KPMG Venture Pulse Q2 2026 reveals shifting global VC dynamics as AI-led investments dominate funding, while Pakistan startups adapt to tighter capital conditions and focus on efficiency.
Regional instability, macroeconomic shifts and changing investor strategies are reshaping venture finance across MENAP as startups adapt to a more selective capital environment.
WISE Lab, Pakistan's first dedicated incubation programme for women led startups, is hosting an in-person open house at NIC Islamabad featuring a panel and hands-on problem solving with OpenSoch.
TiE Islamabad has signed an MoU with Bykea Technologies under the D4WEE program to create internship and job pathways for young women in Peshawar, Mardan, and Swabi.
NIC Karachi and Women in Business Network hosted She Builds Pakistan, a gathering celebrating women entrepreneurs and their role in shaping the country's economic future.
Team TiE conducted a monitoring visit to the Multipurpose Center established at Frontier College Peshawar under D4WEE, expanding digital learning and economic opportunities for women in KP.
Saheli AI Health Companion, founded by Saba Nisar, is building Pakistan's first AI powered health platform focused on periods, pregnancy and prevention, recently featured on HUM News.
FJWU-BIC has completed internal evaluation for the Punjab Youth Innovation and Incubation Competition 2026, shortlisting 56 projects for a university level pitching round on August 10, 2026.
Bechlo.pk is transforming how women in Pakistan do business through a trusted social commerce platform empowering women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their businesses online.
Women TechEU has opened its Eligibility Call for women-led deep tech startups, offering 160 winners a 75,000 euro equity-free grant and a six-month business development programme funded by the European Union.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has launched the National Artificial Intelligence Advancement Initiative, issuing a Request for Proposals to build seven AI innovation hubs and incubate 560 startups across Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit over two years.
NICAT is encouraging women founders to apply for Cohort 8, offering 12 months of free incubation, PKR 5 million worth of startup benefits, zero equity, and global exposure across aerospace, deep tech, AI, and frontier technology domains.
NIC Karachi successfully hosted the EmpowerHer WIE Mentorship and Leadership Summit 2026, bringing together students, professionals, and aspiring leaders for a day of mentorship, leadership discussions, and networking focused on women in engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship.
BizB showcases how women in Pakistan are building businesses and driving digital growth, as NIC Peshawar invites applications for Cohort 15 to support women-led innovation.
KPMG Venture Pulse Q2 2026 reveals shifting global VC dynamics as AI-led investments dominate funding, while Pakistan startups adapt to tighter capital conditions and focus on efficiency.
Regional instability, macroeconomic shifts and changing investor strategies are reshaping venture finance across MENAP as startups adapt to a more selective capital environment.
IBA CEDIR is running a four-session founder skills series covering equity mechanics, business model design, KPI setting and venture economics, featuring Raza Zaidi, Irfan A. Khan, Kanza Sohail and Fatiq Bin Khursheed.
BridgeStart Pakistan has extended the application deadline for its Global Gateway UK International Expansion Program to October 10, 2026, giving high-potential Pakistani startups more time to apply for UK market access.