Telenor Velocity, Telenor Pakistan’s premier startup accelerator program, in partnership with the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Invest2Innovate (i2i), hosted a high-impact roundtable discussion during the prestigious +92Disrupt 2024 conference. Themed “From Idea to Impact: Closing the Funding Gap in Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem,” the session brought together 36 thought leaders representing investors, startups, corporates, entrepreneurial support organizations, and policymakers.
The discussions centered on building a robust funding ecosystem for startups in Pakistan, with a focus on attracting domestic and foreign investments through policy consistency, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms. Participants highlighted the need to diversify funding sources, foster startup sustainability, and enhance investment readiness through skilled talent development, infrastructure improvements, and robust business support systems. Collaboration among stakeholders was identified as a critical driver of economic growth.
Areej Khan, Chief People Officer at Telenor Pakistan, emphasized the significance of startups as catalysts for innovation and economic progress. She remarked, “At Telenor Velocity, we understand that startups are the backbone of innovation and economic growth. By hosting this roundtable, we aim to address critical challenges such as the funding gap and bring together key stakeholders to create actionable strategies that empower Pakistani startups to succeed on a global scale.”
Sarah Munir, CEO of Invest2Innovate (i2i), highlighted the importance of collaborative platforms in addressing challenges faced by startups. She stated, “Platforms like this roundtable are key to spotting and addressing the funding challenges in Pakistan. At i2i, we aim to connect and collaborate with different stakeholders to build a more sustainable and inclusive future for entrepreneurship.”
Hamza Saeed Orakzai, Chief Market Development Officer at STZA, underscored the government’s role in fostering an enabling environment for startups. He noted, “The STZA is committed to fostering a conducive environment for startups by providing incentives, regulatory support, and access to infrastructure. This roundtable exemplifies how collaboration among government, corporate entities, and the private sector can accelerate Pakistan’s innovation-driven economy.”
Held as part of the dynamic +92Disrupt 2024 conference, the event united entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas, showcase innovations, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Telenor Velocity’s active participation reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape and driving impactful change for the country’s innovation-driven economy.
