Standard Chartered Pakistan has officially unveiled the eighth cohort of its prestigious Women in Tech accelerator program, continuing its mission to empower female-led startups within the national technology ecosystem. This latest launch is part of a long-term collaboration with Village Capital and InnoVentures Global, marking eight years of consistent support for women entrepreneurs in the country. Since its inception, the initiative has reached a significant milestone by backing more than 1,300 businesses. Over 150 women founders have successfully graduated from the program, with more than 50 startups securing critical seed-stage funding to scale their operations.
The 2026 edition of the accelerator is specifically designed to provide high-potential, women-led ventures with the tools necessary for international competitiveness. Participants will receive intensive investment readiness training, access to catalytic capital, and direct introductions to global investor networks. InnoVentures Global, a firm with extensive experience in local startup incubation, will lead the implementation of the program on the ground. By focusing on tech-enabled solutions, the organizers intend to foster businesses that are not only profitable but also resilient enough to withstand shifting economic cycles.
Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Pakistan, highlighted that the program remains a vital bridge for overcoming systemic barriers. He pointed out that female founders often face disproportionate challenges in accessing professional networks and securing early-stage financing. By providing structured mentorship and capital access, the bank aims to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape where women can lead large-scale industrial and digital transformations. This year’s focus remains squarely on equipping these founders with practical strategies for sustainable growth and long-term impact.
The tangible impact of the initiative was underscored by Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director at Village Capital, who shared data from the previous year. In 2025 alone, 71 participating startups led by women collectively generated over 2 million dollars in additional revenue. This growth demonstrates the immense economic value of providing targeted support to underserved segments of the tech community. The 2026 cohort is expected to build on this success, enabling a new group of founders to refine their business models and engage effectively with sophisticated investors across the region.
This accelerator is a component of a broader three-year regional strategy aimed at supporting approximately 400 women founders across the Middle East and Africa. Globally, the Women in Tech initiative by Standard Chartered has influenced over 4,000 entrepreneurs across 17 markets. For the 2026 cycle, the program has allocated more than 600,000 dollars in grant funding to be distributed across 12 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. This global scale provides Pakistani founders with a unique opportunity to gain exposure beyond their local borders.
Nida Athar, Founder of InnoVentures Global, emphasized that women in Pakistan are increasingly building scalable businesses that contribute meaningfully to national economic growth. Despite broader economic uncertainties, the resilience of female entrepreneurs continues to inspire the next generation of digital leaders. Applications for the Pakistan cohort are currently open and will remain so until May 1, 2026. The selected startups will undergo a rigorous acceleration process from June through October, culminating in a showcase of innovative solutions that reflect the future of Pakistan’s digital economy.
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