Mentorship, in this part of the world, has become a difficult capture, – much like the raging bull in an arena. It is a challenge to find it, especially with the required expertise and exposure lags. This results in two cases: either leaving for far-flung pastures – everyone is not like CONVO – or wait your turn, until you get plucked. This experience accounts for almost all important skills that are necessary for survival in this startup jungle.
Fadi Bishara, founder and VP of Blackbox Connect – a Silicon Valley engagement program strapping startups from 25 different countries – was in Lahore, Pakistan in January to scout for startup harvest. Nabeel A. Qadeer’s team at Plan9, a Lahore-based startup incubator backed by the government, guided Bishara. The experience showed him the strengths in Pakistan professionals – a good backing in math and science with excellent English linguistic skills.
Powered by Google for entrepreneurs, what Blackbox cannot stand is rivalry. It believes
in spreading seeds of collaboration. It is with this intent that it stands to
mentor these startups. It’s great to know that the list includes two Pakistani start-ups:
Way to Go Pakistan:
- Vivid
The customer is always right. Right? Well, it is for this reason that this startup, has been plucked by Blackbox for its two week Spring program in the Silicon Valley. The ever difficult task of pacifying the customer is now solved in an app, in Vivid’s own words – “ending the endless wait and annoyance of a customer service call”
- SMSall
The concept for SMSall comes, understandably from a country with a wide gulf between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots.’ The number on smartphone owners may be 70% of all mobile users in Pakistan but it may be because of the
For those interested in going to Silicon Valley, know that the next batch starts from March 17 to 28.
References:
http://www.techinasia.com/silicon-valley-blackbox-incubator-wants-more-pakistan-startups-in-2014/
http://www.techinasia.com/blackbox-connect-spring-2014-takes-in-4-asian-startups/
