More than 40 Pakistani startups and over 80 venture capital firms are travelling to Riyadh for the Paklaunch Unconference, a gathering designed to connect founders and investors from Pakistan with financiers and ecosystem stakeholders across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Set to take place over the weekend, the event brings together a rapidly expanding community of entrepreneurs seeking cross-border partnerships, access to international markets, and capital opportunities in one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the Middle East.
Networking has been scheduled for Saturday evening, creating space for early introductions, informal discussions, and investor meetups ahead of the main gathering on Sunday at Al Faisaliah Tower. Founders and VCs attending from Pakistan represent a broad cross-section of the country’s startup ecosystem, including early-stage ventures, growth-stage companies, and global-facing businesses preparing to expand into Saudi Arabia.
Indus Valley Capital founder Aatif Awan confirmed that a lineup of founders backed by the firm will participate in the event, noting that the conference provides a unique moment for those interested in exploring Pakistan’s fast-growing startup landscape to meet entrepreneurs, VC partners, and operators who are actively shaping innovation in the region. Aatif encouraged professionals in Riyadh to reach out to any attending founders and venture investors, as many have expressed an openness to connect with stakeholders outside the formal sessions.
This year’s speaker lineup includes figures known for their influence in technology and business. Imran Ali Khan from Dubizzle Group, Ahmed Khattak from US Mobile, and Aamir Ibrahim, CEO Jazz, are among the lead voices joining the discussions. Their participation signals the increasing attention being paid to cross-market collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, especially in sectors where both countries see potential for shared economic growth.
Organisers have stated that the Unconference aims to strengthen Saudi–Pakistan tech collaboration while opening new pathways for capital flow into technology ventures. The gathering aligns with wider efforts underway between Islamabad and Riyadh, as both governments recently formalised a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Framework. The agreement focuses on enhancing cooperation in areas such as IT, energy, infrastructure, cloud technologies, fintech, and research-driven innovation. This policy backdrop has created momentum across corporate and startup sectors, encouraging cross-border incubation, co-investment, and joint development initiatives.
Pakistan’s digital economy is receiving particular encouragement within these frameworks. Saudi leadership and Pakistani officials have committed to supporting technology-focused collaboration, especially in AI, fintech, cloud computing, and joint R&D opportunities. Against this environment, initiatives such as the Paklaunch Unconference offer founders access to stakeholders who hold strategic influence within one of the region’s most active investment markets.
The increased presence of Pakistani founders in Riyadh also reflects broader geopolitical developments. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, signalling deeper strategic alignment between both nations. This wider cooperation is driving new conversations in the private sector as companies and investors look to identify emerging opportunities linked to shifting regional priorities.
The Paklaunch Unconference serves as a timely gathering for entrepreneurs working to expand their footprint beyond Pakistan while positioning themselves within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. With strong participation from both sides, the weekend is set to reinforce connections that support long-term ecosystem development and meaningful collaboration across two dynamic markets.
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