Sarmayacar is an early stage venture capital firm investing in Pakistani startups. Sarmayacar, initially launched as a seed fund syndicate but by late 2018 it has formally been set up as a Venture Capital fund dedicated to Pakistani startups. Sarmayacar prefers early stage investments, starting from Seed stage all the way up to Series B.
Bank Alfalah is a prominent financial institution that offers a wide range of banking and financial services to consumers, corporations, and government entities. Its operations are segmented into various areas, including retail banking, corporate banking, treasury, digital banking, Islamic banking, and international operations. The retail banking segment, which generates the majority of the bank's revenue, includes services such as loans, deposits, wealth management, and other banking transactions tailored for individual and commercial clients. Bank Alfalah is primarily focused on the Pakistani market, where it derives most of its revenue, while also providing services that cater to a diverse clientele, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Through its comprehensive suite of services, Bank Alfalah aims to meet the financial needs of its customers effectively.
Lakson Investments Venture Capital (LIVC) invests in Pakistan based opportunities. The firm concentrates on investments where technology can be leveraged to enable, enhance and disrupt existing business models or create new ones. LIVC's investment focus is at the stage in the start-up lifecycle where the company is less than 36-48 months away from a successful Series A round or potential exit. The firm also invests in select Seed rounds through its Incubation and Accelerator ecosystem relationships as well as overseas partners in Silicon Valley and Europe where it seeks to bring proven foreign technology to Pakistan. The firm's team comprises of a diverse set of investors, domain experts, operators, and entrepreneurs with a successful track record of bringing big ideas to fruition. LIVC invests alongside entrepreneurs and local businesses to build new enterprises and through investing seed capital, take ideas to the next stage. It works with Lakson Investments’ (“LI”) team of over 50 experienced professionals while at the same time, leverage the operational experience of the Lakson Group. Over 14,000 people are employed by Lakson in Pakistan in businesses across sectors such as: Technology (CyberNet & Sybrid), Broadcast and Print Media (Express Media Group), FMCG (Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan), Insurance, and QSR (McDonald’s Pakistan). LI is one of the largest private sector asset managers in Pakistan with over US$300mn under management with a rating of AM2+.
Habib Bank Limited is a prominent financial institution based in Karachi, Pakistan, founded in 1941. The bank provides a wide range of services, including corporate and commercial banking, small and medium enterprises banking, global treasury, investment banking, Islamic banking, cash management, and asset management. With a strong focus on corporate banking, Habib Bank also has a robust investment banking division that specializes in project finance, debt capital markets, syndications, securitizations, capital raising, restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions. The institution is well-positioned to serve the diverse financial needs of its clients across various sectors.
SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1995. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on deep technology innovations that address human and planetary health. The firm operates startup development programs, notably HAX and IndieBio, which provide resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate the growth of promising startups. SOSV supports companies from their inception through various funding stages, including seed and series A rounds, while offering ongoing assistance to help them scale and attract additional investors. By concentrating on revolutionary technologies and cross-border markets, particularly in Asia, SOSV aims to foster significant advancements that benefit humanity and the environment.
Fatima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Lahore, Pakistan, founded in 2014 as the venture capital arm of Fatima Group. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies and aims to enhance profitable market strategies. By investing in innovative startups, Fatima Ventures seeks to support and nurture the growth of emerging businesses in the technology sector.
British International Investment is a development finance institution and impact investor based in London, United Kingdom. Established in 1948 and wholly owned by the UK Government's Department for International Development, BII aims to foster long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and South Asia. The institution invests across various sectors, including infrastructure, health, and agribusiness, with a focus on job creation and business development. BII provides financial support through debt, equity capital, and mezzanine financing, both directly and via intermediaries, catering to a wide range of industries such as distribution, education, consulting, logistics, and electronics.
Founded in 2017 and based in Abu Dhabi, Shorooq Partners is a prominent investment firm specializing in venture capital and private credit across the Middle East and North Africa regions. With additional offices in Riyadh, Manama, Cairo, and Dubai, the firm focuses on investing in innovative technology companies, particularly in sectors such as fintech, gaming, climate, cleantech, and Web 3.0. Shorooq Partners emphasizes building partnerships with founders, supporting company development, and acting as value investors. The firm has established a strong portfolio, backing several market-leading disruptors including Pure Harvest Smart Farms and Tamara. Operating under a cohesive business name, Shorooq Partners comprises a group of affiliated companies, with its principal entity regulated by the Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
Walled City Co., founded in 2018 and based in Lahore, Pakistan, is an angel investment group that focuses on supporting seed-stage and early-stage companies. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including agri-tech, consumer-tech, engineering products, fashion and design, fintech, logistics and supply-chain, and property-tech. Walled City Co. aims to create long-term value by partnering with innovative and passionate founding teams that leverage technology-centric market opportunities. Beyond providing capital, the firm emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration, offering resources such as a network of fellow founders, industry experts, and advisors to help startups progress and thrive. Central to its philosophy is the concept of coopetition, which combines competition and cooperation, enabling Walled City Co. to build a supportive ecosystem for emerging companies in Pakistan.
47 Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in Ebene, Mauritius. The firm focuses on investing in high-growth businesses in Pakistan that utilize technology to achieve scalability. Its investment portfolio spans a wide range of sectors, including information technology, e-commerce, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, among others. By targeting innovative companies that leverage technological advancements, 47 Ventures aims to foster the growth of the Pakistani business landscape while driving significant returns on investment.
Systems Limited is a prominent software development and business process outsourcing (BPO) company based in Lahore, Pakistan, with a strong presence in North America, the Middle East, and Pakistan. Founded in 1977, the company specializes in a wide range of solutions including digital commerce, data management, cloud services, application development, and IT infrastructure. Its offerings include Partner Communication for data transmission between enterprises, Middleware Connector for seamless integration with Dynamics 365, and Retail Analytics for business intelligence in the retail sector. Additionally, Systems Limited provides HauteLogic for fashion supply chain management, SysHCM for human capital management, and TrIPS, a cloud-based insurance solution. The company serves various industries such as retail, consumer goods, financial services, and telecommunications, as well as public sector organizations.
Jahangir Siddiqui & Company, also known as JS Group, is a prominent financial management firm based in Karachi, Pakistan, established in 1991. The company operates across various sectors within the financial services industry, encompassing asset management, commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, securities brokerage, and insurance. In addition to its core financial operations, JS Group actively engages in long-term investments across diverse sectors, including technology, transportation, media, and industrial companies. With a strong presence in major cities throughout Pakistan, the firm also manages its international operations from London and Dubai. The company's diversified approach allows it to adapt to different business cycles, positioning it to capitalize on growth opportunities within the evolving economic landscape of Pakistan.
Lakson Investments Limited is a privately owned investment manager established in 2009 and headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, with an additional office in Lahore. As the investment arm of The Lakson Group, the firm caters to a diverse clientele, including retirement funds, family offices, corporations, endowments, and individual investors. It manages a variety of portfolios and mutual funds, focusing on equity, fixed income, and balanced strategies. Lakson Investments specializes in investments across multiple sectors, including technology, media, consumer goods, insurance, and quick-service restaurants, primarily targeting Pakistan-based companies. The firm employs a blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis, utilizing in-house research to guide its investment decisions and also invests in public equity, fixed income markets, and commodities globally.
Access Bridge Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, including healthcare, education technology, fintech, enterprise technology, SaaS, e-commerce, and marketplace enablers. It aims to identify exceptional entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, and occasionally invests in opportunities outside these regions. Access Bridge Ventures typically leads investment rounds and provides ongoing support to its portfolio companies, assisting them throughout their growth journey.
Deosai Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 2020 and based in Islamabad, Pakistan. The firm specializes in early-stage investments and is sector agnostic, allowing it to explore a diverse range of opportunities within the startup ecosystem of Pakistan. By focusing on early-stage startups, Deosai Ventures aims to foster innovation and support the growth of emerging businesses in the region.
Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. With a global outlook, Global Founders Capital seeks to empower entrepreneurs across all continents, particularly in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. The firm evaluates investment opportunities based on their potential impact and feasibility, aiming to support individuals with transformative ideas.
INAARA IMPACT VENTURES is creating a framework for funding, product prototyping and infrastructure development for Pakistan based social business start ups. This platform will provide seed and growth capital, IoT based prototyping opportunities and advisory services for refinement of business plans.
Jazz is a prominent mobile operator and digital services company in Pakistan, offering a wide range of mobile services, including voice, SMS, and data plans. The company was a pioneer in introducing 4G services in the region, ensuring high-speed internet connectivity and consistently expanding its network to enhance service quality. In addition to telecommunication services, Jazz has made significant strides in the digital landscape with the launch of JazzCash, a mobile financial service that facilitates transactions, bill payments, and money transfers. By focusing on digital transformation, Jazz also provides mobile banking and e-commerce solutions, catering to the needs of both individual and corporate subscribers across the country.
VEF is an investment company listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market in Sweden under the ticker VEFL. We invest in growth stage private fintech companies across the emerging world. We take minority stakes and are active investors with board representation in each of our portfolio holdings. We respect the macro, but are firm believers that the secular growth trend of EM fintech outweighs all the macro uncertainty and volatility that we and our portfolio companies will invariably live through. A digital financial world is the end game and the best companies always come out of pockets of macro and market turbulence in a stronger relative position.
Meezan Bank Limited is an Islamic commercial bank based in Karachi, Pakistan, established in 1997. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking services, including corporate, commercial, consumer, investment, and retail banking. Its operations are organized into several segments, notably Corporate and Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Trading and Sales, and Others. Meezan Bank provides various financial solutions such as project finance, export finance, trade finance, and credit facilities tailored to the needs of its clients. Additionally, the bank delivers investment banking services, including syndication and underwriting, and caters to small and medium enterprises with tailored financial products. As of December 31, 2019, Meezan Bank operated 760 branches and 729 ATMs across 220 cities in Pakistan, emphasizing its extensive reach within the country. The bank's commitment to Islamic banking principles differentiates it in the financial sector.
VentureDive is an award-winning custom software development company dedicated to transforming lives globally through cutting-edge technology solutions. Since its inception in 2012, VentureDive has catalyzed the success of two tech unicorns (Careem & Motive) and spearheaded digital transformations for Fortune 500 companies across BFSI, CPG/retail, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and QSR industries. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, with a global footprint encompassing Silicon Valley, London, Portugal, Dubai, and Pakistan, VentureDive thrives on innovation and a commitment to quality. With over 947 projects successfully delivered, VentureDive exemplifies excellence through its Tech Center of Excellence (COE) and a seasoned team of professionals with expertise anchored in profound data and AI acumen.
Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited is a prominent manufacturer and seller of consumer and commercial food products in Pakistan. Established in 1948 and headquartered in Karachi, the company offers a diverse range of products, including soups, sauces, seasonings, ice cream, and various personal care items such as soaps and shampoos. Its extensive brand portfolio includes well-known names like Rafhan, Knorr, Lifebuoy, Lipton, and Magnum, catering to a wide array of consumer needs. Unilever Pakistan Foods operates as a subsidiary of Conopco Inc. USA and has evolved from its original name, Rafhan Best Foods Limited, which was changed in April 2007. The company’s operations reflect its commitment to providing quality food and personal care products, serving both individual consumers and commercial clients across Pakistan.
Emirates Telecommunications Group Company, based in Abu Dhabi, is a leading telecommunications provider operating across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Established in 1976, the company, formerly known as Emirates Telecommunications Corporation, offers a diverse range of services including mobile and fixed broadband, voice communication, television, and cloud-based solutions. It serves consumers, businesses, and government entities through a portfolio that encompasses media services, internet of things, mobile money, and various value-added services. Additionally, Emirates Telecommunications Group is involved in infrastructure development, consultancy, and the management of network systems, with significant operations in the UAE, as well as in countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.
Fullerton Financial Holdings (FFH) is a company that specializes in financial advisory services. It invests in and operates financial institutions in emerging markets. Currently, FFH has 9 entities in 8 different countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai, Pakistan, China, India, Cambodia, and Myanmar. These entities have more than 80,000 employees, serving over 7 million customers across Asia. FFH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek (Private) Holdings, an investment company based in Singapore.
Oracle Power PLC is a UK-based company focused on the exploration and development of coal resources in Pakistan. Primarily, it is engaged in the development of lignite coal in Block VI of the Thar desert in Sindh province, where it aims to establish an open-pit mine that will supply a mine-mouth power plant. In addition to its coal projects, Oracle Power is exploring opportunities in gold in Western Australia and is also working on a green hydrogen project in Pakistan. This diverse portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to advancing energy solutions while exploring new resource opportunities.
The Osiris Group is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Hong Kong, focusing on growth equity and infrastructure investments in frontier markets across Emerging Asia. The firm engages in seed and incubation investments, primarily targeting sectors such as climate security, food and agriculture security, data security, healthcare, and financial inclusion. Its investment activities are concentrated in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with the goal of fostering transformative impact in these regions.
Ciklum is a Danish IT outsourcing company founded in 2002, specializing in nearshore software development primarily in Eastern Europe, including Ukraine and Belarus. The company offers a range of services such as software development, quality assurance, IoT, big data analytics, and engineering consulting. Ciklum's business model combines technical expertise with a focus on client collaboration, allowing companies to enhance their IT processes and sustain growth through scalable resources. With a workforce of over 1,700 IT specialists, Ciklum supports more than 150 global clients and provides both project-based services and short-term resource solutions for specific tasks. The company operates six development offices in Ukraine, one in Belarus, and two in Pakistan, with additional representative offices across several European countries. Ciklum has received multiple accolades for its innovation and service quality, including recognition as a top IT employer in Ukraine and awards for its contributions to technology in the EMEA region.
VEON Ltd. is a global telecommunications company headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that provides mobile and fixed-line services across various countries, including Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The company offers a wide range of voice and data telecommunication services, including mobile internet, multimedia messaging, national and international roaming, and various value-added services. It operates under well-known brands such as Beeline, Kyivstar, Jazz, Djezzy, and banglalink, serving approximately 212 million customers. VEON focuses on leveraging technology to deliver connectivity and digital services, thereby empowering individuals and fostering economic growth in the regions it serves. The company was founded in 1992 and underwent a rebranding from VimpelCom Ltd. to VEON Ltd. in 2017.
VentureSouq is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm specializes in managing thematic funds with a focus on early-stage technology companies. Its investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including FinTech, ClimateTech, agriculture tech, environmental tech, food tech, enterprise software, health tech, and digital media. With a global portfolio, VentureSouq aims to support innovative startups in the MENA region and beyond.
GuarantCo mobilizes local currency investment for infrastructure projects and supports the development of financial markets in lower-income countries. It aims to enhance the availability and role of local currency finance for infrastructure projects and developing local capital markets in Africa and Asia. The firm has a portfolio consisting of 18 countries and two multi-country projects in Africa and Asia. Its activities are managed through GuarantCo Management Company by the Cardano Development Group.
Rally Cap is a global community of tech folks investing in an exclusive portfolio of top-tier early stage venture funds in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
The Bank of Punjab is a financial institution that offers a diverse array of personal and business banking products. Its services include corporate and investment banking, consumer banking, Islamic banking, payment solutions, and home remittance services. The bank also focuses on cards and public sector deposits, as well as treasury operations. The majority of its revenue is generated from the consumer banking group segment, reflecting its commitment to meeting the needs of individual customers and businesses alike. With a comprehensive suite of banking solutions, the Bank of Punjab aims to cater to various financial requirements in the region.
BEENEXT is a venture capital firm based in Singapore, established in 2015. It focuses on supporting early-stage technology startups, primarily in South East Asia, India, and Japan. The firm is managed by a team of serial entrepreneurs who leverage their operational experience and extensive networks to assist founders. BEENEXT emphasizes building a community of entrepreneurs, aiming to create a platform that is by and for founders. Since its inception, the firm has invested in over 180 companies globally, focusing on new digital platforms powered by data networks.
Mentors Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on investing in capital-efficient startups across a variety of sectors, including data science and analytics, media and telecommunications, finance, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, machine learning, drones, healthcare, retail, and agriculture. In addition to financial investments, Mentors Fund provides mentorship to its portfolio companies, aiming to support their growth and development in competitive markets.
CrossFund is an exclusive venture collective designed to assist founders in raising early-stage capital while facilitating connections with accredited investors and experienced mentors. The organization focuses on supporting early-stage tech companies in emerging markets, offering resources and expertise to help entrepreneurs enhance their profitability. By creating a professional network, CrossFund aims to empower businesses and entrepreneurs, enabling them to navigate the challenges of securing funding and scaling operations in a competitive landscape.
Palm Drive Capital LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, New York, with an additional office in Miami, Florida. The firm focuses on early-stage and growth capital investments, primarily in deep tech and enterprise software companies. It aims to support innovative ventures across various sectors, including software as a service, artificial intelligence, fintech, and e-commerce. While its primary investment activities are concentrated on the West Coast, Palm Drive Capital also has a presence in emerging technology hubs throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and South of the United States. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs to foster business growth and development in the technology sector.
Orbit Startups, founded in 2010 and based in Singapore, is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in technology companies that aim to digitize traditional industries and enhance living standards sustainably in emerging markets. The firm offers a comprehensive program that includes hands-on support in areas such as partnerships, business development, fundraising, and growth, along with an initial investment package and opportunities for follow-on funding. Orbit Startups particularly emphasizes digitalization within sectors like e-commerce, fintech, media, healthcare, education, and logistics, positioning itself as a key player in fostering innovation and development in these fields.
Gobi Partners is the most interconnected Pan-Asian venture capital firm with US$1.5 billion in assets under management (AUM). Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages and focuses on emerging and underserved markets. Founded in 2002, Gobi has raised 15 funds to date, invested in over 350 startups and nurtured 10 unicorns. Gobi has grown to 15 locations across key markets in Bangkok, Beijing, Cairo, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Surabaya. As a Participant of the United Nations Global Compact, Gobi Partners is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption to ensure long-term value creation and sustainability across our portfolio.
Raed Ventures is a Riyadh-based venture capital firm established in 2015, specializing in seed and early-stage investments in startups across Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. The firm focuses on various sectors, including media, retail, software, commercial services, and healthcare. Raed Ventures aims to support entrepreneurial teams that are transforming market landscapes by providing them access to the Saudi and GCC markets. The firm fosters collaboration with its sister companies to enhance startups' operational capabilities, leveraging its extensive market knowledge and network to aid in the execution of their business plans.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to private sector development in developing countries. The organization provides a range of financial and advisory services to foster economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. IFC invests in both direct projects and funds, focusing on emerging markets and prioritizing sustainability and inclusive development. It offers a diverse array of financial instruments, such as equity, loans, and quasi-equity products, while adhering to strict investment guidelines that exclude certain industries, such as weapons, tobacco, and gambling. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, supporting projects that are predominantly privately owned in member countries. The organization does not actively manage portfolio companies but seeks to exit investments through equity sales or public listings, often maintaining equity stakes for eight to fifteen years.
US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
Elahi Group of Companies has been involved in supply chain business segment involved in procurement of raw materials for different manufacturing concerns including transformer industry, inventory management, storage and logistics of huge volumes.
Pioneer Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, with its headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The firm focuses on early-stage investments and is particularly tied to the Y Combinator network, comprising over 420 alumni from the accelerator program. Pioneer Fund targets a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products, financial services, information technology, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, life sciences, gaming, artificial intelligence, and education technology, among others. By leveraging its connection to Y Combinator, Pioneer Fund aims to support innovative startups with high growth potential across various industries.
Hi2 Venture Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Hi2 Global. The fund invests in seed stage innovative early-stage companies in emerging sectors including fintech, AI, consumer-tech, clean-tech and health-tech in United States, Asia, Africa, and LATAM.
Rebel Fund is a seed-stage venture capital fund powered by an elite network of Y Combinator alumni along with a proprietary machine learning algorithm for statistically predicting startup success.