Two Pakistani startups, DealCart and NayaPay, have earned places on Forbes’ Asia 100 to Watch 2024 list, highlighting the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. This achievement aligns with the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) efforts to bolster Pakistan’s startup landscape.
DealCart focuses on easing budget pressures for Pakistan’s low to middle-income consumers amid escalating food costs. It has garnered $5 million in pre-seed funding. The platform facilitates the purchase of fresh produce, detergents, and other essentials, helping small grocery stores broaden their customer base through online offerings. In July, DealCart attracted an additional $3 million in seed funding from investors, including Abu Dhabi’s Shorooq Partners and London’s Sturgeon Capital.
NayaPay is innovating in the digital transaction space between businesses and consumers. It provides an e-wallet app, virtual debit cards, online payment options, and business point-of-sale devices. NayaPay secured $13 million in 2022, marking one of South Asia’s most substantial seed funding rounds, with contributions from Zayn Capital, MSA Novo, and Graph Ventures.
Forbes recognized these startups for using technology to support small businesses and foster significant economic advancements in Pakistan.