‘Startups must focus on solving real problems’

Startups in Pakistan must focus on solving a real problem, understanding their customer deeply through market research and data driven insights with value proposition, an industry official said.

In the two-day Pakistan Investor Summit 2026 hosted by National Incubation Center (NIC), Karachi, earlier this week, tech experts and investors stressed need for focusing on businesses that survive, while urging all stakeholders of the IT industry to promote collaboration and unlock new growth pathways.

Speaking to Business Recorder on the final day of the summit, Asma Zeeshan, Regional Business Head at Jazz, said building a business that survives requires a balance of clarity, discipline and adaptability.

“Startups must focus on solving a real problem, understanding their customer deeply through market research and data driven insights with value proposition,” she said.

Also read: NIC Karachi hosts Pakistan Investor Summit 2026

Asma was of the view that resilience comes from maintaining financial discipline, creating agile processes and staying focused on core strengths while continuously learning from the market.

“A good team culture is important in startups where everyone is heard and given value to the ideas, and has clarity on the company vision as it helps early investments to strengthen collaboration, diversity, and innovation.”

She said key drivers such as clear pitch, validated market, solid projections and bootstrapping helps reduce dilution early and helps to secure initial funding.

Asma said long-term sustainability is achieved when founders acquire and retain customers, have good financial management and cash control along with building the flexibility to adapt rapid market changes.

Meanwhile, highlighting aims and achievements of the moot, Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at NIC, Karachi, said the summit aimed to strengthen Pakistan’s startup investment landscape by connecting capital with high-potential ventures and enabling informed investment decisions.

He said the key objectives of the summit were to deepen investor understanding of startup ecosystems, facilitate meaningful connections between founders and investors, and position Pakistan as an emerging destination for venture capital.

“It also aimed to bring together diverse ecosystem stakeholders, including banks, regulators, telcos, and corporate leaders to foster collaboration and unlock new growth pathways.”

According to the NIC official, a major highlight was the announcement of eight NIC Karachi alumni startups collectively raising over $1 million, alongside others securing strategic corporate partnerships.