-house HR team.
That insight led to the founding of Virtual Key in 2021.
Today, Virtual Key helps growing businesses with Recruitment, HR Outsourcing, and HR Consulting, offering flexible, expert HR support tailored for startups and SMEs.
“We become your HR department without hiring one.”
Known for her relationship-first leadership style and strong compliance expertise, Amruta believes every business, regardless of size, deserves structured, ethical, and practical HR support to scale confidently.
17+ years HR experience | 150+ UAE businesses supported | 97% client satisfaction
Our Fractional Director Growth & Partnership
Ms. Shivanee Deshpande
Fractional Director
She is a passionate people and growth leader with nearly a decade of experience across India, the UK, and the UAE, specializing in recruitment, talent strategy, and HR transformation. With an MBA in International Human Resource Management from Coventry University, London, she brings a strong global perspective to building high-performing teams and scalable people strategies.
She is also the Founder of TalentNest Consulting, a people-first HR and training firm focused on helping professionals upskill and grow, while supporting organizations in attracting, retaining, and developing the right talent. Her work extends into learning & development and personal branding, enabling individuals to build confidence and a strong presence—both online and offline.
She actively contributes to global HR communities, speaks at universities internationally, writes on leadership and the future of work, and serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council.
Mantra: “Life is a continuous learning process; make the most of it.”
THE PEOPLE BEHIND OUR GROWTH
Jasmine V
HR Operations Specialist
Sakshi P
Team Manager
Neha K
Finance Consultant
Sakshi B
Office Manager
Tabassum
Business Growth Manager