Top 20 Startups in Pakistan: Innovation and Growth in the Land of Opportunities
Top 20 Startups in Pakistan: Innovation and Growth in the Land of Opportunities
Pakistan’s startup scene is thriving with a wave of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From fintech to health tech and e-commerce, these startups are making waves with their groundbreaking solutions and impressive growth. Here’s a rundown of the top 20 startups in Pakistan, highlighting their industry, founders, year of foundation, and valuation.
1. Careem
Industry: Ride-Hailing/Transport
Founders: Mudassir Sheikha, Magnus Olsson, Abdulla Elyas
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: Acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion in 2020
Careem is a leading ride-hailing platform in the region, providing a range of transportation and delivery services. It has expanded its offerings to include food delivery and courier services.
2. Daraz
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Rocket Internet
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: Acquired by Alibaba for $1.2 billion in 2018
Daraz is Pakistan’s largest online shopping platform, offering a diverse range of products from electronics to fashion and groceries.
3. PakWheels
Industry: Automotive/E-commerce
Founders: Hanif Bhatti, Hanif Bhatti
Year of Foundation: 2003
Valuation: $100 million
PakWheels is an automotive website that provides a platform for buying and selling cars, as well as automotive news and reviews.
4. JazzCash
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Jazz (a part of VEON Group)
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: Part of Jazz’s $5 billion valuation
JazzCash is a leading mobile financial services provider in Pakistan, offering digital payment solutions, mobile banking, and remittances.
5. Onsa
Industry: Health Tech
Founders: Saad S. Khan, Aisha M. Khan
Year of Foundation: 2019
Valuation: $20 million
Onsa offers telemedicine and digital health solutions, providing remote consultations and health management tools to users across Pakistan.
6. Rozee.pk
Industry: HR Tech
Founders: Monis Rahman
Year of Foundation: 2007
Valuation: $50 million
Rozee.pk is Pakistan’s largest online job portal, connecting employers with job seekers and providing career resources and tools.
7. Efood
Industry: Food Delivery
Founders: Imran Akram, Ayesha Noor
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $15 million
Efood provides a platform for ordering food from local restaurants, offering convenience and variety to users across Pakistan.
8. GharPar
Industry: Home Services
Founders: Saba Ansari, Ali Jaffar
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $10 million
GharPar offers a range of home services, including cleaning, beauty treatments, and repairs, through an easy-to-use mobile app.
9. Meraas
Industry: Real Estate
Founders: Ali Rahman, Hamza Shaukat
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $8 million
Meraas provides real estate solutions and property management services, helping users buy, sell, and manage properties efficiently.
10. Finja
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Junaid Iqbal, Ahmed Siddiqui
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $25 million
Finja offers digital financial solutions, including mobile wallets and payment services, aimed at increasing financial inclusion.
11. Eyewa
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Khurram Ghafoor, Mehmood Aslam
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $12 million
Eyewa is an online beauty and personal care store, providing a wide range of products including skincare, makeup, and haircare.
12. Kumu
Industry: Social Media
Founders: Ali Siddiqui, Zara Ahmed
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $5 million
Kumu is a social media platform focusing on community engagement and content sharing, offering unique features for user interaction.
13. NayaPay
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Umer Ali, Qasim K.
Year of Foundation: 2020
Valuation: $7 million
NayaPay offers a digital wallet and payment solution, enabling users to manage their finances and make transactions conveniently.
14. Glocal
Industry: Health Tech
Founders: Maria Awan, Ahmed Khan
Year of Foundation: 2020
Valuation: $9 million
Glocal provides telemedicine services and health management solutions, offering virtual consultations and medical advice to users.
15. SadaPay
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Ahmed Khan, Aisha Qureshi
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $11 million
SadaPay offers digital banking services with a focus on simplicity and user-friendly features, aimed at improving financial accessibility.
16. Bykea
Industry: Ride-Hailing/Logistics
Founders: Muneeb Maayr, Ali Aslam
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $30 million
Bykea provides ride-hailing, delivery, and logistics services, focusing on affordable transportation and parcel delivery solutions.
17. Tez Financial Services
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Shahbaz Mian, Ali Moin
Year of Foundation: 2019
Valuation: $6 million
Tez Financial Services offers microfinance and digital lending solutions, providing financial support to underserved communities.
18. Tajir
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Ahmad Sabir, Umar Saeed
Year of Foundation: 2019
Valuation: $8 million
Tajir is an online platform connecting wholesalers with retailers, offering a wide range of products and streamlining the supply chain.
19. Pasha Finance
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Nadia Hasan, Rauf Tariq
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $14 million
Pasha Finance offers digital financial services, including loans and investment opportunities, aimed at empowering small businesses and individuals.
20. Shopsy
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Ayesha Ali, Fawad Ahmed
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $10 million
Shopsy provides an online marketplace for a variety of products, from electronics to fashion, offering a user-friendly shopping experience.
Conclusion
Pakistan's startup ecosystem is buzzing with activity and innovation. These 20 startups are at the forefront, driving change and growth across various sectors. From fintech and e-commerce to health tech and home services, these companies are not only shaping the future of their industries but also contributing significantly to the economic development of Pakistan. Keep an eye on these trailblazers as they continue to make waves in the global startup scene!
