Our Story - Ambergris Canada in New Zealand
From a costly first loss in Madagascar to a network across 56 countries. This is how I built Ambergris Canada, one honest deal at a time.
Prefer to watch? See the founder film
- Buying since2004
- Suppliers worldwide70+
- Countries56
- Specimens assessed4,678
Who is Nabil Valiulla?
I'm Nabil Valiulla, founder of Ambergris Canada. I have bought and assessed ambergris since 2004: 4,678 specimens so far, from 70+ suppliers in 56 countries. Based in Vancouver, Canada, with a second hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. I review every photo and every assessment myself. Follow my finds on Instagram at @gris.whisperer and on YouTube at @ambergriscanada.
How did Ambergris Canada start?
The real story of Ambergris Canada, in six chapters.
- 01
Early days · Madagascar
The beginning: a costly lesson
My very first deal, in Madagascar, ended in a loss. It was humbling, even discouraging. But it taught me what this trade demands: authenticity, patience and learning from every mistake.
Madagascar, 2006
- 02
Building from the ground up · India
Early days
I started with almost nothing. My car back then was a modest Maruti, and every deal mattered. I learned the trade from the ground up, building trust one transaction at a time.
India, my first car
- 03
2009 to 2016 · Dubai, Singapore, Durban, Doha, Chicago
Building a global network
Seven years of travel across continents: the markets of Dubai, the financial hub of Singapore, the coast of Durban, then Doha and Chicago. Each city taught me something new, and each connection strengthened the network that became a truly global operation.
Dubai, 2009
Singapore, 2010
Durban, 2013
Doha, 2014
- 04
2015 · Global
A partnership that changed everything
A seasoned private investor and mentor saw the potential in what I was building. Together we raised capital and scaled the operation, a journey that took us across 56 countries and built a real presence in the ambergris trade.
- 05
The turning point · India to Canada
A new chapter
After years of building connections worldwide, it was time for a new beginning. Moving to Canada changed more than my address. It brought new opportunities, new challenges and a network that grew to 56 countries.
Moving to Canada
Chicago, 2016
- 06
20 years later · Canada
Growth and gratitude
Two decades in, the journey has changed my life. From that first loss in Madagascar to one of the most trusted ambergris networks in the world, the lifestyle changed, but the mission stayed the same: authenticity, fairness and trust.
Today
Meet me on film
"Ambergris connects people, places and time. Every piece I collect carries the story of the ocean and the hands it has passed through."
- Nabil Valiulla
The Scent of Success
What I stand for
Credibility and trust
Every transaction is backed by my 20-year reputation and a transparent process.
Fair value
Suppliers receive the best and fair market rates for high-quality ambergris.
A global network
My network creates opportunities for finders and traders wherever the law allows, with local support.
What does Ambergris Canada do today?
Today that means free valuations for finders, graded ambergris for perfumers and collectors, and beachcombing careers across 56 countries. Some of my New Zealand suppliers walk their local beach twice a week, and I have suppliers across New Zealand. New Zealand finders get a personal assessment from me within 24 hours, free, from photos, with nothing shipped until we've agreed on terms. I work from Vancouver, Canada, with a second hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
- Call Nabil · Vancouver, Pacific time+1 (778) 713-5786
- Email Nabilcontact@ambergriscanada.com
