Two Pakistani startups, DealCart and NayaPay, have earned a spot on the prestigious Forbes Asia ‘100 to Watch’ list, which highlights promising small companies and startups in the Asia-Pacific region. The list, which includes entries from 16 countries spanning 10 industries, recognizes these ventures for their innovation, market impact, and growth potential. DealCart, a Karachi-based grocery e-commerce platform, caters to Pakistan’s burgeoning middle class and empowers small grocery stores by providing access to its growing customer base. The startup, founded in 2022, recently secured $3 million in seed funding co-led by Shorooq Partners and Sturgeon Capital.
NayaPay, a fintech startup established in 2016, is revolutionizing Pakistan’s financial ecosystem with its digital payment solutions. Offering an e-wallet, virtual debit card, and online payment services, NayaPay also supports businesses through point-of-sale devices. The company raised $13 million in seed funding in 2022 from leading investors, including Zayn Capital and Graph Ventures. The Forbes Asia selection process, involving submissions from accelerators, incubators, and venture capitalists, emphasized innovation, market fit, and industry contribution, celebrating these startups’ potential to shape their sectors.