Standard Chartered Foundation awards Rs10.5m grants to three women-led startups

Standard Chartered Foundation, in collaboration with INNOVentures Global and Village Capital, has announced the final round of the Women in Tech Accelerator for Pakistan, granting three women-led startups equity-free grant funding amounting to PKR 10.5 million. The ceremony took place in Karachi, where the winners also received six additional months of support, financial oversight, and lifelong access to the Women in Tech Alumni Network.

The top prize of PKR 5 million went to EV Square, founded by Aimen Shafique; the second prize of PKR 3 million was awarded to Blusha App, founded by Minahil Zafar; and the third prize of PKR 2.5 million was given to Zvolta, founded by Anusha Shahid. The accelerator program initially welcomed 30 founders who underwent a rigorous 6-day bootcamp, followed by tailored investment-readiness support, expert mentorship, and assistance in refining their business models, competitive advantages, scalability, and funding strategies.

The program culminated in two stages of funding for high-potential startups from the cohort. British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Alison Blackburne, expressed pride in Pakistan's women entrepreneurs turning bold ideas into businesses that create jobs and improve lives. She commended Standard Chartered Foundation and its partners for providing women with the necessary funding, skills, and networks to grow their businesses and shape Pakistan's future.

Adil Salahuddin, CEO & Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Pakistan, highlighted the founders' commitment to building solutions that create significant impact, emphasizing the accelerator's role in helping entrepreneurs strengthen their business models and accelerate their growth journey. The Women in Tech Accelerator aims to support women entrepreneurs creating innovative, technology-driven businesses that address market and community needs.

Participants benefit from tailored investment-readiness support, catalytic grant funding, and expert mentorship to ensure sustainable growth, job creation, and lasting impact. The Pakistan Accelerator is part of Standard Chartered Foundation's global Women in Tech initiative, which has supported over 200 women-led startups in Pakistan through mentorship and awarded more than USD 425,000 in grant funding since its inception.