Over the years, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has grown rapidly, attracting international attention and investments. While the country is yet to produce its first homegrown unicorn (a startup valued at $1 billion or more), several companies founded by Pakistani entrepreneurs have achieved unicorn status on the global stage. Notable examples include Careem, co-founded by Mudassir Sheikha and acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion; Afiniti, an AI-driven enterprise founded by Zia Chishti with a valuation of $1.6 billion; and KeepTruckin, a fleet management solutions company co-founded by Shoaib Makani, valued at $2.3 billion.
Although these startups have their headquarters outside of Pakistan, the country’s entrepreneurial landscape is evolving rapidly. Emerging startups like Bykea, a ride-hailing and logistics platform, are seen as strong contenders to become Pakistan’s first unicorn. With increasing investor confidence and global organizations like Endeavor supporting high-growth entrepreneurs, experts believe Pakistan could produce its first homegrown unicorn by 2025.
This article highlights some of the most promising young entrepreneurs in Pakistan who are shaping the future of the country’s tech and business ecosystem.
What is Entrepreneurship?
An entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business, takes on financial risks, and enjoys the rewards that come with innovation and perseverance. Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying a problem and creating a solution that makes life easier for people. As Bangambiki Habyarimana wisely said:
“Success in life is not for those who run fast, but for those who keep running and always on the move.”
Despite limited resources and economic challenges, Pakistan’s youth have proven their capabilities in the global startup ecosystem. Many have built successful businesses from scratch and scaled them into million-dollar ventures.
Let’s take a look at some of the top young entrepreneurs in Pakistan who have paved the way for innovation and success.
1. Muhammad Irshad Khan
Muhammad Irshad Khan is entrepreneur and the founder of GiG BUZZ one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing media outlet. Originating from District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Irshad has overcome financial and technological barriers to establish himself as a leader in digital marketing.
With a background in IT and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing, Irshad founded Buzz Marketing, a digital agency that evolved from his personal gigbuzz. His expertise in Google SEO, content marketing, and online branding has helped numerous businesses grow online.
Despite the challenges of limited resources, Irshad pursued higher education and was awarded a competitive fellowship in the United States, allowing him to refine his skills further. He later completed his MBA from the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar.
His entrepreneurial journey highlights the power of persistence and innovation in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. He later founded Buzz Marketing Agency to cater to businesses marketing needs. He is also working as digital marketing director at MediBill RCM a leading medical billing company in Houston Texas.
2. Ammar Ameen
Ammar Ameen is the co-founder and CEO of Bagallery, Pakistan’s leading beauty and fashion e-commerce platform. Established in 2017, Bagallery quickly became a household name by offering a wide range of beauty, skincare, and lifestyle products. Under Ammar’s leadership, the startup has grown exponentially, securing funding from international investors and expanding its operations. Bagallery has revolutionized the online shopping experience for Pakistani consumers, particularly in the beauty and fashion industry.
3. Syed Falak
Syed Falak is a young Pakistani entrepreneur and investor with a net worth of $1.3 million. Born on May 8, 1997, in Islamabad, he moved to London at 17 for higher education before returning home to launch multiple businesses.
At just 16 years old, Falak founded Delightfull Islamabadians Media, his first media company. Today, he runs E-Quran and Diya Fashion Hut while also being recognized with the Pakistan Business Council Award.
4. Muhammad Gulraiz Khan
Muhammad Gulraiz Khan, a LUMS graduate, is the founder of Samovar Coffee and Tea House in Karachi. His inspiration came from modern European outdoor cafes in cities like Paris, Berlin, and Istanbul.
Recognizing Pakistan as a major tea-consuming nation, Gulraiz built a thriving business offering premium tea experiences, earning him the Shell Tameer Award
5. Khalida Brohi
Khalida Brohi, a social entrepreneur and activist, was born in Balochistan, Pakistan, and later moved to the United States. She has dedicated her life to fighting for women’s rights, influenced by personal experiences of gender-based violence in her community.
Her entrepreneurial initiatives focus on empowering women through education, skills training, and advocacy.
6. Salma Rahim
Salma Rahim is the founder of Zardozi Bridal Wear, a company specializing in handcrafted bridal fashion. Growing up in Bahawalpur, she learned textile and tannery work before launching her own fashion brand.
Despite financial hardships, Salma’s determination led her to become one of Pakistan’s most successful young entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.
7. Neha Chaudhary
Neha Chaudhary is the founder of Walk to Beat, a company that designs smart walking sticks for Parkinson’s patients. Inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, she developed innovative assistive technology that improves the mobility of patients worldwide.
8. Hannia Zia
Hannia Zia is a tech entrepreneur and the founder of Pakistan Digital, a government-led initiative. She played a crucial role in Pakistan’s COVID-19 response, creating public health awareness campaigns and developing digital solutions for the pandemic.
Her contributions were recognized by former PM Imran Khan, awarding her the WHENTK Award for her outstanding efforts.
9. Muhammad Awais Qureshi and Zohaib Ali
Muhammad Awais Qureshi and Zohaib Ali co-founded Dastgyr, a B2B e-commerce platform. With an initial investment of $300,000, they built a multi-million-dollar company, helping businesses streamline procurement and supply chain operations.
Both entrepreneurs graduated from LUMS in 2014 and continue to drive innovation in Pakistan’s digital economy.
10. Taleim Ali
Taleim Ali is the founder and CEO of MyTM, a fintech startup that provides digital financial solutions to the unbanked population in Pakistan. The company offers a seamless way for people to make payments, send remittances, and access banking services through a mobile app and agent network. MyTM has received significant funding, including investment from JS Group and other venture capitalists.
Conclusion
Pakistan is a country rich in talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite economic and infrastructural challenges, these young entrepreneurs have transformed industries through innovation, hard work, and strategic thinking. From tech startups to digital marketing agencies, social enterprises, and e-commerce platforms, their contributions are shaping Pakistan’s future and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
