Islamabad, Dec 16: Telenor Velocity, the premier startup accelerator program of Telenor Pakistan, in partnership with the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and Invest2Innovate (i2i), successfully hosted a roundtable discussion at the prestigious +92Disrupt 2024. The session, themed “From Idea to Impact: Closing the Funding Gap in Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem,” gathered 36 thought leaders, including investors, entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, and policymakers, to explore strategies for strengthening the country’s startup funding ecosystem.
The discussions centered on critical issues such as attracting both domestic and foreign investment, fostering policy consistency, offering tax incentives, and implementing regulatory reforms. Participants also focused on diversifying funding sources, ensuring the sustainability of startups, and enhancing investment readiness through improved talent, infrastructure, and business support. The importance of collaboration between various stakeholders to drive economic growth was highlighted as a key factor in accelerating innovation.
Areej Khan, Chief People Officer at Telenor Pakistan, emphasized the role of startups in driving innovation and economic development. She noted, “At Telenor Velocity, we understand that startups are the backbone of innovation. By hosting this roundtable, we aim to address critical challenges, such as the funding gap, and bring together stakeholders to create actionable strategies that enable Pakistani startups to succeed on a global scale.”
Sarah Munir, CEO of Invest2Innovate (i2i), stressed the importance of such platforms in addressing funding challenges. “These discussions are vital for identifying and tackling funding obstacles in Pakistan. We are committed to connecting and collaborating with stakeholders to create a sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurial future,” she said.
Hamza Saeed Orakzai, Chief Market Development Officer at STZA, emphasized the authority’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for startups through regulatory support and infrastructure access. “Collaboration between government, corporates, and the private sector is essential to accelerating Pakistan’s innovation-driven economy,” he added.
The roundtable at +92Disrupt 2024 underscored the collective effort needed to create a thriving startup ecosystem in Pakistan, reaffirming Telenor Velocity’s dedication to nurturing the country’s entrepreneurial landscape and fostering impactful change.
