Pakistan has emerged as a startup hub in recent years with the technology industry boom and an increasing number of young, innovative entrepreneurs. While the Covid-19 pandemic may have put a dent in the country’s economy, the startup ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience in 2023 with a flurry of activity in the digital space.
With the aim to explore the successful startups of Pakistan, this article is going to shed light on the top 15 successful startups in Pakistan in 2023 and how they are working.
1. Indrive
InDrive, the startup ride-hailing service in Pakistan, has been making waves in the country’s transportation industry with its innovative approach. Launched in 2016, InDrive is a platform that connects riders with drivers through its mobile application, offering a safe, reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
The company offers a range of services to cater to different segments of the market, including InDrive Go, InDrive Lite, InDrive Plus and InDrive Premier. Each service comes with its own pricing and features, giving riders the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their needs.
One of the unique features of InDrive is its commitment to providing extensive training to its drivers to ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver excellent customer service. The company emphasizes on road safety and traffic regulations to ensure the safety of both riders and drivers. In addition, InDrive also offers free medical check-ups for its drivers to ensure that they are fit to drive and maintain their well-being.
2. Food Panda
Food Panda is a renowned online food delivery start-up in Pakistan, that began its operations in 2012. Food Panda has revolutionized the food ordering and delivery system, giving customers across Pakistan the convenience of ordering food from their favourite restaurants around them, with just a few clicks on their phones or computers.
The company has achieved remarkable success in Pakistan, with a presence in all major cities. Food Panda offers a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Pakistani dishes to international cuisine, catering to the diverse taste buds of its customers. The company has also achieved a significant milestone by partnering with more than 15,000 restaurant partners, making it one of the largest food delivery services in Pakistan. With an emphasis on timely delivery, quality food, and excellent customer service, Food Panda has become the go-to option for many who want to enjoy their favourite dishes from the comfort of their homes. With its continued growth and success, Food Panda has certainly established itself as a major player in the online food delivery industry in Pakistan.
3. Comence
Comence is a dynamic coworking space that has been recently launched in Lahore, Pakistan, and it is rapidly becoming one of the top go-to places for entrepreneurs and start-ups alike. The coworking space is designed to provide a collaborative and innovative environment for start-ups and freelancers in which they can work, network, and innovate.
Comence offers a wide range of amenities, including high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, meeting rooms, training sessions, printing facilities, and much more, making it an ideal workspace for entrepreneurs and small teams. The Coworking space also offers a vibrant community with diverse professionals, mentors, investors, and clients who can help entrepreneurs expand their network and grow their businesses. Comence is dedicated to fostering an environment that is not only productive but also supportive and encouraging to all members. Overall, this coworking space is a great addition to Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem, providing much-needed resources and support to entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region.
4. Cheetay
Cheetay is a tech-driven logistics company that provides food delivery, grocery delivery, and other services. Its speedy delivery services have made it the go-to app for Pakistan’s urban residents looking for a quick and efficient delivery service in various cities. Cheetay is a popular e-commerce platform operating in Pakistan that offers multiple services including food delivery, grocery delivery, and medicine delivery.
It was founded in Lahore in 2015 and has since expanded to several cities including Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Cheetay has become a go-to platform for Pakistanis looking for convenient and affordable delivery services. It has gained a reputation for its speedy delivery times and excellent customer service, making it a favorite among both vendors and customers.
Cheetay has also implemented innovative solutions such as its own in-house delivery fleet and its own payment solution, ensuring a seamless experience for users. In addition to its delivery services, it has also ventured into the e-commerce industry by launching its own online marketplace, Cheetay.pk, which offers a wide variety of products including electronics, clothing, and home appliances.
5. Bykea
Bykea is a ride-hailing platform that offers motorbike taxi rides, courier services, and other transport-related services. Bykea is a start-up company based in Pakistan that is revolutionizing the way people move around in the country. Founded in 2016, Bykea has quickly gained popularity due to its unique hybrid model that combines ride-hailing and delivery services all in one platform.
With its user-friendly app, customers can easily book a ride on a motorbike, have their packages delivered to them, or even purchase goods from nearby stores and have them delivered straight to their doorstep. Bykea is currently operating in several cities in Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, and has already provided thousands of jobs to drivers and riders.
Moreover, Bykea is committed to transforming Pakistan’s transport and logistics industry by increasing the accessibility of affordable transportation and leveraging technology to streamline operations in the country. As a result, Bykea has raised millions of dollars in funding and is poised to become a leading start-up company in Pakistan.
6. MangoBaaz
MangoBaaz is a world-renowned start-up that has become a trailblazer in the realm of digital content production in Pakistan. Launched in 2014, MangoBaaz has transformed the media landscape of the country by creating culturally relevant and engaging content for the millennial audience. With a team of highly skilled and talented individuals, MangoBaaz has offered a plethora of services ranging from editorial to creative design, video production, and social media marketing. The company has amassed a massive following on various social media platforms, with over 4 million Facebook followers and 1.6 million Instagram followers.
MangoBaaz has successfully carved its niche in the Pakistani media industry by leveraging technology and innovation to create content that resonates with its audience. The company has been recognized on various national and international platforms for its outstanding contribution to the digital media landscape in Pakistan, and its reputation continues to soar. The success of MangoBaaz is a testament to the potential of Pakistani start-ups to make their mark on the global stage.
7. Patari
Patari is a highly innovative start-up in Pakistan, that has revolutionized the music industry in the country. Founded in 2015, Patari is a music streaming service that allows users to access a vast library of Pakistani music from various genres, including classical, pop, rock, and folk. The platform is equipped with a user-friendly interface, offering a personalized experience to each user. Not only this, but Patari also supports emerging artists by offering them a platform to showcase their talent and collaborate with industry professionals.
Patari’s success can be attributed to its unique business model, that has helped in bridging the gap between music producers and audiences. Today, Patari has emerged as one of the most successful start-ups in the country, earning recognition and appreciation globally. Its exceptional growth rate has not only attracted local investors but also international investors to invest in the start-up. In short, Patari is an exceptional start-up that has made a significant contribution to the music industry in Pakistan.
8. PriceOye
PriceOye is a revolutionary start-up in the burgeoning Pakistani e-commerce industry, offering a comparison shopping engine that helps users find the best prices for a wide range of products. The company was founded in 2015 by Adnan Shaffi, an experienced entrepreneur with a background in technology.
Since then, PriceOye has grown rapidly and now boasts a user base of millions of people across Pakistan who use the platform to find the lowest prices on everything from smartphones and laptops to kitchen appliances and home goods.
What sets PriceOye apart from other e-commerce sites in Pakistan is its focus on transparency and consumer empowerment. Users can easily browse through competing products, compare pricing and specifications, and make informed purchasing decisions.
This has helped become one of the most trusted names in online shopping in Pakistan, and has also helped it attract significant investment from major players in the tech industry. With its innovative platform and commitment to customer satisfaction, it is sure to continue making waves in the Pakistani e-commerce landscape for years to come.
9. Zameen
Zameen.pk is a start-up in Pakistan that has revolutionized the real estate industry with its innovative solutions and technologies. Founded in 2006 by two brothers, Zeeshan Ali Khan and Imran Ali Khan, Zameen.pk has become the largest and most trusted property portal in the country, connecting buyers and sellers with ease and efficiency.
The platform features a vast database of properties, including apartments, houses, commercial buildings, and plots, which are available for sale, purchase, and rent. With its user-friendly interface, comprehensive property listings, and advanced search filters, Zameen.pk has transformed the way people buy and sell properties in Pakistan. Moreover, the company has also introduced various tools and services, such as mobile apps, virtual tours, and market trends analysis, that enhance the customer experience and facilitate a transparent and fair real estate ecosystem.
10. SastaTicket
SastaTicket is a well-known start-up in Pakistan, which is revolutionizing the way people buy tickets online in the country. The company has garnered a massive following since its launch in 2015, and has expanded its presence across Pakistan, with a physical presence in almost every major city.
The company offers an extensive range of services, such as flight booking, hotel reservations, car rental services, and holiday packages, to help make travel more accessible and affordable for everyone. SastaTicket has also partnered with major airlines to provide its customers with exclusive discounts and deals on their travel bookings.
With a user-friendly interface, secure payment options, and dedicated customer service, SastaTicket has become the go-to destination for anyone looking to travel, both within and outside Pakistan.
The company’s main objective is to make travel accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of their budget or travel preferences. In just a few years, SastaTicket has successfully captured a significant share of the market, and it looks to further expand its services and reach in the coming years.
11. Dawaai
Dawaai is a young and successful start-up in Pakistan that has revolutionized the e-commerce space in the country. Established in 2014, Dawaai is a platform that provides customers with convenient access to genuine medicines and healthcare products with the ease of ordering online.
The platform also provides expert advice to its customers on medicines and healthcare-related queries, making it a reliable source for medical advice. Having undergone rapid growth since its inception, Dawaai has managed to secure funding from renowned investors, adding to its credibility and trustworthiness.
With its user-friendly interface, quick delivery, and unbeatable prices, Dawaai has made significant contributions to the healthcare sector in Pakistan. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Dawaai launched its first physical pharmacy in Lahore, which further adds to its credibility in the industry. Dawaai truly stands out as an impressive entrepreneurial effort, offering customers the opportunity for hassle-free access to life-saving medicines and health care products in the convenience of their own homes.
12. TelloTalk
TelloTalk is a mobile messaging application that was started up in Pakistan with a mission to provide social connectivity and financial services to users around the country. Headquartered in Islamabad, TelloTalk utilises advanced encryption technology to ensure the safe and secure transmission of messages and personal data between users.
In addition to messaging services, the application also provides users with access to various financial services such as digital payments, micro-lending, and insurance. TelloTalk has quickly become one of the most popular messaging applications in Pakistan with over seven million registered users and a growing user base in other countries across Asia.
The start-up has received recognition and support from various organisations such as the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority, the State Bank of Pakistan, and the US-Pakistan Business Council, highlighting its potential to revolutionise the digital landscape of Pakistan and beyond.
13. Tajir
Tajir is a startup based in Pakistan that aims to digitally transform the traditional retail sector of the country. Founded in 2018 by Babar Khan and Ismail Khan, Tajir has already created a significant impact in the industry. The successful startup offers an easy-to-use mobile application that enables small store owners to order their inventory digitally. Tajir solves the problem of stock-outs for both store owners and end consumers by streamlining the ordering process and ensuring timely delivery.
Tajir has also created job opportunities for riders, who deliver the ordered inventory to the stores. It has received funding from various investors, including Fatima Ventures and Global Founders Capital, and aims to expand its services to other cities in Pakistan in the future. With its innovative solution, Tajir is revolutionizing the retail sector in Pakistan, which has largely been untouched by digitalization.
14. Finja
Finja is a digital payment platform that has quickly gained popularity in Pakistan due to its convenient and user-friendly features. It was established in 2016 by a group of entrepreneurs who aimed to bring innovative financial solutions to the country. Finja allows users to make payments, transfer funds, and even create a virtual debit card directly from their smartphones. It is particularly popular among small business owners who use the platform for transactions and to manage their finances.
Finja has also integrated with various e-commerce platforms, enabling customers to make online purchases easily. As of 2021, Finja has secured over $18 million in funding and is poised to continue its growth trajectory in Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital economy. With its commitment to innovation and financial inclusion, Finja is well-positioned to become a leading player in the mobile payments space in Pakistan.
15. SadaPay
Sadapay is a rapidly growing digital payment platform in Pakistan that offers modern financial services and solutions to its customers. The platform operates with a mission to facilitate the Pakistani masses with a faster, safer, and convenient payment system, which they can access through their smartphones.
SadaPay emphasizes building trust with the customers, and hence, it offers innovative financial management services for individuals and businesses that are fully compliant with the laws and regulations of the country.
The platform is powered by Mastercard, which provides a trusted and secure infrastructure for online transactions. With SadaPay, users can make cashless payments, send and receive money instantly, pay their bills, and even shop online without any hassle. The platform also offers attractive rewards programs and bonuses to its customers, encouraging them to use the app frequently. Given its potential to revolutionize the payment industry in Pakistan, SadaPay is quickly becoming a go-to choice for many smartphone users.
In conclusion, startups are the backbone of the Pakistani economy. They are the catalysts of innovation, employment, and economic growth. The above successful startups are working towards solving real-life problems and challenges in Pakistan, thereby creating significant social and economic value for the country. The aforementioned 15 successful startups are proof of the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial talent present in Pakistan, and their success is bound to inspire and motivate numerous others to follow in their footsteps. All the startups mentioned above are working in different fields, yet all of them have one thing in common; they are making people’s lives easier, better, and more convenient.