Deal Flow Roundup | Q4 2021
Introduction Pakistani startups raised $69 million in Q4 2021 across 22 deals. This brought the total amount raised by Pakistani startups in 2021 to $350 million across 81 deals, marking a more than fivefold increase from 2020. The Pakistani startup funding landscape has reached an exciting inflection point, with international VCs writing significant checks into […]
Could M&As Be a Possible Solution for Pakistani Startups as Funding Wanes?
Introduction In our last blog post, we explored the prospects of the startup ecosystem following the February 8th elections. Since then, significant news has emerged with Turkish fintech powerhouse Papara’s acquisition of SadaPay, a prominent fintech company in Pakistan. Although details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, reports suggest the all-stock deal is valued between $30 […]
Has the Fintech Boom Turned into Doom for Startups?
Introduction When it comes to encapsulating the ethos of Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, fintech stands out. Over the past two decades, players in this sector have made significant strides in developing and delivering innovative products. This vertical has consistently garnered investor interest, and in 2023, Pakistani fintech companies led in deal closures. Notably, fintech startup Abhi […]
Q1 2024 Deal Flow Update: Historic Low in Startup Fundraising
The Outlook on Startup Fundraising Trends In Q1 2024, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem hit a historic low with zero fundraising deals. This unprecedented decline underscores the critical need for startups to practice frugality, especially in challenging economic conditions. This quarter’s zero deals reflect economic instability and its impact on investor confidence. For the first time since […]
Cleantech Startups: A Catalyst for Pakistan’s Green Ambitions
Introduction Our previous blog posts have covered broad themes resonating with the overall startup ecosystem. This time, we delve deeper into a specific vertical – Cleantech startups. Pakistan’s climate challenges, highlighted by the devastating floods in 2022, have underscored the need for innovation. The country aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% from 2015 to […]
Can the EV Revolution Please Stand Up?
Introduction When considering Pakistani startups, you might think of fintechs, ride-hailing services, last-mile delivery apps, and well-known e-commerce platforms. An electric vehicle (EV) startup, however, is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. This lack of immediate association reflects the slow progress of electric mobility in the country, despite its evident potential and […]
Impact of Platform Bans on Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem
Platform bans have become a significant issue for Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. Online platforms are central to communication and information sharing, and in Pakistan, where 82.9 million people use the internet, these platforms are crucial for growth. However, recent events, like the February 4th ban on Wikipedia by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for allegedly hosting […]
Personal Safety Sector
A Bitter Reminder A Personal Shock The recent rape case in Islamabad’s F9 park was a personal shock that hit too close to home. I remember walking in the park just a few days before the incident, and now it’s a place I fear returning to. The details of the incident were difficult for my […]
The “F” Factor: Overcoming Bias in Startup Investment Selection
Introduction In the world of business and technology, the gender parity debate has been rehashed many times without a lot of action contributing toward change. This disparity extends to the startup ecosystem, where female founders secure a mere fraction of the deals and funding enjoyed by their male counterparts. As we delve into the crucial […]
Gender Lens on Startup Investment in Pakistan: Bridging the Gap
Introduction: Understanding Gender Lens Dynamics in Startup Investment Pakistan’s startup landscape is evolving, but gender disparities remain a critical issue. Applying a gender lens to this analysis, we examine how female-founded and co-founded startups are navigating the investment ecosystem. This insight highlights the progress and ongoing challenges in bridging the gender funding gap. Defining Female-Founded […]