Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is making waves on the global stage as multiple Pakistani entrepreneurs take part in the internationally acclaimed reality TV show Meet The Drapers. The competition, hosted by renowned venture capitalist Tim Draper, provides startups from across the world with an opportunity to pitch their business ideas to investors and compete for a grand prize of $1 million.
Among the Pakistani participants, BusCaro, a mobility-tech startup founded by Maha Shahzad, has made a strong impression by advancing to the semi-finals. The company provides tech-enabled transport solutions in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, catering to both businesses and individual commuters. With this achievement, BusCaro moves closer to securing significant funding and gaining global recognition.
Maha Shahzad underscored the importance of international exposure for Pakistani startups, emphasizing that the portrayal of Pakistan in global media is often different from reality. “The media portrayal of Pakistan and its businesses versus our reality is very different. So that exposure is very important,” she stated. Shahzad’s pitch was filmed in San Francisco, with additional footage shot at Karachi’s Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, symbolizing the entrepreneurial drive and resilience of the country’s startup ecosystem.
BusCaro is not the only Pakistani startup competing on Meet The Drapers. Three additional startups from Pakistan have also secured a spot in the competition, further elevating the country’s presence on the global startup map.
One of them is Myco, a Dubai-based streaming platform founded by Islamabad native Umair Masoom Usmani. Despite being headquartered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Myco identifies Pakistan as its largest market based on user engagement, revenue generation, and overall consumer base. Notably, Myco has secured exclusive rights to stream Meet The Drapers in Pakistan, strengthening its connection to the country’s startup ecosystem.
“When I presented my pitch on the show, Tim Draper expressed his support for Myco and asked us to stream Meet The Drapers in Pakistan,” Usmani revealed. This development has positioned Myco as a major player in Pakistan’s emerging digital streaming space.
Another participating startup, Laam, operates as a fashion-tech platform that connects consumers with brands and designers, utilizing an industry-specific digital ecosystem. Meanwhile, Reup Cycle, Pakistan’s fourth entry, focuses on sustainability by transforming used plastics into industrial materials, aligning with global environmental responsibility goals.
The seventh season of Meet The Drapers has introduced 44 startups from key international hubs, including Abu Dhabi, Paris, London, and New York. Each startup presents its pitch in front of a panel of judges, with three startups selected by the judges and three more chosen through public voting to advance to the final round.
Pakistan’s startup sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, particularly in e-commerce, fintech, and mobility solutions, attracting record investments. The government has also introduced policies and incentives to promote innovation and boost IT exports, further solidifying Pakistan’s position as a rising tech hub.
With the finale set to air on April 18, BusCaro’s advancement to the semi-finals represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape. Pakistani founders hope that their participation in the competition will not only help them secure investment but also highlight Pakistan’s tech potential to a global audience.
The semi-final episode featuring BusCaro will air on myco.io on March 28, where viewers still have the opportunity to vote for three startups that will proceed to the finale. The grand prizes include $1 million for the winner, $500K for the second-place startup, and $250K for the third-place finalist, making this competition a life-changing opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
