Latest news with #i2i
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
i2i joins hands with National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies to help startups
Invest2Innovate (i2i) announced on Tuesday it has signed an MoU with the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technologies (NICAT) to 'deepen collaboration and better serve Pakistan's startup ecosystem.' On a LinkedIn post, i2i said 'this partnership is built on shared goals: expanding access, building stronger support systems, and ensuring founders at all stages get the right resources at the right time.' The initiative will include startup referrals and pipeline sharing. NICAT - a high-tech engineering and ICT business incubator and accelerator funded by the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom - will refer high-growth graduates to i2i's acceleration programs, while i2i will connect early-stage startups to NICAT for incubation. Pakistan's 'first operator-led angel investing network' launched Select NICAT startups will be connected to i2i's angel investor network for funding and mentorship while both organizations will refer mentors and experts from their networks to support startups in each other's programs. Meanwhile, NICAT will contribute to i2i's Deal Flow Tracker and support onboarding of startups to the Investor Founder Discovery Platform - a verified digital platform that connects startups with investors 'through curated discovery and matchmaking.' The two will also co-host events including networking sessions and spaces for ecosystem connection and collaboration. Pakistan's startups face capital crunch, need urgent reforms: i2i report i2i announced it will offer its knowledge products to NICAT startups, while NICAT will provide access to public sector opportunities and resources. 'We're looking forward to building stronger bridges between our communities and supporting founders more intentionally, together,' i2i said in its post. What is NICAT? According to its website, NICAT is dedicated to helping startups and early-stage companies 'turn their cutting-edge ideas into reality and grow their business.' Based in Ralwapindi, it claims to provide access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities, mentorship, networking opportunities, manufacturing partners, investors and funding, and office space. 'Not only that, we also provide matched industrial and professional linkages that can help companies to connect with key players and advance quickly,' it said, adding that 'with our help, these companies can develop their technology and bring it to market, creating new products and services that change the world.'
Business Recorder
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's ‘first operator-led angel investing network' launched
A private, invite-only angel investing network called Dastak has been launched by entrepreneur Saif Ali, designed to support high-growth Pakistani startups across tech, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, and services businesses. According to a statement, Dastak brings together seasoned operators, corporate executives, and investors from Pakistan and the diaspora to back 'ambitious founders with more than just capital.' Pakistan's startups face capital crunch, need urgent reforms: i2i report 'I'm not here to chase unicorns. I'm here to help a generation of Pakistanis build companies that put food on the table, pride in the product, and power back in the hands of young people,' Ali told Business Recorder. 'Pakistan will continue to face economic headwinds in the years ahead. The only way our youth can create real change is by building new companies, hundreds or even thousands of them,' he said, adding: 'this can only happen if we mobilize both local capital and local experience.' As per the release announcing the statement, Dastak is built on a premise that has talent but needs 'deeper backing' and it wants to curate a network of strategic angels, thereby simplifying the path to early-stage investment. The network is sector-agnostic with a focus on tech and SaaS; direct-to-consumer brands and modern services - margin-rich services businesses which it said are often overlooked by traditional venture capital investors. Rather than functioning as a fund or platform, Dastak says it facilitates direct investments. Startups gain exposure to operator-angels who have built and scaled companies themselves, while angels get access to vetted deals, legal coordination, and a streamlined investment process. The current group includes founders, C-level operators, and investment professionals spanning fintech, logistics, consumer technology, SaaS, and IT services, both within Pakistan and the diaspora abroad. While individual names are not being disclosed publicly at this stage, access to the network is currently limited to those who bring deep operational experience alongside capital. To ensure regulatory clarity, Dastak says it does not offer investment advice, manage funds, or guarantee returns. It facilitates access to vetted startup opportunities and provides advisory support where helpful. Investment decisions are made solely by individual angels. The initiative's aim is to lowers the barrier to angel investing while helping startups benefit from the mentorship and expertise of experienced professionals.
Fashion Network
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Walmart Vriddhi makes new pledge to MSMEs
Walmart's supplier development initiative, Walmart Vriddhi, has announced a new partnership with the Ideas to Impact Foundation (i2i) to support 100,000 additional micro, small and medium enterprises in India over the next three years. The expanded initiative will leverage Walmart's global supply chain experience and Flipkart's digital commerce ecosystem to help MSMEs scale their businesses nationally and internationally, the business announced in a press release. So far, Walmart Vriddhi has trained more than 70,000 MSMEs, enabling many to achieve around 55% year-on-year growth through personalised mentorship, strategic partnerships and digital tools. 'We are constantly inspired by India's vibrant innovation ecosystem and the growth potential of its MSMEs,' said Jason Fremstad, senior vice president of supplier development at Walmart in a press release. 'As we enter the next phase of Walmart Vriddhi, we're empowering MSMEs with new tools for digital growth, sustainability and export readiness.' The programme also facilitates access to the Walmart Marketplace and Flipkart Marketplace, helping small businesses participate in global and domestic e-commerce. New memorandums of understanding with state governments, including Haryana, are expected to expand outreach. Flipkart Group's Rajneesh Kumar said the partnership reflects an ongoing commitment to making digital commerce more accessible to India's small business community. The programme, launched in 2019, aims to equip entrepreneurs with critical business skills and market access through a free training model.
Business Recorder
29-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
i2i launches toolkit for startups looking to enter Saudi market
Invest2innovate (i2i), which supports startup communities, launched its 'Scale to KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Toolkit' to help entrepreneurs navigate 'one of the most ambitious and fast-moving markets in the region'. In a LinkedIn post, i2i CEO Sarah Munir said the toolkit is a practical, founder-tested guide based on months of primary and secondary research as well as conversations with founders who have taken their companies to Saudi Arabia. 'It breaks down everything – from business setup and legal compliance to GTM (go-to market strategy), hiring, and budgeting — into clear, actionable steps,' she said. 'This toolkit is not just meant to be a resource, it's a roadmap designed to remove the guesswork and help founders scale with clarity and confidence,' she wrote, adding: 'If you're eyeing Saudi, this is your starting point.' According to its website, the toolkit will include information on the Saudi market landscape, including growth trends, funding flows and policy changes. It also has information on how to set up a business, including details on documentation, visas and timelines, as well as details about regulation, taxation, and financial planning, along with relevant events and accelerator lists. Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an important market for businesses. According to an April report by Grant Thornton, it 'is rapidly emerging as a powerhouse in the global startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to build the next generation of billion-dollar companies.' 'With a strategic vision, robust economic reforms, and increasing investment in technology and infrastructure, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leading hub for startups aspiring to scale into unicorns,' the report noted. The Saudi government is promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through various initiatives, including the Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and create a more vibrant startup ecosystem. The Kingdom is attracting both local and international investors, with the government providing funding and support through various programs, like the Saudi Unicorns Program and Tech Growth Financing. Reports also state Saudi Arabia's location is a major advantage, serving as a gateway to Asia, Africa, and Europe, offering potential for international growth and expansion.
