Pakistan’s Startup Landscape Stays Active Despite Zero Investments in February

Hello Readers,

While February mirrored January with no disclosed startup investments, the ecosystem remained dynamic. From BusCaro ’s latest funding round to Disrupt.com’s $100M AI commitment, key developments continue to shape Pakistan’s startup scene.

In this issue, we cover:

? Industry highlights

? Friday Feature on climate tech funding gaps

? i2i’s latest initiatives

? FPCCI’s first-ever startup support program

Let’s jump in!

??Industry news and highlights

BusCaro Secures Investment from Epic Angels to Revolutionize Transit

Pakistani mobility startup BusCaro secured funding from Epic Angels , Wahed Ventures, and angel investors to expand safe, tech-driven mass transit. With $6M ARR, 12M+ bookings, and zero-cost customer acquisition, BusCaro addresses safety, pricing transparency, and reliability in Pakistan’s fragmented transport sector, particularly benefiting women commuters. Profitability expected by 2026.?

ABHI & TPL Corp Launch Microfinance Bank to Expand Financial Access in Pakistan

Abhi (YC S21) and TPL Corp have officially launched ABHI Microfinance Bank, aiming to enhance financial inclusion in Pakistan. The exclusive event gathered international investors, industry leaders, and financial experts to discuss the future of microfinance, digital banking, and financial empowerment, marking a key milestone in Pakistan’s financial sector.

Karachi-Born Disrupt.com Commits $100M to AI Ventures Amid Global VC Slowdown

UAE-based Disrupt.com, founded in Karachi by Aaqib, Uzair, and Umair Gadit ( Aaqib Gadit , Uzair Gadit , Umair Gadit ) has pledged $100 million to build and back AI-first startups globally. Despite a 29% drop in MENA VC funding ($2B in 2024) and an 8% decline in UAE ($613M), Disrupt.com is taking a contrarian approach, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, Web3.0, automotive tech, and retail innovation. Originally Gaditek (est. 2008, Karachi), the firm made headlines with cloudways ’ $350M acquisition (2022). With $40M+ deployed, it backs ventures like ZigChain, PureSquare, Agentnoon, and Ahya. While UAE-based, Disrupt.com continues to leverage Pakistan’s tech talent, with 650+ global professionals, many from Karachi.

??Friday Feature and the long-form article

Climate-tech Funding: The Mismatch Catch?

The climate tech sector grew 45x in a decade, reaching $2.5 trillion in 2023. However, funding is misaligned, with 40-46% going to mobility (14% emissions), while industry (34% emissions) gets only 8-18%. Experts call for redirected investment, public-private partnerships, and region-specific solutions to maximize environmental impact.

For the full Friday Feature, click here.

Pakistan’s climate tech industry poised for multi-billion dollar growth

Pakistan’s climate tech industry is projected to reach $3-4 billion within five years, driven by tech talent, low costs, and ESG regulations. Key opportunities lie in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture, but funding constraints and regulatory hurdles remain barriers. Experts stress the need for policy reforms and investment incentives. To know more, read the full article here.?

???From the Desk of i2i

February Highlights: i2i’s Startup & Investor Engagement ??

February was a milestone month for Invest2Innovate (i2i), packed with impactful initiatives to support startup growth and investor connections.

?? HEC Investor Connect (ICE25) i2i played a key role in:

? Investment Readiness – Conducted pitch training & mock sessions.

? Startup Evaluation – Shortlisted top 5 startups for investor pitches.

? Investor Office Hours – Arranged 15+ 1:1 meetings with investors.

? Pitch Sessions – Provided structured feedback for fundraising strategies.

?? i2i’s Startup-Investor Connect

Six startups— NewVative , Fortify , Tarsil , Walee Financial Services, ZeroSlip.co , and My Impact Meter —pitched to 15 investors. With pre-event coaching & financial modeling by Mohsen Siddiqui ( GenMo CEO), startups refined their pitches, leading to scheduled 1:1 investor meetings.

?? i2iScale Sprint 4 Kicks Off!

Our 3-month accelerator program features Growth, Scale, & Fundraise tracks. Startups like Blink, EV Square, and Grasp XR benefit from top mentors like Ali Khan-Bajauri ( JOMO Technologies Canada ), Wahaj Ahmed ( Retailo Technologies ), & Bj?rn Lindfors ( Antler ).

Scale to KSA: Your Gateway to a Booming Market!

i2i’s Scale to KSA Track helps startups expand into Saudi Arabia, where $750M was invested in 178 deals in 2024. Overcome entry barriers with expert mentorship, market entry strategies, and VC connections. Led by industry leaders, this program equips founders for success.

?? Apply by March 17 → Apply Here

Join our webinar on KSA business setup! ?? March 13 | 2-4 PM PKT | Zoom ?? Register Now: Here

FPCCI Launches First-Ever Startup Support Program for Students & IT Entrepreneurs

The FPCCI - Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry introduced its first-ever startup support program in February to empower university students and IT entrepreneurs. The initiative will provide mentorship and investment opportunities to help startups overcome financial challenges and drive economic growth.

The flagship event, LaunchPad Pakistan 2025, is scheduled for April 19. As part of the program, FPCCI will connect startups with a network of 500+ top businessmen across Pakistan, facilitating investment and fostering innovation. This initiative aims to support young talent, create jobs, and strengthen Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. ??

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