Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is set to receive a significant boost as the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) gears up to begin accepting funding applications starting March. Dr. Umar Saif, serving as the Caretaker Minister of IT & Telecom, and Science & Technology, announced this pivotal development via social media on Wednesday.

The PSF, initiated by the caretaker minister just recently, aims to inject up to Rs2 billion annually into the startup sector. Dr. Saif emphasized that the fund is tailored to assist startups in securing their initial external investments, marking a crucial milestone for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Originally conceived during Dr. Saif’s engagement at GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in October, the PSF utilizes revenue from IGNITE, which receives a share of telecom receipts from the federal government. This funding mechanism aims to establish the PSF as a pivotal player in fostering startup growth and innovation.

Diving into the specifics, the PSF operates as equity-free capital, serving as a catalyst to finalize Venture Capital rounds for startups. Dr. Saif elucidated that for startups seeking foreign VC investments, the PSF would bridge the financial gap by offering a grant, thus mitigating risk and facilitating smoother investment processes.

In essence, the PSF not only provides financial support but also endeavors to create a conducive environment for international investors, thereby bolstering confidence in Pakistan’s burgeoning startup landscape. 

Dr. Saif underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing startup success, emphasizing a hands-off approach post-investment to foster entrepreneurial autonomy and growth.