UnConference connects Pakistani startups with global investors

DUBAI: In just three years, an exceptional platform that has already attracted $110 million in investments for Pakistani entrepreneurs and startups hosted its sixth edition of the UnConference.

Organized by the Pakistani entrepreneurs' group, PakLaunch, the event took place near the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The forum aimed to connect Pakistani startups with global investors, providing valuable networking and business opportunities for young innovators.

With participation from over 40 Pakistani startups and more than 80 international investors, the event underscored the immense potential of Pakistan's burgeoning tech ecosystem, paving the way for transformative partnerships and future growth.

PakLaunch's mission to elevate Pakistan's tech landscape

Speaking with Geo News, Aly Fahad, Founder and CEO of PakLaunch, emphasized the long-term vision of his organisation. “Our goal is to position Pakistan among the top 10 tech ecosystems globally within the next five years. The UnConference is not just about discussions—it’s about actionable steps to empower young entrepreneurs and create business opportunities,” he stated.

Celebrating the talent of Pakistani youth

Global investor Fadi Ghandour, a keynote speaker, praised the potential of Pakistani youth. “Pakistani entrepreneurs have the ability to change the world. The time for the Middle East and South Asia to rise is now, and this is a golden opportunity for Pakistani talent to shine on the global stage,” he remarked.

Pathways to global stock listings

Hassan Rizvi, a key organizer of the UnConference, highlighted the event's role in enabling startups to access global opportunities. “Pakistani talent can connect with investors and raise funds not just locally but internationally. With the right support, these startups can even achieve listings on foreign stock exchanges,” Rizvi shared.

Success Stories: Digit+ leading the way

Speaking with Geo News, Qasim Humayun Akhtar, founder of the fintech startup Digit plus, shared his success story. “Our smart payment system has benefitted thousands of farmers across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PakLaunch platform has been instrumental in turning our vision into reality,” Qasim Akhtar said.

Investors eyeing Pakistan’s future

Misbah Naqvi, representing i2i Ventures, highlighted their commitment to fostering innovation. “We’ve supported 13 Pakistani startups so far and plan to invest further to ensure their success,” Naqvi stated.

Bilal Qureshi, a London-based investor, echoed similar sentiments. “We’re actively exploring unique projects in fintech, energy, and clean tech sectors. Pakistan’s potential for growth is immense,” he said.

Transforming investment into results

Pakistani Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi underscored the importance of platforms like the UnConference. “Pakistan’s IT exports currently stand at $3.6 billion, and we anticipate this figure could reach $35 billion in the coming years,” he stated. The ambassador described the event as an “exceptional platform” for fostering investment in Pakistan.

A bright future for Pakistani startups

The UnConference concluded on a hopeful note, with attendees lauding the event’s role in opening doors for Pakistani entrepreneurs. With its proven success in attracting $110 million in investments over the last three years, the platform has become a cornerstone for building a brighter future for Pakistan’s tech-driven economy.