Bank Alfalah offers comprehensive financial solutions to consumers, corporations, institutions, and governments. Its services include corporate and investment banking, consumer banking and credit, securities brokerage, commercial finance, agriculture financing, asset financing, and Islamic banking.
Zayn Capital is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in growth-stage companies in Pakistan, as well as selectively participating in promising seed rounds. The firm was formed following the merger of BitRate Venture Capital, which previously specialized in supporting emerging ventures in the region. Zayn Capital aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship by providing financial resources and strategic support to high-potential startups, thereby contributing to the development of the local economy and the broader tech ecosystem. Through its investments, Zayn Capital seeks to identify and nurture companies that demonstrate significant growth potential and align with its vision of driving sustainable business success in Pakistan.
Founded in 2018, Sarmayacar is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in Pakistani startups. It focuses on sectors such as fintech, healthtech, e-commerce, and hospitality.
Fatima Gobi Ventures is a Lahore-based venture capital firm founded in 2019 that backs technology-enabled startups addressing market needs in Pakistan, with a focus on logistics, mobility, consumer and retail, travel, fintech, education, and healthcare, and aims to advance inclusion across these sectors.
Indus Valley Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2020 and based in Karachi, Pakistan. The firm is dedicated to investing in innovative startups that are aiming to transform various industries within Pakistan and the surrounding region. By focusing on early-stage companies, Indus Valley Capital seeks to support entrepreneurial endeavors that have the potential for significant impact and growth in the local market.
Founded in 2017, Shorooq Partners is a leading venture capital firm focused on the Middle East and North Africa regions. The firm invests in innovative technology companies across sectors such as fintech, platforms, software, gaming, and web3. Notable investments include Pure Harvest Smart Farms, Nymcard, Tamara, Sarwa, Lean Technologies, TruKKer, Mozn, and Lendo. Shorooq Partners operates regionally with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Egypt, and Korea.
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+.
VEON is a digital operator that provides mobile and fixed-line connectivity and related services across multiple markets. It offers voice and data services, roaming, content, and mobile financial services, along with fixed-line Internet, data transmission, and network access for consumers, businesses, and operators. The company operates under the Beeline, Kyivstar, Jazz, Djezzy, and banglalink brands in Russia, Pakistan, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Georgia, serving about 212 million customers. Its activities focus on converged connectivity and digital services, including machine-to-machine offerings and international transit for partners.
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.
Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.
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.
Lakson Investments Limited, established in 2009, is a privately owned investment manager headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan, with an additional office in Lahore. The firm offers tailored investment services to a diverse range of clients, including retirement funds, family offices, corporations, and high net worth individuals. Lakson manages client-focused portfolios and offers equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds. Its investment strategy spans global public equity and fixed income markets, as well as commodities, utilizing a blend of quantitative and qualitative analysis. The firm's in-house research drives its investment decisions. Lakson is also an active player in Pakistan's private equity and venture capital landscape, focusing on early-stage and mid-market investments across various sectors such as technology, media, fast-moving consumer goods, insurance, and quick-service restaurants.
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.
Established in 2018, Karavan is a global venture capital platform driven by a community of investors dedicated to fostering and scaling innovative startups in Pakistan.
Founded in Singapore in 2017, Antler is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests globally. It focuses on backing exceptional founders from day one, offering a global community network of co-founders, talent, advisors, expansion support, and capital across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and more.
Established in 1948, British International Investment is a UK government-backed development finance institution and impact investor. It focuses on long-term economic growth and sustainability in emerging markets by investing in infrastructure, health, agribusiness, and other sectors.
Access Bridge Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2020, it invests in startups across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, with opportunities outside these regions considered on a case-by-case basis. The firm focuses on healthcare, education technology, fintech, enterprise technology, software as a service, e-commerce, and marketplace models. It typically leads rounds and provides ongoing support as the first institutional investor to help portfolio companies grow.
Frontier Car Group is a Berlin-based startup focused on developing and operating used automotive marketplaces in emerging markets, including Nigeria, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Pakistan, and Indonesia. The company aims to simplify the process of buying and selling used cars through its online platform, which features a digital quote engine that provides instant pricing for vehicles. This technology not only enhances the efficiency of transactions but also facilitates quick vehicle inspections at designated locations. By leveraging innovative business models and infrastructure, Frontier Car Group is able to create value for all stakeholders involved in the used car market. Additionally, the company is engaged in joint ventures with OLX in India and Poland, further expanding its reach and impact in the automotive sector.
Inaara Impact Ventures focuses on supporting social business startups in Pakistan by providing a comprehensive framework for funding, product prototyping, and infrastructure development. The organization offers seed and growth capital to emerging enterprises, facilitating access to resources necessary for scaling. Additionally, it provides opportunities for IoT-based prototyping, allowing startups to innovate and test their products effectively. Advisory services are also available to help refine business plans, ensuring that entrepreneurs are well-prepared for the market. Through these initiatives, Inaara Impact Ventures aims to foster a sustainable ecosystem for social entrepreneurship in the region.
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.
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.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Dubai, Venture Souq is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments. It primarily targets technology-focused companies, with a current emphasis on FinTech and ClimateTech sectors.
Founded in 1976, Emirates Telecommunications Group provides telecommunications services across Asia and Africa. Its offerings include mobile, fixed broadband, TV, voice, carrier services, cloud solutions, internet of things, mobile money, and other value-added services.
Established in 2008, Fullerton Financial Holdings operates as a financial advisory firm, investing in and managing financial institutions across emerging markets. With entities in eight Asian countries, it employs over 80,000 staff serving more than seven million customers. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Temasek (Private) Holdings, it specializes in the mass market and SME segments within the financial services sector.
Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company that designs, manufactures, and markets fast-moving consumer goods across foods, personal care, home care, and refreshments. It operates in more than 100 countries and sells products in over 190 markets, supported by a broad portfolio of brands such as Dove, Knorr, Lipton, Magnum, Sunsilk, Lux, Hellmann’s, Surf, Omo, Cif, and Wall’s. The company runs a global network of manufacturing facilities and distribution channels to serve retailers and consumers. Its activities span four segments: Personal Care, Foods, Home Care, and Refreshment, encompassing products from skincare and shampoo to soups, sauces, beverages, and ice cream. Unilever pursues sustainable living and aims to improve health, well-being, and livelihoods for people and communities worldwide while pursuing growth in both developed and emerging markets.
Ciklum is a Danish IT outsourcing company that specializes in nearshore software development, primarily in Eastern Europe, notably Ukraine and Belarus. Founded in 2002, Ciklum employs over 1,700 IT specialists and serves more than 150 global clients through dedicated software development teams. The company offers a range of services including software development outsourcing, quality assurance, IoT, big data analytics, and engineering consulting, which support clients in their digital transformation efforts. Ciklum's unique business model emphasizes a collaborative approach, combining human interaction with technological expertise to foster growth and adaptability in fluctuating markets. The company provides both project-based services and short-term resources to address specific client needs efficiently. Ciklum operates development offices across Ukraine, Belarus, and Pakistan, with representative offices in several European countries. It has received multiple accolades for its innovation and quality of service, including recognition as one of the top IT employers in Ukraine. Ciklum is also an active member of various industry associations, reinforcing its commitment to the IT sector.
360training.com, Inc. is an online training and certification provider headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional offices in Karachi, Pakistan, and Manila, Philippines. Founded in 1997, the company specializes in delivering comprehensive e-learning solutions across various industries, including environmental health and safety, food and beverage, real estate, and more. Its offerings encompass a wide range of educational programs and certifications, such as business skills training, HR compliance, and industrial skills development. The company also provides custom content, learning management systems, and a diverse content library to colleges, proprietary schools, associations, and corporations. With a commitment to enhancing the health, safety, and financial security of its customers and their communities, 360training.com plays a vital role in workforce development and compliance training across North America and internationally.
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.
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.
Temasek Holdings is a Singaporean investment company owned by the government of Singapore. It invests in a broad range of sectors including technology, financial services, consumer, industrial and healthcare. The company seeks to create long‑term value for the nation by investing in companies that demonstrate strong growth potential and sustainable business models. Temasek operates globally, with a portfolio that spans Asia, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East. It focuses on responsible investment practices and aims to generate competitive returns while contributing to economic development and societal progress.
Enhance Ventures is a venture studio founded in 2016 and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It specializes in building online businesses across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, and Turkey, with a focus on finance and commerce. The firm develops life‑enhancing products and services, exemplified by its portfolio company joi, a leading online gifting platform. Investors include 500 Startups, Shorooq Capital, Inet, Hala Capital, Kadi Holding, Two Culture Capital, and prominent angel investors from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
Founded in Berlin in 2013, Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm supporting entrepreneurs across various stages and global markets. It focuses on software and TMT sectors, investing based on potential impact and feasibility.
VEF is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2015 that focuses on fintech companies in emerging markets. It invests in early and growth-stage startups, takes minority stakes, and provides active governance through board representation in portfolio companies. The firm aims to support innovative financial technology businesses across the emerging world, helping drive digital financial inclusion and efficiency as markets evolve.
Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners is a Pan-Asian venture capital firm with over $1.5 billion in assets under management. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from early to growth stages, focusing on emerging markets. With 15 locations across Asia, Gobi has invested in over 350 startups and nurtured 10 unicorns.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. It provides financial services, including loans and equity investments, ranging from $1 million to $100 million, with a focus on projects that drive economic growth and social impact. IFC invests across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, technology, and financial services.
The Export-Import Bank of Korea, established in 1976 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, supports Korean enterprises engaged in international business through various financial programs. Its primary services include export and trade finance, as well as loan and guarantee programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients. The bank provides financing for export-related activities, import transactions, and overseas investments, alongside financial advisory services. It also manages government-entrusted funds aimed at fostering economic development and international cooperation. The Export-Import Bank of Korea operates a network of ten domestic branches, three domestic offices, and twenty-four overseas offices to facilitate its operations and enhance support for Korean businesses abroad. Through these initiatives, the bank plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and strengthening Korea's global trade relationships.
Sturgeon Capital is a London-based investment boutique established in 2006, specializing in the development of technology businesses in frontier markets. The firm operates as an asset manager and provides venture capital funding, primarily targeting startups in financial technology, business-to-business services, software, and marketplace sectors. Sturgeon Capital aims to foster innovation and growth by supporting leading tech ventures in emerging economies.
The Asian Development Bank is an international development finance institution established in 1966. Headquartered in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, it provides loans, grants, technical assistance, and policy dialogue to promote social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific. The bank focuses on sectors such as infrastructure, education, health, environment, and poverty reduction.
CrossFund is an invitation-only venture collective and operator of an investment platform that helps founders raise early-stage capital and connect with accredited investors and mentors. It specializes in cross-border, early-stage technology companies in emerging markets, providing guidance and access to capital to support scalable growth.
Founded in Shanghai, China in 2002, Pre-IPO Capital Partners is a direct investment firm focused on funding startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the information technology, biomedical, and new energy sectors.
Sunsino Venture Group is a venture capital firm based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 1994. The firm has invested in over 200 companies across Taiwan and the United States, focusing primarily on the healthcare, technology, and software sectors. With approximately US$150 million in assets under management, Sunsino Venture Group aims to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these industries.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international financial organization established in 1945, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, and promote sustainable economic growth while reducing poverty. The IMF was created following discussions among representatives from 45 countries in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, aimed at preventing the economic turmoil that contributed to the Second World War. The organization serves its 188 member countries by monitoring global economic trends, providing policy advice, and offering financial assistance to nations facing balance of payments issues. Additionally, the IMF delivers concessional loans to support poverty alleviation in developing countries and offers technical assistance and training to improve economic management. Through these efforts, the IMF aims to help countries navigate the challenges of globalization and achieve economic stability and growth.
Acumen is a nonprofit organization established in 2001 and based in New York City, with additional offices in Mumbai, Nairobi, Karachi, and Accra. The organization is dedicated to poverty eradication by raising charitable funds to invest in early-stage companies that provide essential services such as clean energy, healthcare, education, agricultural inputs, formal housing, and safe drinking water to low-income communities. Acumen has made significant investments totaling $128 million in 128 companies across 14 countries, impacting the lives of over 308 million individuals. The organization collaborates with notable partners, including the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Google.org, to address critical challenges faced by underserved populations.
BEENEXT is a Singapore-based venture capital firm that backs early-stage technology startups with global reach. Founded in 2015, it leverages its network and operational experience to help founders scale, investing primarily in seed and Series A rounds across the United States, Southeast Asia, Japan, and India. The firm focuses on information technology, software-as-a-service, fintech, artificial intelligence, and other tech-enabled sectors, supporting companies at the intersection of digital platforms and data networks. Its aim is to build a global founder-led platform by connecting entrepreneurs across regions and providing capital and strategic guidance to accelerate growth.
Founded in 2015, Raed Ventures is a Saudi venture capital firm headquartered in Riyadh. It partners with exceptional founders building transformative startups in MENA, providing funding and support for seed and early-stage companies.
Founded in 2017, Mentors Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco. It invests in and mentors early-stage startups across various sectors, focusing on capital-efficient businesses.