NIC Lahore startup founders at Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley

In an unprecedented leap for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, four startups from the National Incubation Center (NIC) Lahore have secured a place at the prestigious Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley, under the Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning (GOAL) Program — marking the first-ever entry by any NIC cohort into the heart of global innovation.

From Lahore to Silicon Valley: Meet the Trailblazers

These game-changing startups are redefining Pakistan’s role on the global tech map:

• Paymo – The country’s first Gen Z-focused mobile wallet, built for a new era of digital banking.

• Thingsty – A no-code IoT platform powering easy smart device deployment and monitoring.

• Motto Vesta – An IP-protected airbag vest safeguarding motorcyclists with advanced wearable tech.

• Voltshare – A cloud-based EV charging network, connecting drivers to private and commercial electricity sources.

Powered by Ignite, Accelerated by NIC Lahore

This achievement is backed by Ignite – National Technology Fund and the Ministry of IT and Telecom, with NIC Lahore operated by a NETSOL Technologies-led consortium. Partners like HBL, Plug and Play, Daftarkhwan, Beaconhouse National University, UET Lahore, Women Chamber of Commerce, and Accelerate Prosperity (AKDN) have played a pivotal role in empowering this global move.

GOAL Program: Pakistan in the Spotlight

As part of the month-long GOAL Program, these startups are diving into intensive mentorship, high-impact networking, and strategic pitch sessions. The journey will culminate in the Plug and Play Summit, where over 2,500 global corporates, VCs, experts, and government bodies converge. With 565+ Fortune 1000 partners and $9B+ in alumni funding, the stakes — and opportunities — are enormous.

A National Win for Innovation

“This is more than just funding. It’s belief. It’s empowerment,” said Ayub Ghauri, President of NIC Lahore. “Pakistan is no longer an emerging market — we’re a global innovation contender.”

Adeel Aijaz Shaikh, CEO of Ignite, echoed the sentiment: “This milestone showcases the strength of Pakistan’s incubation ecosystem. It’s a proud moment for us all.”

From startup prep and visa facilitation to pitch readiness, NIC Lahore’s comprehensive support made this Silicon Valley debut possible.

What This Means

Pakistan isn’t waiting to be discovered — it’s stepping onto the world stage. The success of these startups is a signal to global investors and innovation hubs: Pakistan’s tech talent is ready to scale, compete, and lead.

The post NIC Lahore Startups Break Into Silicon Valley – A Historic First for Pakistan appeared first on Techlist.

NETSOL Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTWK), a global leader in asset finance and leasing industry solutions, has announced a landmark $16 million agreement with a major automaker to revolutionize digital car buying and leasing in the United States. The five-year contract will involve the customization, implementation, and deployment of NETSOL’s cutting-edge omnichannel digital retail platform, Otoz, alongside an ongoing SaaS subscription.

Naeem Ghauri, President of NETSOL Technologies and Founder of Otoz, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration:

“We are thrilled to work with one of the world’s leading automakers to enhance the car sales and purchase process for their dealerships and customers. Building off the recent US-market traction with MINI Anywhere and AutoNation Mobility, this new partnership is a monumental milestone for the Otoz platform, underscoring the transformative potential of NETSOL’s competence in redefining digital retail experiences and aligning with the evolving demands of the automotive sector.”

Highlighting the aggressive growth in the US automotive OEM and dealerships segment, Ghauri added, “We anticipate further growth and development for Otoz in this fiscal year and beyond. We are uniquely positioned to capture market share with comprehensive solutions spanning from digital retail to auto finance.”

NETSOL’s Otoz platform, known for its headless, API-first architecture, promises unparalleled flexibility and seamless integration with dealerships’ essential operations, maintaining top-tier security and compliance standards.

About NETSOL Technologies

NETSOL Technologies is a global pioneer in delivering advanced solutions for the asset finance and leasing industry, serving automotive OEMs, autocaptives, and financial institutions in over 30 countries. Since 1996, NETSOL has been at the forefront of technology, leveraging AI and cloud services to meet the complex needs of the global market. Renowned for its industry expertise, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence, NETSOL fosters strong client partnerships, ensuring success in a dynamic landscape. With a legacy of innovation, ethical practices, and a focus on sustainability, NETSOL continues to empower businesses worldwide, solidifying its position as a trusted partner for leading firms globally.

The post NETSOL Technologies Secures $16 Million Contract to Transform Car Buying and Leasing Experience in the U.S. appeared first on Techlist.

NetSol is international IT consultancy and Software Development Company that has the oldest and best experience in allocating enterprise solutions to the leasing/lending and finance industry around the world. NetSol also provides banking, healthcare, system integration and IT services to their clients. That means a full satisfactory and reliable deals are at one place.

Salim Ghauri is the founder and CEO of NetSol.

NetSol Technologies is among the top software houses in terms of infrastructure.

Salim Ghauri started a small business in the end of 1995. Till the date the business has grown at a large level.  The company is giving employment to 1500+ employees in different cities around the world. That includes Los Angeles, London, Lahore, Riyadh, Beijing, Adelaide and Bangkok.

Once Salim Ghauri entered the business he established it than his family members joined in to make the business flourish more his brothers, Najeeb, Naeem and Shahab Ghauri are the people who are now the part of his company.

One of its greatest achievement of this company is the winning the title of CMMI in 2006. Being the first CMMI Level 5 certified company in Pakistan which is the highest level of respect and success. The company has won many certificates for its services.

Salim Ghauri aims to establish a globally recognized corporation.  Being not only man of words but man of actions to he made his dream come true when he first started NetSol.

He certainly managed to accomplish his dreams when NetSol became the first and only Pakistani company to get listed on the NASDAQ, the world’s second largest global, electronic marketplace. That is a big achievement.

The new logo of the country is the best. You must have a look at it.

The post Salim Ghauri Releases New Logo Of NetSol After 20 Years Operations appeared first on Techlist.

Just a couple years back, development of entrepreneurs in Pakistan was difficult. To access mentors, business trainers and investors was not so easy for startups.

Now, however, the whole scenario has changed and startup founders have a choice to get incubation. There many Incubators and accelerators in the country making an impact on Tech industry of Pakistan.

Plan9

Punjab government Initiative, based in Lahore, Pakistan initially started in August 2012. Plan9 offer 3 month program to all startups in which it provides free office space, consultancy and mentoring. Another good thing, they don’t take any equity. Plan 9 has incubated more than 102 startups till now, and the numbers are increasing.

The Nest i/o

Based in Karachi, Associated with Pakistan Software House Association (PASHA), The Next i/o is a technology incubator launched in early 2015. The Incubator provides free office space and mentorship, while they are not taking any equity.

LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship

The LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship (LCE) is a tech incubator associated with the LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences), Pakistan’s topnotch university based in Lahore. The Incubator has four month program where it provides, free office space, counseling, mentoring and many other benefits.

It does take a small equity percentage for each startup accepted into the program.

i2i (invest2innovate)

Started in 2011, Based in capital city Islamabad, i2i (invest2innovate) is an accelerator for early and mid-stage startups looking to make a social impact. The program is spread over four months but it does not require startups to be present in-house. It has option of working remotely. Invest2Innovate features a total six in-person sessions spread across many cities in Pakistan. They take equity in the range of 1.5 to 3 percent from each startup accepted into the program.

PlanX

PlanX is the largest tech incubator in the country, also sister incubator of Plan9 (Initiative of PITB (Punjab Information Technology Board) Pakistan. Located in Lahore, program is six month longer but provides continuing support, free space and consultancy to mid-stage startups without taking equity.

Microsoft Innovation Center

The Microsoft Innovation Center primary concern to utilize technical skills by using Microsoft tools, It has programs in both Lahore and Karachi. Microsoft Innovation Center offers accepted startups a wide range of free Microsoft enterprise software products. And also provides coaches and mentoring to each startup.

Technology Incubation Center

The Technology Incubation Center is an initiative of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), located in Islamabad. As its associated with technology university, most of the startups housed in the incubator have a focus on hardware, engineering, and big data.

It also offers startups free office space and mentorship, taking a small equity percentage in return.

DotZero Ventures

DotZero ventures started in August 2013. They are budding entrepreneurs and startups. It provides 24×6 space, mentoring and networking. It has raises funding for tech startups.

Its founding members recently launched an angel investment fund to encourage the growth of the investment landscape in Pakistan.

Basecamp

Basecamp operates an invite-only co-working facility based in Peshawar. There are a number of events, including Startup Weekend Peshawar and TEDx Peshawar, and it hopes to promote entrepreneurship through community-led efforts. KPK is lucky by having such kind of incubators.

Founder Institute

The Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur training and startup launch program, operating a local chapter in Karachi and Islamabad.

Founder Institute program structured over three and a half months, with startups meeting once a week. Each startup must contribute 3.5 percent equity to an “options pool” and pay a one-time fee of US$250 to be accepted.

Nspire

Founded in May 2015, A private tech incubator started by NetSol , A leading  software company in Pakistan. Recently many startups incubated in Nspire and going to be launch soon this year.

Tech Incubator

Located in Lahore, they claimed to be first privately-managed incubator in Pakistan. It functions on a rolling basis, accepting startups all year round.

The tech incubator takes a big amount of equity, though. Startups have to part with 10 percent just to use its co-working space and a lot more if they wish to get mentoring, consulting, and potential investment.

WeCreate Pakistan

WeCreate Pakistan is an entrepreneurial community center exclusively for women looking to start or expand an existing business. The program based over 15 weeks and is backed by the US Department of State.

Telenor Velocity

Velocity is Telenor Pakistan’s initiative. The digital incubator selects startups from their network partners, who are usually other incubators, and help the selected startups get access to market, distribution, payment gateways etc.

Jazz’s ‘National Incubation Center

Mobilink and TeamUp to Setup National Incubation Center in Islamabad,  under the National ICT R&D Fund and will be aligned with the government’s vision of a Digital Pakistan. The service provider Teamup will run this incubation under the direct guidance of Zouhair Khaliq and Parvez Abbasi leveraging mobilink’s connection and resources.  Mobilink has collaborated with LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship (LCE) to provide support and mentorship.

The post 15 Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Pakistan appeared first on Techlist.

The man behind most successful software company in Pakistan

If you know anything about Pakistan’s tech circles then the name Salim Ghauri has probably crossed your ears more than once. As the CEO and Founder of successful software company Netsol, he possesses decades of experience working in the IT industry. This entrepreneur founded the company in 1995 and to this day it is one of the most successful software development firms in Pakistan.

But like many others, Salim did not experience instant success. His journey required arduous testing times and he used some unconventional methodologies to make his way to the top. Salim’s ascension into the higher parts of the tech ecosystem is the result of years of hard work.

Salim returned to his home country after working as an IT consultant in Australia with a plan and an idea. His beginnings were humble; his team composed of a meager four people whole together in a small room in Lahore. But despite this, Salim had big plans. Grand ideas and ambitions.

Smooth Sailing

In the 1990’s, the Internet was still a thing of fantasy in Pakistan at least, but there was growing interest in it. For Salim, getting clients on board with his ideas was a difficult task to accomplish, but he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.  With no sales team the first five years of his business, he had to reply on his own charisma to build a good rapport with potential clients. His work paid off and Salim got his first breakthrough after a Germany luxury car manufacturer signed with Netsol in 1991 for enterprise solutions for its finance department.

Salim’s first deal proved to be just what his company needed to get itself off the ground. This contract gave him a unique opportunity to get to know the customer’s psyche and focus on building solutions that suited the client’s particular needs.

By the time 2000 rolled around, Netsol signed a USD $2 million dollar contract. It was another big break and another success for Salim, as more and more companies began to be impressed with Salim’s work and ability to deliver what they needed.

However, a combination of unfortunate and tragic events like the 9/11 terrorists attacks and the dotcom crash in 2001 meant bad news for Salim. Companies were wary of working with a company considered to be the home of terrorists. Consequently, Salim was told to move his firm to another country in Southeast Asia, like the Philippines, for that very reason. But Salim stuck to his guns, intent on building a world-class company from Pakistan despite his fears and uncertainty about what the future held for his firm.

Captivating a niche market

In the middle of the 2000’s, Netsol decided to focus on products. Prior to that point, the firm possessed and provided a wide variety of services, such as software, call centers, and business process outsourcing. But for the aim of creating a strong, recognizable brand and boost the value of the firm worldwide, Salim realized he needed to license and market Netsol’s own products.

While this new idea was taking shape, he obtained a certification for quality standards. After gaining the capability maturity model integration (CMMI) certificate, the company was vaulted to success, joining the upper ranks of society. CMMI Level 5 is the highest level a company can reach and Pakistan’s successful software company Netsol did just that in 2006. It has been obtained by less than 150 companies around the globe, according to the firm.

Multiple IPOs

Netsol was now in front of the world and people were watching them positively. Both NASDAQ and the Karachi Stock Exchange (now known as the Pakistan Stock Exchange) listed Netsol, and they now had a huge roste of clients. They had their “foot” in Japan, Thailand, Croatia, China, and Australia and had over the years been able to keep many automobile manufacturing firms loyal to them.

Today, the company excels in its production of enterprise products Mobility and Ascent. They focus in leasing sectors and financial services, aiding companies in making smart business decisions that can benefit them.

Last month, Netsol got a huge deal in the amount of USD $100 million dollars with a firm. Salim would not reveal the name of the company, but did admit it was an existing client, and a multinational firm that has plans to upgrade its systems in twelve countries. For Pakistan’s tech industry, these kind of contracts are completely unheard of.

Prior to this deal, Netsol’s largest contract was in the amount of USD $20 million contract for a company in Thailand.

What’s next for Netsol?

Just like Infosys and other IT firms help create the current group of budding tech entrepreneurs in India, Netsol strives do the same thing in Pakistan. This successful software company is dedicated to speeding up this process as much as it can and aims to help up and coming entrepreneurs take advantage of its global connections and reach, while giving them access to much needed mentors and free office space.

Salim desires to help entrepreneurs who have ideas they believe can impact the world. He doesn’t specify what exactly catches his attention, but it’s clear he desires to be more than just an investor.

As for Netsol, Salim is continuing to accelerate its growth in the next months and even years. Despite its slow start and growth, he’s seen unprecedented success. Overall, he is optimistic about the bright future of Pakistan’s IT industry and looks forward to seeing in grow in the new several years.

The post The man behind most successful software company in Pakistan appeared first on Techlist.