Women-Led Startups Awarded in Tech Accelerator Program

Karachi: Standard Chartered Pakistan has announced the winners of its seventh Women in Tech Accelerator program, funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation. The announcement followed a graduation ceremony at Pearl Continental, Karachi, where three standout startups were awarded for their innovative ventures.

The program, organized in partnership with Village Capital and INNOVentures Global, selected 10 startups from an initial cohort of 30 participants. These ventures represent sectors ranging from women empowerment to health and wellness. Each startup received PKR 1 million to support their scaling plans.

Rehan Shaikh, CEO and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the program’s role in fostering an ecosystem supportive of women-led enterprises. He noted the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with necessary resources and support to thrive economically.

The top winner, Yumkins Foods, founded by Hira Mubeen, received PKR 5 million. Yumkins Foods specializes in preservative-free baby food, offering locally produced meals for children. The brand is expanding its reach to Lahore and Islamabad and exploring export opportunities.

The first runner-up, Atfaal, was awarded PKR 3.5 million. Founded by Erum Sheheryar, Atfaal is a social enterprise that provides training and employment for women through a model that combines skill development with sustainable production. The enterprise aims to further expand its operations and training programs.

The second runner-up, Ootein, received PKR 2 million. Founded by Maria Ameer, Ootein offers allergen-free food products, catering to individuals with food allergies and intolerances. The company plans to expand its production and distribution across more cities.

The Women in Tech Accelerator program continues to support women entrepreneurs by providing them with crucial funding, mentorship, and guidance to enable business growth and innovation in Pakistan.