Sri Lanka’s tech ecosystem has witnessed a notable success story in PickMe, a homegrown startup that has provided essential mobility and delivery services to over 100,000 Sri Lankans during periods of economic and social upheaval. Founded in 2015 by local entrepreneur Zulfer Jiffry with support from International Finance Corporation, PickMe has expanded into a multi-service platform offering ride-hailing, food and parcel delivery, and corporate logistics. Its growth trajectory, sustained through pandemic challenges, fuel shortages, and political instability, highlights the value of hyper-local adaptation in emerging markets. With millions of users across urban and remote areas, PickMe has become a key driver of economic activity, offering stable income opportunities for drivers and reliable services for the community.
PickMe’s success rests on its deep understanding of local transport dynamics and the needs of both drivers and consumers. By integrating tuk-tuks, vans, and cars into the platform, and incorporating features such as live tracking, SOS buttons, cashless payments, and scheduled rides, the startup has created a flexible and resilient ecosystem. During COVID-19 lockdowns, PickMe Flash facilitated emergency deliveries of groceries and fuel, even securing special permissions for healthcare workers. The platform now emphasizes driver loyalty and social impact, providing family insurance, educational support through the Nena Pahana program, and affordable EV rentals in partnership with Browns EV and LOLC Holdings. These measures have strengthened retention in a gig economy often characterized by burnout and low earnings.
Financially, PickMe has maintained stability through its 2024 IPO and IFC backing, enabling rapid iteration without overreliance on volatile foreign investors. Its expansion into tourism and corporate logistics has diversified revenue streams, making it more resilient to market shocks. The company’s local focus allows it to navigate cultural and regulatory nuances effectively, turning potential conflicts with traditional operators into collaborative opportunities. In contrast, Pakistani ride-hailing and delivery startups frequently struggle to replicate such integration. Careem exited Pakistan in July 2025 due to inflationary pressures and competition, while other platforms such as inDrive continue to face fragmented operations and limited driver support.
PickMe offers valuable insights for Pakistani startups aiming to scale successfully. Prioritizing local needs, investing in driver welfare, diversifying services beyond rides, and securing sustainable funding are critical factors in creating resilience and long-term growth. While the region shares challenges such as regulatory hurdles and infrastructure gaps, PickMe’s model demonstrates that socially conscious and locally adapted tech solutions can thrive even under economic uncertainty. Pakistani entrepreneurs looking to build super-apps could benefit from emulating PickMe’s approach, which balances profitability with social impact and community trust, ensuring both users and drivers remain engaged and supported.
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