Financing Climate Tech in Pakistan: Bridging the Gap
Overview Pakistan, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, has pledged to reduce projected carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, relying heavily on international financial support. However, despite its potential, climate tech attracted only 2-3% of total startup venture funding between 2018 and 2023. Investments have primarily focused on low-carbon mitigation projects, with limited funding […]
The world is embracing AI, is Pakistan ready?
The world is embracing AI, is Pakistan ready? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming global industries at an unprecedented pace. With AI accounting for 33% of total venture capital (VC) funding in 2024 double what it was two years ago—the world is rapidly embracing AI-driven advancements. However, the question remains: Is Pakistan prepared to ride this […]
AI Agents: The Next Big Leap in Artificial Intelligence
Overview The rapid rise of AI agents is reshaping the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, with an unprecedented surge in funding and investment. While AI agents remain loosely defined, they are broadly understood as AI-powered software systems capable of autonomously performing complex tasks across various domains, from customer service to IT assistance. As the industry continues […]
Advancing Pakistan’s Growth with AI: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
AI’s Growing Influence in Pakistan Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. From healthcare to agriculture and finance, AI is increasingly being adopted to improve efficiency and decision-making. However, despite its potential to drive economic transformation, Pakistan faces significant challenges, including talent shortages and regulatory gaps. To fully capitalize on […]
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 […]
From Trash to Tech: Will Climate Entrepreneurs Find a Foothold in Pakistan?
Overview As the climate crisis intensifies, the global focus on sustainability is shifting but not always in the right direction. In the West, climate denial politics are resurfacing, with figures like Donald Trump dismissing the urgency of climate change. Meanwhile, shrinking climate funds and economic recalibrations suggest a potential retreat from green commitments. Yet in […]
Financing a Greener Future – Why?
Last month, I stood at my window in Islamabad, watching hailstones bounce off parched ground. Meanwhile, Karachi baked under a heatwave. These aren’t seasonal quirks, they’re warnings! Pakistan is no longer on the brink of climate catastrophe; it is already living through it. Ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country on the Climate Risk Index 2025 […]
Pakistan’s Circular Economy Opportunity: Empowering Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth
Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, facing mounting environmental, economic, and social challenges. With a population surpassing 240 million, the country is grappling with soaring demand for food, energy, and resources, coupled with inefficient waste management systems and one of the highest climate vulnerability indices globally. Amidst this pressing context, the concept of a circular […]
Pakistan’s IT Sector: A Digital Frontier Brimming with Promise
Industry Overview Pakistan’s IT sector has emerged as a bright spot in the country’s otherwise sluggish economy, with exports set to reach around $3.7 billion (FY2025) and a predominantly young, tech-savvy population fueling growth. In the first ten months of fiscal year 2025 (10MFY25), IT exports reached $3.1 billion, marking a robust 21% year-on-year (YoY) […]
Digital Taxes, No Safety Net: How Pakistan’s Budget 2025–26 Affects the Startup Ecosystem
Industry Overview Pakistan’s IT sector has emerged as a bright spot in the country’s otherwise sluggish economy, with exports set to reach around $3.7 billion (FY2025) and a predominantly young, tech-savvy population fueling growth. In the first ten months of fiscal year 2025 (10MFY25), IT exports reached $3.1 billion, marking a robust 21% year-on-year (YoY) […]