E-commerce startups are commonplace in Pakistan. However, a significant segment of society sits on the sidelines as they can’t find the bargains they seek online. My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that.His name is Haider Raza, and he is the co-founder of DealCart.A social commerce startup bringing community and group buying to Pakistan's rapidly growing e-commerce market.Guest: Haider Raza | https://www.linkedin.com/in/haider-raza-036342aa/Startup: DealCart | https://dealcart.ioHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

From busy cities to remote villages, digital media has revolutionized how Pakistan shares information. The more we understand these changes, the better off we'll be at digesting news, engaging with stories, and understanding the world.The topic of digital media is very close to my heart as a podcaster and publisher serving the Pakistani audience. However, I have an outsider’s perspective on digital media in Pakistan. And for that reason, in this episode of the misaal podcast, I'm thrilled to host someone much smarter on this topic.Her name is Muna Khan, and she is a columnist for DAWN and a Journalism educator.We discuss Pakistan's changing media landscape, challenges, opportunities, and the future of digital media in Pakistan.Guest: Muna Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/muna-khan-584b7316/Columns: DAWN | https://www.dawn.com/authors/1320/muna-khanHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

The quarter just ended, and the numbers are in. Pakistani startups raised $6.8 million in disclosed equity funding across five deals in Q3 2023.That’s 87% less than the $55 million raised in Q3 of 2022 but 40% more than the $5 million raised in Q2 of 2023. This brings the YTD funding to $35 million.So what gives? To answer that question and better understand the current trends in Pakistani startup funding, in this episode of the misaal podcast, I am joined by Mutaher Khan.He covers startups for DAWN and is the co-founder of Data Darbar.We discuss the funding winter, startup failures, and how media creates and shapes narratives.Funding data and article links mentioned in the episode:https://techshaw.com/pakistani-startups-raised-6-8-million-q3-2023/https://insights.datadarbar.io/q323-startup-funding-deals-lowest-in-5-years/https://insights.datadarbar.io/strategic-divestment-or-desperation-exploring-finjas-emi-sale-to-opay/Guest: Mutaher Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutaherkhan/Website: Data Darbar - https://datadarbar.io/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

Last year, Pakistani startups received half their funding from emerging market VC firms. This year, most emerging market VC firms are sitting on the sidelines and waiting for market conditions to improve. However, my guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is actively funding deals and most recently invested in Truckistan.His name is Michel Friedman, and he is the founding partner at Reflect Ventures.Reflect Ventures is an early-stage VC firm investing in B2B and B2B2C startups focusing on logistics, supply chain, distribution, and transport.Guest: Michel Friedman | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfriedman88/VC Firm: Reflect Ventures | https://www.reflectventures.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

It is not easy to monetize EdTech in Pakistan. Startups are competing with free content on YouTube.However, my guest on this episode of the misaal podcast has successfully monetized his EdTech startup and built the go-to place for A levels prep.His name is Asad Hashamali, and he is the co-founder of Alt Academy.Alt Academy makes A Level exam prep a piece of cake. You get access to 9 expert-led courses for one low subscription.Guest: Asad Hashamali | https://www.linkedin.com/in/asadhashamali/Startup: Alt Academy | https://altacademy.org/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

Agriculture plays a huge role in Pakistan’s economy. It employs about 42% of the country’s workforce and contributes 19% to the GDP. But the sector still relies a lot on inefficient supply chains. And my guest in this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that. His name is Muhammad Mustafa, and he is the co-founder of EasyFresh. A B2B startup connecting farmers with retailers across Pakistan, eliminating intermediaries and increasing efficiency.Guest: Muhammad Mustafa | https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-mustafa-06323a7/Startup: EasyFresh | https://easyfreshtech.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

In Pakistan, sourcing raw materials for manufacturing is complicated and fragmented. My guest on this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that. His name is Ahsan Ali Khan, and he is the co-founder of Zaraye. A marketplace that simplifies and streamlines the sourcing process for buyers and sellers alike. Buyers get quality products, and suppliers get the best price. Guest: Ahsan Ali Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsan-ali-khan-86721b28/Startup: Zaraye | https://www.zaraye.co/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniStartup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

A couple of weeks back, Pakistan unveiled its federal budget for FY24. It is as predictable as one has come to expect. A lot of borrowing to pay for the basics. However, this budget had one unique feature: the focus on IT.So I asked Mutaher Khan, who did an excellent round-up of all IT-related proposals in the budget for DAWN news, to come and share his thoughts.Guest: Mutaher Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutaherkhan/DAWN Article: https://www.dawn.com/news/1759282Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is helping blue-collar workers find the opportunities they deserve and get an edge in the job market.His name is Salman Shahid, and he is the co-founder of Dost. Find out why he believes Dost is the best platform for blue-collar workers to find jobs and for employers to hire qualified candidates.Guest: Salman Shahid | https://www.linkedin.com/in/salman-shahid-678abb78/Startup: Dost | https://dost.work/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is changing how Pakistanis invest. His startup allows investors in Pakistan to invest in the U.S. stock market.His name is Farooq Tirmizi, and he is the co-founder of Elphinstone. For as little as $100, you can start investing in the U.S. stock market with Elphinstone.Guest: Farooq Tirmizi | https://www.linkedin.com/in/farooqtirmizi/Startup: Elphinstone | https://elphinstone.usHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is bringing all your favorite creators and experts in their fields to one platform so you can learn in-demand skills and up your game.He’s a creative tour de force and an invisible hand behind many creators you all love and cherish. I, for one, have learned a great deal about editing from his many YouTube tutorials.His name is Aamir Bhagat, and he is the founder of ITeachStuff. It’s like Skillshare but much better. And in Urdu.Guest: Aamir Bhagat | https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamir-bhagat-b02800b/Startup: ITeachStuff | https://www.iteachstuff.net/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is helping students get ahead by providing them with personalized tutoring and customized testing. His name is Rooshan Aziz, and he is the co-founder of Maqsad. Using Maqsad's all-in-one mobile learning platform, students from grades 9-12 can learn and test at their own pace.Guest: Rooshan Aziz | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rooshan-aziz-04710875/Startup: Maqsad | https://maqsad.io/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

My guest in this 50th episode of the misaal podcast is empowering kiryana stores to create a unified consumer experience. His name is Jarrar Shah, and he is the co-founder of 24Seven. Through digitization and innovation, 24Seven helps local kiryana stores in Pakistan create a unified consumer experience.Guest: Jarrar Shah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrarshah/Startup: 24Seven - https://24seven.pk/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comFree newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

I have a very special guest on this episode of the misaal podcast. A serial entrepreneur who's currently building his third startup. Not only that, he's building a global B2B SaaS product in a country where startups like his are fairly uncommon.His name is Mohammad Nasrullah, a.k.a Nash, and he is the founder of Integry. With Integry, companies can create app integrations that are incredibly easy to set up and use.Guest: Mohammad Nasrullah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monash/Startup: Integry - https://www.integry.io/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

In Pakistan, employers do not use LinkedIn to find blue-collar workers. Blue-collar workers also can't use LinkedIn to find work. Those who want jobs can’t find them, and those that want to hire don’t know where to go. Using technology to connect workers with employers, my next guest wants to help solve this problem. His name is Bazigh Kiani and he is the co-founder of Bhartee. With Bhartee, you can hire skilled and NADRA-verified blue-collar workers across Pakistan in less than a week.Guest: Bazigh Kiani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bazighkiani/Startup: Bhartee - https://bhartee.pkHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

Investing in the stock market can help you diversify your investments and earn dividends or capital gains. But not everyone takes advantage of this. Pakistan has fewer than 300,000 retail investors. This 47th episode of the misaal podcast features a guest who wants to change that.His name is Shoaib Lalani, and he is the co-founder of Finpocket. With FinPocket, you can discuss, analyze, and trade stocks on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.Guest: Shoaib Lalani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaiblalani/Startup: FinPocket - https://finpocket.pk/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

In this 46th episode, I am joined by Akbar Tejani. He is a co-founder and CEO at Befiler, a Karachi-based FinTech providing tax and business advisory services.Having recently raised $1.5 million in seed funding, Akbar discusses why he went the venture capital route as a service-based business, building a tech stack that scales with growth and the challenges he faced when scaling.Guest: Akbar Tejani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akbartejani/Startup: Befiler - https://www.befiler.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comYouTube: https://youtu.be/5hxnlXYP55kOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

Conversation with Mutaher Khan on recently issued digital banking license by the State Bank of Pakistan

Welcome to another episode of the misaal podcast. In this 44th episode, I am joined by Ariba Shahid. She is a journalist and covers the economy for Profit and startups for DealStreetAsia.She shares insights on Pakistan's economy, startup funding trends, and what to expect in the new year.Guest: Ariba Shahid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribashahid/Company: DealStreetAsia - https://www.dealstreetasia.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★

In this 43rd episode, I am joined by Aman Nasir. He is a Partner at Sarmayacar. An early-stage VC firm that has invested in startups like Abhi, Bykea, Dawaai, and Patari.He talks about moving back to Pakistan to lead Sarmayacar’s Karachi office, including Fund II's launch. He also talks about startup funding, deal flow trends, and building for global markets.Guest: Aman Nasir - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-nasir-9b432766/VC Firm: Sarmayacar - https://www.sarmayacar.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comOther ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid ★ Support this podcast ★