SECP inaugurates first-ever ‘Startup Summit’

KARACHI: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) launched the country’s first-ever ‘Startup Summit’ on Monday at a local hotel in Karachi. The summit’s inaugural day attracted a dynamic turnout, with policymakers, start-up founders, international speakers and industry stakeholders sharing their perspectives on building a robust start-up ecosystem in the country.

In a video address, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb underscored the government’s dedication to innovation as a key economic driver. He commended the SECP’s recent regulatory measures, such as the Regulatory Sandbox and streamlined incorporation processes, for advancing financial inclusion and supporting growth in fintech, digital finance, and other high-impact sectors.

SECP Commissioner Mujtaba Ahmad Lodhi delivered the welcome address, emphasising the importance of collaboration in creating an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. Lodhi highlighted the SECP’s commitment to fostering strategic discussions that would strengthen Pakistan’s innovation infrastructure.

Keynote speaker SECP Chairman Akif Saeed addressed the unique juncture facing Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem, citing both the challenges and new opportunities. “At [the] SECP, our aim is not just to respond to change but to lead it,” he remarked, “to create systems that empower innovators and secure a stable yet vibrant environment for growth.” Saeed outlined initiatives like the Regulatory Sandbox and LEAP, which aim to transform Pakistan into a regional innovation hub by unlocking potential in areas, such as fintech and embedded finance.

Deputy High Commissioner of the UK Sara Mooney attended the event, adding an international dimension to the summit.

The summit’s opening day featured six vital panel discussions focusing on strengthening Pakistan’s start-up landscape. In a fireside chat, leading founders shared insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, stressing the importance of innovation, local market understanding and ecosystem support in achieving success. Another panel, ‘Strategies for Building a Resilient Startup Ecosystem’, examined key pillars such as capital access, digital innovation and regulatory reform essential for sustainable growth.

A session on ‘Empowering Female Entrepreneurs’ addressed unique challenges faced by women in business, exploring how the public and private sectors can better support women-led start-ups and foster inclusivity. During the ‘Creating a Conducive Ecosystem for Startups’ session, policymakers, regulators, and funding agencies discussed ways to bridge regulatory and financial gaps to facilitate growth. ‘Navigating Pakistan’s Startup Ecosystem’ provided insights on overcoming hurdles related to capital, talent, and market access, emphasising the role of stakeholders in nurturing an entrepreneurial environment.

Finally, ‘Unlocking Startup Growth through Capital Markets’ examined the potential of Pakistan’s capital markets to fund start-ups and the regulatory reforms needed to encourage investment. The day concluded with closing remarks from Syed Asad Ali Shah, chairperson of Befiler, who praised the SECP’s proactive role in promoting Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem and expressed optimism about the future of entrepreneurship in the country.