Startup accelerator Invest2innovate has announced the incoming batch six for the year 2017-2018. This is the largest cohort that’s been inducted into the program since its establishment. The cohort will be enrolled for a four-month long program and will continue until January 2018. The accelerator’s model is a unique one where the selected startups are provided with access virtual support to grow their businesses. In addition, there are six in-person gatherings where industry mentors lead targeted sessions. These include a range of topics including branding, customer acquisition, financials as well as operations.
Commenting on the current batch, Kalsoom Lakhani, Founder and CEO Invest2innovate (i2i) said:
The startups this year are doing amazing things to change Pakistan. From innovating waste management to make our cities more sustainable, to using mobile technology to tackle illiteracy and create jobs.
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The partnership with Karandaaz Pakistan on the women entrepreneurs program has funded eight startups founded or co-founded by women. These include:
- Polly and Other Stories
- Queno
- Easy Insurance
- Saaf Suthra Sheher
- Organic Jiyo
- Mauqa.Online
- Secret Stash
- Paimona
This time around, U Microfinance Bank Limited has also stepped forward to support two of the selected startups. These include Good Earth Pakistan and Orenda.
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The kickoff orientation for this cohort is scheduled for this coming weekend in Bhurban, KPK. In a public announcement, Kalsoom Lakhani shared:
I’m so excited to meet these awesome founders this weekend with our kick off retreat in Bhurban, and for you to get to know them over the next four months!
The judges for this cohort’s selection include several key mentors from the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and graduates from previous invest2innovate’s batches. These include, Fawzia Naqvi, Omer Ehtisham, Shehyrar Hyderi, Ather Imran, Asim Ghaffar, Jeremy Higgs, Dr. Sara & Dr. Iffat and many more. More details on the startups selected in this cohort is available on the invest2innovate website.
