Laila Abudahi

"Pakistan gets a lot of things right, right? Especially in terms of demographic. We've been a services ecosystem, services country for the longest time. And building product is only something that I think come into play over the last 10 years or so." - Meenah Tariq In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, ⁠Meenah Tariq⁠, CEO of ⁠Metric⁠ and an experienced entrepreneur with deep roots in emerging markets, shared her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Meenah discussed her early introduction to entrepreneurship in Pakistan, beginning with childhood ventures that sparked a lifelong passion for business. Some of the other topics Meenah covered in detail: - Her early experiences in selling lemonade and organizing neighborhood services laid the groundwork for her lifelong passion for entrepreneurship - How adaptability is required to thrive in unfamiliar environments - The transformative potential of technology in democratizing access to financial intelligence for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) - Meenah's staunch advocacy for women entrepreneurs, recognizing the systemic barriers they face in securing funding and support - The importance of resilience, and how community and support systems are pivotal in navigating the entrepreneurial journey #technology #innovation #startupstories #Pakistan #emergingmarkets #fintech #womenintech https://lnkd.in/g3yKbuku

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Pakistan's startup scene is thriving with potential and innovation, but it's lacking a key ingredient: local angel investors. While the local incubators and accelerators provide support, startup funding is often sourced from expats due to the local investors' traditional focus on real estate and established industries in Pakistan. To unlock Pakistan's full startup potential, we need to encourage local investors to diversify their portfolios and support early-stage ventures. By fostering a culture of angel investing and providing incentives for local investment, we can fuel innovation, create jobs, and drive economic growth from within. It's high time to shift focus from traditional investments to supporting the next generation of startups. With the right support, Pakistan can become a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship. However in absence of this, we will keep doing (and over doing) the mentorships and training, which, in absence of investment, can go to waste. #Pakistan #startup #angelinvestors #entrepreneurship #innovation #economicgrowth

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Great to see DealCart funding announcement coming out of #Pakistan today. Dont know the founders or the team behind it but im sure they are doing massively impressive work to land such a round in these tough political and economic circumstances for the country. A huge congrats to them and the team! I believe this is the second funding announcement this year after KalPay's million dollar raise last month. Both fund raises coming from the e-commerce sector (although kalpay is more of an enabler than an ecom on its own i believe). E-commerce is growing rapidly in Pakistan, and we (MyAlice) can vouch for that as we cater specifically to the e-commerce industry. Spending patterns will change to online as more savings are guaranteed. We look forward to supporting this explosive e-commerce growth in Pakistan with an equally superb customer service and engagement product ! #funding #startups #customerservice #whatsappapi #customersupport #myalice

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"Innovation Stations" - Create a network of interdisciplinary collaboration spaces within your organization or community, where diverse minds can converge, share ideas, and co-create innovative solutions.💡 This is a much needed step for the future of startups in Pakistan and from such ideas we can bring new ventures only. Key Steps: 1. Diverse Minds: Assemble teams with unique skill sets, perspectives, and experiences. 2. Design Thinking: Encourage empathy, creativity, and experimentation. 3. Cross-Pollination: Rotate team members to foster new connections and insights. 4. Incentivize: Offer resources, recognition, and rewards for innovative breakthroughs. 5. Embrace Failure: View failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Benefits: - Fosters a culture of innovation and creativity - Encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing - Develops innovative solutions to real-world problems - Attracts top talent and enhances reputation - Drives business growth and competitiveness "Innovation is the intersection of art and science, where creativity meets execution"- #entrepreneurship #innovation #businessincubation #collaboration

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I just want to share my experience here: logical and critical thinking are essential skills. Additionally, problem-solving and guiding people to define their requirements and solutions are also crucial. Sometimes, people don’t even know how to approach a problem. Coding becomes a secondary skill—anyone can write code, even a 10-year-old. In my personal experience, those who are good at studying philosophy and math, the history of humankind, and the history of science tend to excel at problem-solving. They understand what types of problems can and cannot be solved, which is vital for addressing the challenges in the industry moving forward.

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Our Q2 2024 update reveals tough times for Pakistan's startup scene, with just one deal closed and minimal capital inflows. Investors are cautious amid economic and political uncertainties, and the federal budget, while aiming for stability, hasn't boosted growth as hoped. Despite a slow start, there's cautious optimism for the latter half of the year. Startups should explore subsidized financing and consider regional expansion. Notable moves, like Papara’s acquisition of Sadapay, hint at potential. Read more here 👇 📝 https://lnkd.in/dguuVkX8 Invest2Innovate (i2i) #i2iInsights #StartupFunding #Q2Update

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Although there has been a growing movement in the developed world to reform the core engineering curriculumᅳmaking it more generalized, interdisciplinary, and liberalᅳthe problem remains largely unacknowledged by engineering universities in Pakistan. The issue of linguistic alienation of STEM disciplines from local cultural contexts has been reduced to mere sociopolitical rhetoric, rather than being addressed through concrete pedagogical reforms. Since the last decade, with the adoption of outcome-based education, we have witnessed a well-intentioned yet mechanized reduction of the educational process to measurable outcomes. In other words, the academic community has not only resigned itself to an inability to produce original textbooks or curricula but is also accelerating its decline by transforming into an apathetic, mechanistic entity. The root of these issuesᅳboth the impairment and the palsyᅳlies not in the bureaucratic adoption of distant paradigms but in the lack of creativity and innovation in implementing them. Here is the hypothesis: An engineering program cannot effectively design materials and processes to help graduates achieve the intended learning outcomes unless it places equal emphasis on ways of thinking as it does on ways of doing. While the latter can be addressed through teaching and imparting knowledge, the former is fundamentally about experience, enrichment, and natural endowment.

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Do you have a groundbreaking idea in AI for Good? 🌍 Here's your chance to make a difference and get rewarded! 💡 $1,000 award for the best pitch in the AI for Good category. Whether your idea addresses education, healthcare, climate change, social equity, or any global challenge, we want to hear how you’re using AI to create a positive impact. ⏳ Don’t wait, sign up now and take your vision to the next level. Let’s shape a better future! 🌟 #AIforGood #Edversity #Innovate4.0

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🚀 I’m thrilled to share that inDrive a global leader in mobility and urban services, has made a strategic investment in Zayn VC’s portfolio company Krave Mart (YC S22), one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing #online #grocery delivery platforms. This marks a significant milestone for Krave Mart, a company that has rapidly transformed the grocery delivery landscape since its founding in 2021. We invested in Krave Mart and the online grocery sector at a time when competitors were raising massive funding rounds. From day one, our belief was rooted in the strength of the founders and their team. We were confident they would out-execute every competitor in the space. With the strategic investment from inDrive, we believe Krave Mart is uniquely positioned to redefine the market and deliver exceptional value to both customers and investors. Through inDrive’s New Ventures division, this investment will fuel Krave Mart’s ambitious growth strategy, enabling: ✅ Expansion into new regions and urban markets. ✅ Enhancement of operations and technology infrastructure. ✅ Diversification of product offerings to better serve customers. Krave Mart’s innovative use of dark stores and a commitment to delivering private-label products in under 30 minutes has set it apart in a highly competitive market. With inDrive’s support, they’re now poised to redefine the e-commerce grocery sector in Pakistan and beyond. This investment also reflects inDrive’s broader mission of delivering critical services that improve the quality of life for millions globally. Proud to see Pakistan’s startup ecosystem attracting such impactful international investments and to be part of Krave Mart’s journey as it continues to lead in innovation and customer value. Kassim Shroff Haziq Ahmed Mohammad Ahsan Kidwai Hammad Bawany Asher Siddiqui Beau Seil Marvin Liao Kamil Aziz Nurken Rzaliyev Kirill Kozhevnikov Tim C. #Technology #VentureCapital #Pakistan #Innovation #Ecommerce #Startups #Mobility #Founders #Tech

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As a technology entrepreneur, I have measured optimism of the future of Pakistan's digital economy. While the IT sector in Pakistan expands, the need to cultivate soft skills among professionals becomes increasingly critical. This is a golden opportunity waiting to be seized. Empowering individuals to engage in meaningful conversations, boosting their confidence at networking events, and equipping them with the tools to effectively sell their ideas and skills can yield unprecedented growth and innovation. This is my main thesis in the article I penned for Dawn. While there are no shortcuts and revamping how we teach, and what we teach is the ultimate roadmap for Pakistan's success, I do believe that fixing communication skills is a low hanging fruit for increased productivity.

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"🎤 Inspiring Student Interviews by CEO Hamda Tariq! 🌟 CEO Hamda Tariq conducted engaging interviews with students for the Free Government-Sponsored Skills Training Program. This initiative is empowering youth with in-demand skills, helping them achieve brighter futures. Don't miss the chance to learn how these programs are changing lives! 🚀 #SkillsTraining #YouthEmpowerment #GovtSponsored #HamdaTariq #WiseEducation"

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Unlock the Power of MVP with Shoaib Rehman and Muhammad Waqas! We’re excited to announce an exclusive session on Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at the National Incubation Center, featuring the dynamic duo, Shoaib Ur Rehman and Muhammad Waqas. In this session, you’ll learn: Why MVP is a game-changer for startups and innovators. Proven techniques to validate your ideas effectively. Practical insights to launch your product successfully. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your venture, this session will equip you with the tools to build smarter and faster! Date: Wed, 04th Dec 2024 Time: 3 PM Venue: National Incubation Center Karachi Don’t miss this golden opportunity to learn from the experts and take your ideas to the next level! For more updates, subscribe to our LinkedIn or visit our website. #MVP #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #NICKarachi #LearningOpportunity #Startups #Growth

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Day-2 of the Essential Generative AI Training organized by iCodeGuru in collaboration with ASPIRE Pakistan, Pak Angels Inc, Four Brothers Group, and @The Engineers Pakistan. 📑 Module 2: Demystifying GenAI In this session, we embarked on a fascinating journey through the evolution of technology and the transformative power of Generative AI. Here are some key takeaways: 📖 The session began with a recitation of the holy Quran by Mr. Izharullah. ✈ Zafar Shahid, PhD, founder of iCodeGuru, delivered a compelling 15-minute talk on technological advancements over the past century. From the industrial revolution in agriculture in the USA, the sewing machine's impact on textiles, assembly lines making cars affordable, to the Internet and e-commerce giants like Amazon reshaping retail, Zafar Shahid, PhD highlighted these pivotal moments. He emphasized that Generative AI represents a similar paradigm shift in our era. Embracing this technology is crucial for professional and financial growth, while ignoring it could put jobs at risk. 📚 Abdullah Zahid, a full-stack developer and data scientist from Silicon Valley, provided a knowledgeable talk on the Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT). He explored various models for text, audio, and image generation, including OpenAI's GPT, DeepSpeech, Tacotron 2, and DALL-E. Key points from Abdullah's talk: 🖊 Strengths, limitations, and applications of each model. 🖊 Common pitfalls like overfitting in text models, mispronunciations in audio models, and data bias in image models, with practical solutions to improve performance. 🖊 The role of vector databases in storing high-dimensional data and performing efficient similarity searches. 🖊Introduction to Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to enhance data generation by leveraging relevant documents from vector databases. This session was a powerful reminder of the ongoing technological evolution and the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Let's continue to learn, adapt, and thrive in this AI-driven world! 🌟 #AI #GenerativeAI #TechEvolution #LearningAndDevelopment #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth

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Rode 2,200 km and hiked 65 km over 4 days to summit a 5,100 m mountain and cross two 14,000 ft passes (A journey of resilience, patience, and leadership) Together with Muhammad Adnan Nazir - an Associate Director of Data Engineering at Ibex and founder of the adventure travel club Indus Jam—we packed our bags, jumped on our bikes, and set out to push ourselves beyond the ordinary. This adventure was more than just a physical challenge; it was a test of mindset and collaboration that taught me valuable lessons about resilience, leadership, and even building teams. 1. The Co-Founder Test You Didn’t Know You Needed Planning to bring on a co-founder? Take them on a challenging journey. Here’s why: Adversity reveals character. Can they handle unexpected obstacles? Collaboration under stress. Do they communicate effectively when things don’t go as planned? Decision-making in chaos. Can they prioritize and lead with clarity? What you learn about each other in tough moments could save you months—or years—of figuring it out later. 2. Leadership Lessons in the Wild As a Senior Product Manager (with over 5 years of experience and a background as a founder), I’ve come to appreciate that leadership isn’t about commanding—it’s about stepping up when the stakes are high. This journey reinforced key leadership principles: Lead by example. When everyone’s facing the same harsh conditions, actions matter more than words. Clarity in decision-making. Every step on the mountain mattered, just like every decision in product development. 3. How Adventure Travel Sharpens PM Skills For Product Managers, navigating unknown territories offers unmatched training: Problem-solving in real-time. Adventure teaches you to adapt quickly when plans fall apart. Thick skin. Facing unpredictable conditions prepares you for tough feedback and setbacks at work. Communication under pressure. You learn how to convey clear priorities when the stakes are high. 4. Testing Team Dynamics in Extreme Conditions Adventures like these are team-building experiences unlike any workshop: Everyone faces the same challenges—no privileges, no shortcuts. Leaders emerge naturally through responsibility and resilience. Collaboration is key when survival depends on working together. The Big Takeaway Leadership, resilience, and collaboration aren’t developed in comfort zones—they’re forged in adversity. Whether you’re building a startup, leading a product team, or simply looking to grow, step outside your comfort zone. Push your limits. Bring your co-founder or team into a challenge, and see how they rise to the occasion. More than just a trip, this journey with Adnan Nazir was a masterclass in resilience and teamwork. More details about our adventure are coming soon. #Leadership #Resilience #ProductManagement

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Innovation knows no gender. Thrilled to see women leading the charge in technology at the CIRCLE Women. Join us as we pave the way for female innovators in technology! CIRCLE Women Association, in collaboration with HBL and HBL Nisa, proudly presents the largest startup competition for women in tech. Together with She Loves Tech, we're empowering women to break barriers and thrive in the digital age. Don't miss out on witnessing groundbreaking ideas and transformative ventures at this inspiring event. Let's shape the future of technology, together. #SheLovesTech2024 #SheTechsCharge #SLTGlobalCompetition2024 #SheLovesTech #SLT #SheLovesTechAt10 #SheLovesTech10thAnniversary #womenintech #womenempowerment #femalefounders #diversityintech #technology #startups #thefutureisfemale

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