Dare To Disrupt – The Rise of Grocery Startups in Pakistan
Part II: The B2C Online Grocery Segment Over the last decade, E-commerce has been a fast-growing sector across Asia, including in Pakistan. This growth is the result of a number of factors: technological transformation, e-commerce infrastructure, logistical improvements, and socio-cultural demands, which has led to a spike in e-commerce activity and more specifically in online […]
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 […]
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 Fintech Landscape in Pakistan: Progress and Potential
Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem is rapidly evolving, driven by innovation, smartphone penetration, and internet access. With a population of 240.5 million, the country aims to increase adult financial inclusion to 75% by 2028 (currently 64%). Fintechs can accelerate this through digital financial solutions. Regulatory initiatives, such as the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) frameworks, have created […]
Can Microfinance and Digital Banking Drive Inclusive Economic Growth in Pakistan?
Overview Despite its current challenges, microfinance plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem, providing low-income individuals and small businesses with access to credit. Now, with the increasing digitisation of the sector, the financial landscape is becoming more dynamic and promising. In our last Friday Feature, we highlighted how the fintech sector attracted the highest […]
Pakistani Fintech Expansion in the Middle East: Opportunities & Challenges
The expansion of Pakistani fintech companies into the Middle East marks a significant trend in the global financial technology landscape. This movement is driven by a combination of favorable market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and the potential for substantial financial inclusion. However, it also presents a unique set of challenges that these companies must navigate to […]