Pakistan’s long-term investment potential intact despite funding slowdown

Pakistan received record venture capital funding in 2021, attracting investments from several global investors and many first-time investors betting on the region’s emerging market. However, amid the global macro uncertainty, tech selloff and the so-called funding winter, Pakistan’s startup ecosystem too suffered setbacks in terms of capital squeeze, layoffs and shutdown of businesses. We ask panelists about the long-term potential of the nascent startup ecosystem and the role investors have to play in fostering the development of sustainable businesses. What are the lessons that the fledgling entrepreneurial ecosystem can apply from more mature markets? What is the investment outlook for 2022 and beyond?