RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Punjab Information Technology Board is going to organize Startup Lahore on March 30, and March 31, 2018 at Arfa Software Technology Park. The aim of organizing this event is to bring together investors, mentors, entrepreneurs, speakers, tech companies, accelerators and media on one platform. Startup Lahore is an initiative of PlanX, the technology accelerator of (PITB).

Program Manager Mughees Tahir, at PlanX said, “The pace of growth of startup culture has been rapidly accelerating recently in Pakistan; especially over the past few years. This has led to startups making a major contribution towards Pakistan rapidly becoming a developing and emerging market. Startup Lahore is a step towards raising awareness regarding entrepreneurship and celebrating the existing ecosystem. It will provide the community with a platform to network and showcase themselves and their ideas alongside likeminded people.”

Tahir also said that the event comprises of Demo Day; which is a startup exhibit, Startup Rumble; a startup competition and panel discussions and talks. He said that the previous edition of Startup Lahore held in January 2017 was a huge success with a footfall of more than 3000 individuals within 2 days. This included more than 150 entrepreneurs, over 30 investors and 50 mentors. It provided new startups with the much needed opportunity to showcase them selves, get feedback regarding their products and services and gain exposure.

While talking about challenges faced in organizing such an event Tahir said, “Short listing of startups is a difficult task and always requires diligence. Secondly, many entrepreneurs have a great idea and product, but struggle with pitching and communication skills. It is a challenge to ensure they do not lose out on opportunities because of that. Lastly, when an event of such magnitude is being organised, it’s always a challenge in itself to ensure everything goes smoothly. Luckily, PlanX has a great team that works in sync to ensure things go off without a hitch.”

He further said Startup Lahore highlights what the Pakistani entrepreneurial ecosystem has achieved in the past few years. Registrations for startup Lahore are now open. Students, entrepreneurs, startups, knowledge seekers, and hobbyists should definitely attend. It is the biggest event of its kind in Lahore and promises to have something for everyone.