Investors looking to invest in Pakistan

Pakistan has a thriving startup ecosystem that is rapidly growing and attracting attention from investors around the world. Despite its challenges, the country has seen significant growth in the number of startups and the amount of investment being raised in recent years.

Growing Industries

The growing industries in Pakistan's startup scene include fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and edtech. For example, fintech startups like JazzCash and SimSim are leading the way in digital financial services in the country, while e-commerce companies like Daraz and Cheetay are helping to revolutionize the retail landscape. Healthcare startups like Sehat Kahani and mDiabetes are making medical services more accessible, and edtech startups like Genius and Schoolcoms are improving the quality of education in Pakistan.

Investment Figures

According to a report by PwC, the startup ecosystem in Pakistan received $111 million in investment in 2020. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years and is a strong indicator of the growing interest in startups in the country. In addition, there have been several successful exits by startups, including the sale of TPS Technology to Careem and the merger of EatOye with Foodpanda.

Active Investors and Incubators

There are a number of active investors and incubators in Pakistan that are supporting startups in the country. Some of the most notable investors include Fatima Ventures, Ventures Platform, and Invest2Innovate. These investors are providing funding and support to startups at various stages of development, from seed to growth. In addition, there are a number of incubators and accelerators, including Plan9 and NEST i/o, that are helping to nurture and develop the startup ecosystem in Pakistan.

Popular Startups

Here are five of the most popular startups in Pakistan:

1. JazzCash: A leading mobile financial services provider that offers a range of services, including payments, transfers, and microfinance.
2. Daraz: A leading e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products from fashion to electronics.
3. SimSim: A mobile wallet that allows users to make digital payments and buy products and services through its platform.
4. Sehat Kahani: A telemedicine platform that provides remote healthcare services to patients in rural and underserved areas of the country.
5. Genius: An edtech platform that provides students with personalized learning experiences through its virtual tutoring and test preparation services.

Government Initiatives

The government of Pakistan has taken a number of steps to support the growth of the startup ecosystem in the country. For example, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has launched the Kamyab Jawan Program, which provides financial support and training to young entrepreneurs. In addition, the government has set up the National Incubation Center to provide startups with the resources and support they need to grow and succeed. These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to the development of the startup ecosystem.