Online Business Ideas in Pakistan without Investment

The COVID-19 event served as a stimulus for the tech startups in Pakistan, which saw investments increase from $65 million in 2020 to $350 million in 2021. Entrepreneurs had the chance to develop the best startups in Pakistan with a human impact during prolonged lockdowns and quarantines.

Pakistan is one of the last untapped markets for startups and investors to offer internet-based services comparable to those in other parts of the world, with more than 250 startups since 2015, increasing internet connectivity driven by low-cost smartphones – there have been 184 million cellphone users at the end of 2021 thanks to affordable data.


Markaz

Start your very own online reselling business with Markaz App.


Pakistan's Startup Environment

Pakistani startups raised $66MM in total in 2020.

Things took a radical turn in 2021 when the country saw a rise in the best startups in Pakistan.

It all began in January with a donation of $13.5 million. Seven startups raised $42.6 million in the capital from February through April.

During May and June, companies raised an extra $69.2 million, with most of the money going to eCommerce and FinTech startups in Pakistan. The best e-commerce business ideas in Pakistan are highlighted in this article. These start-ups and firms are tackling the e-commerce sector from various angles, but they are all great businesses you should keep an eye on.

In our selection process, we tried to include businesses of all sizes, from innovative startups to well-known names.

Several reasons contribute to Pakistan's expanding e-commerce trends, which can open up new opportunities for startups. Here are a few of the most successful e-commerce business ideas in Pakistan. These start-ups and businesses have been hand-picked because of their outstanding performance. Let's take a look:

Top 19 eCommerce Tech Startups in Pakistan

Top 19 eCommerce Tech Startups in Pakistan

1. Markaz

The Markaz App is a social commerce tech startup in Pakistan allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to promote and sell products using social media platforms like

So how does the Markaz app work?

Markaz App allows wholesalers to grow their businesses online. It opens up a whole new online avenue for wholesalers to list their product catalogs and associated items.

This has resulted in a catalog of more than 100,000 items on the Markaz App. So that is one way you can become a part of the Markaz ecosystem.

Markaz App also offers resell in which users can utilize the social commerce app to advertise these products to their contacts via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

All catalogs available through the Markaz App enable resellers to view each item's product images, pricing, and in-stock information.

The app makes things easier for the end-user by enabling a simple cash-on-delivery payment method. Customers can also return the product within seven days of delivery if there is a problem to ensure that their customer needs are met.

Markaz has several well-established and reliable delivery partners.

Unlike other apps, Markaz does not require its members to make an initial investment. Furthermore, Markaz takes care of the shipping, cash on delivery, and quality-related returns and reimbursements so that members can work more flexibly.

Resellers can earn up to PKR 45,000 per month and get paid within 48-72 hours for each successful sale.

2. Airlift Technologies

A total of $109.2 million in funding has been made public by Airlift as of 2021. We now have the largest money in a local tech startup in Pakistan's history!

When Airlift was first founded, it was primarily an app-based transportation service. However, amid the pandemic, it shifted its focus to fast-paced commerce.

Meher Farrukh, Ahmed Ayub, and Usman Gul set up the company in 2018. They have a 30-minute delivery window for groceries, medicine, and other home goods. Several well-known investors are also supporting their expansion into the electronic sector.

3. Bazaar

In 2021, Bazaar received the investment in two phases. Established by awaid and Saad Jangda established it in 2020. There was $37.8 million in declared financing for Bazaar when in 2019.

In Pakistan, Bazaar is a B2B marketplace for small enterprises (Kiryana outlets). Initially, it received $6.5 million seed funding from Indus Valley Capital, Global Founders Capital, S7V, Wavemaker Partners, Derayah Venture Capital, and Next Billion Ventures.

Later, Defy Partners, Wavemaker Partners, Acrew Capital, and Saison Capital invested $30 million in the company's Series A round of funding, as well as other investors, including B&Y Venture Partners, Global Founders Capital, Next Billion Ventures, and Alter Global.

4. PostEx

Up to this point, PostEx has received $8.6 million in funding (1.5 million dollars in seed funding and 7.1 million dollars in Series A funding).

In April 2020, PostEx was formed as a hybrid receivables factoring and courier business. The four founders are Omer Khan, Saad Mahmood, Babar Razzaq, and Adil Naseem. PostEx is a startup that compensates for E-commerce companies that accept Cash on Delivery as a method of payment beforehand.

It stands apart from the crowd of industry players. Vendors can accept cash on delivery without the need to wait for payment. They've decided to make the delivery process as simple as possible. In addition, standard delivery is being modernized with fast and upfront cash on orders rather than the current delivery method.

PostEx's financial and logistics platform aims to alleviate the problems of payment cycles and transactions. Using PostEx's payment gateway, retailers can accept credit cards, bank accounts, and mobile wallet payments on their website in addition to cash-on-delivery payments.

5. Retailo Technologies

Retailo has received $9 million in publicly known investment as of 2021.

In Riyadh, Retailo is a business-to-business B2B portal for retailers that brings manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers together. One of its primary objectives is to improve the state of retail supply chains regarding technology.

In addition, developing a tech-enabled distribution platform would eliminate the inefficiencies in the informal retail sector. With the help of Mohammad Nowkhaiz, Talha Ansari developed Retailo. As a result, they've worked for companies like Careem and Rocket Internet in the Middle East.

Using Retailo's business-to-business app, you have a slew of options for managing your company. Offering competitive rates in the market helps the company have a steady and ideal stock level. 

6. Tajir

Tajir is a business-to-business platform for small businesses based in Lahore and founded in 2018 by Babar Khan and Ismail Khan.

The founders strive to create a platform with transparent accessibility and enable small business owners to manage their businesses with ease.

With the aim of making its user journey more profitable, they provide assistance that makes economic development accessible and affordable while reducing costs.

This remarkable startup offers various services in numerous industries such as B2B, E-Commerce, Marketplace, Retail and more. It allows buyers to source products from reliable suppliers around the world.

The platform also enables purchasing managers, factories owners, distributors etc., to collaborate with Tajir’s members so as to stay updated on new product launches or exclusive offers. In addition, customers are able to track their orders from start till finish using Tajir’s superior logistics system.

Ultimately, Tajir’s mission is to provide users an easier and smarter way of accessing international products at local prices - all while benefiting from the highest standards of quality control too!

7. Grocer App

GrocerApp is a low-cost online grocery store that offers customers the convenience of ordering products from a variety of categories without having to leave the comfort of their homes.

Founded by Ahmad Saeed, Hassaan Sadiq, and Rai Bilal in 2016 in Lahore, GrocerApp quickly became one of the most popular online grocery stores in the city. With GrocerApp, customers can easily order items directly from their smartphones or computers with just a few simple clicks.

Not only is GrocerApp’s product selection top-notch, but it also provides its customers with unbeatable deals on all its items. The innovative and ever-growing marketplace effectively combines the convenience of online shopping with excellent customer service all at unbeatable prices.

Customers can also customize their orders with additional discounts and perks. Additionally, GrocerApp offers free deliveries to ensure customers' experience every time they shop on this platform is smooth and hassle-free as possible.

8. Dawaai

Dawaai is a digital health platform that provides an online pharmacy network – connecting customers with pharmaceuticals in cities across Pakistan. Founded in 2013 by Furquan Kidwai, Dawaai has become increasingly popular among the population of Karachi and other cities within Pakistan ever since.

By providing high-quality generic medications to low and middle-income citizens at affordable prices, Dawaai has staked its claim as being one of the strongest players in both the healthcare and e-commerce industry.

Dawaai’s mission is to ensure that every Pakistani citizen has access to quality healthcare services. They are committed to reducing mortality rates associated with disease and provide vital medications without burning a hole in someone's pocket.

With this step taken towards a more healthy future, Dawaai serves to bridge the gap between economic inequality upon access to generic medicines and make sure everyone receives quality treatment regardless of social status or financial resources.

9. Salesflo

Salesflo is a business platform launched in 2015 that offers an innovative method of order placement for retailers, connecting them with leading manufacturers, wholesalers and authorized distributors.

The company was founded by Naveed Memon, Sharoon Saleem, Syed Khurram Haider, and Yasir Suleman Memon out of Karachi and has since become a leader in the B2B e-commerce space.

Salesflo is revolutionizing the way businesses order their products. Through their technology-driven platform retailers can access new markets to obtain stock while placing orders faster and easier than ever before.

With numerous impressive functions such as stock availability updates in real-time, catalogs tailored specifically for individual outlets, personalized dashboards for each store or brand, and integrated payment capabilities Salesflo has really taken ordering to the digital age providing customers with an optimized purchasing experience.

By eliminating the need for manual back-and-forth communication between vendors and buyers Salesflo has opened up a world of connectivity facilitating smoother transactions between businesses both big and small.

10. Finja

Finja is a Lahore based financial services platform established in 2016 by Monis Rahman, Qasif Shahid, and Umer Munawar. The startup offers payment, loan, and collection services to professionals and SMEs alike. Through their FinTech products, they are aiming to make access to financial services easier in Pakistan.

Finja’s goal is to help businesses grow and prosper through easy access to funds and other financial instruments such as mobile payments or collections. Their focus is on enhancing the security of transactions while also providing convenience for business owners and reducing fraud-related risks.

Additionally, they provide services such as automated invoicing tools which can be used for tracking payments made or received by customers.

Moreover, their innovative products help in streamlining the processes involved with obtaining financing from lenders or funding providers.

By regulating the process available to businesses via the platform means less paperwork for owners thus a hassle-free experience of day-to-day operations. Therefore Finja’s helpful financial solutions are truly a welcomed addition for many businesses requiring assistance with their finances.

11. Bykea

Bykea is an innovative social enterprise that has been revolutionizing the way people in Karachi can take care of their transport and courier needs. Founded in 2016 by Muneeb Maayr, Bykea enables its users to instantly make use of its services without the hassle of having to search for an alternative service.

With just a few taps on their smartphones, people in Karachi are now able to access Bykea’s transportation and delivery options which have become increasingly popular. These services include shopping deliveries from local retailers, ride-sharing, and courier services all at extremely affordable prices.

Bykea’s mission is to provide efficient and cost-effective solutions for every day problems faced by its customers in major cities like Karachi.

Despite having started up only four years ago, the firm has made significant progress toward this end with nearly two million downloads across both iOS and Android devices since then.

Not only this, but they have also received multiple rounds of funding from investors such as Karandaaz Pakistan and Khazanah Nasional Bhd Malaysia. In recognition of their work towards the improvement of local mobility solutions, Bykea has even won international awards such as The Social Innovation Network Seoul Award and Red Her.

12. Daraz.pk

Daraz.pk is an online retail shop based in Karachi, Pakistan which was founded by Ahmed Khan, Farees Shah, Muhammad Ahsan Raza, and Muneeb Maayr in 2012.

The retailer specializes in selling branded clothing, apparel, footwear, jewelry, and accessories for both men and women. By connecting buyers with sellers across the country, they offer a wide range of products at competitive prices.

Daraz has continuously been innovating to meet the customers’ expectations for convenience and reliability.

It provides customers with prompt delivery along with easy returns on their products ranging from clothes to electronics such as smartphones.

Customers are also able to take advantage of their customer service which is available 24/7 throughout the year. With its growing market share, Daraz continues to make strides in becoming the leading ecommerce platform in Pakistan.

13. Sadapay

SadaPay is a neo bank that was developed out of Islamabad, Pakistan in 2018. The new modern banking company was created by entrepreneur Brandon Timenny to provide banking services to the rest of the country with an emphasis on innovation and technology.

They have quickly become one of the leading startups in the banking and financial service sector, with a goal to make financial services accessible and enjoyable for all citizens.

As an example of their commitment to progress, they are trying to bridge traditional banking operations with digital capabilities and mobility.

This ultimately provides more flexibility and convenience when taking advantage of their financial products such as deposits or loans, as well as offering features like virtual cards, instant payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and more.

Even better yet is that some of SadaPay’s services are free, so users can save money compared to if they went through a brick-and-mortar bank.

By utilizing these solutions, SadaPay seeks to reduce the friction involved in traditional financial transactions while also increasing its control over customers over their funds.

14. Cheetay

Cheetay is a Now-Commerce platform that operates out of Lahore, Pakistan. Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Khan, the company provides five verticals for users to choose from Delivery, E-Commerce, Food Delivery, and Logistics. Cheetay aims to enhance the user experience with hassle-free services by leveraging modern technologies.

The company offered convenient access to an array of goods and services such as food delivery services at competitive prices.

With their commitment to providing unbeatable quality and value-added services, Cheetay has quickly grown in popularity among the locals.

On average, delivery orders are delivered within one hour of placement. Apart from this, Cheetay also offers discounts on purchases made through their platform along with special rewards programs for loyal customers.

As Cheetay increases its presence across different cities within Pakistan, it is establishing itself as one of the most reliable grocery delivery service providers around.

15. KASB Securities

KASB Securities is a leading online stockbroking and investment firm in Karachi, Pakistan, founded by Mr. Ali Farid Khwaja in 2018. Prior to establishing the venture, Mr. Farid spent over twenty years in the financial services industry where he held various executive positions at several national and multinational firms.

The company has taken the initiative to make investing simpler for retail investors through its online platform called “KTrade”. It provides quick access to multiple markets with low fees and competitive commission structures.

Users can find customized solutions to their investment needs from research-backed tips provided by experienced market analysts at KASB Securities. Through this platform, they can easily buy stocks, monitor their portfolio performance and analyze trends in the market – literally all within few clicks of the mouse!

The company also provides training programs for those who want to become successful investors as well as professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars and webinars related to the equity markets & trading practices for entrepreneurs & traders alike.

16. TAG

TAG, short for Talal Ahmad Gondal, is Pakistan’s first digital bank.

Founded in 2020 and based in Islamabad, this fintech startup has successfully introduced a new banking system to the country that provides convenient access to financial services through simple and secure digital methods.

Not only does TAG provide an all-inclusive banking experience, it also pioneers a new model of savings and investments that is both highly informative and cost-effective.

TAG offers customers a wide range of products geared towards educating consumers on wise spending habits as well as features tailored specifically for entrepreneurs like business loans and asset management tools.

One such talking point is the “MyWallet” feature which enables users to aggregate all their financial accounts with TAG in one place. In addition, customers can stay informed about market trends via TAG's automated chatbot “Advisor AI” which offers helpful advice on budgeting best practices.

With these robust tools at their fingertips, users are able to monitor their finances better than ever before while gaining insight into making more intelligent investment decisions.

17. Zameen.com 

Zameen.com is a Pakistani online real estate platform founded by brothers Imran Ali Khan and Zeeshan Ali Khan in 2006. Based in Lahore, the platform has made it significantly easier to search, buy, sell, and rent properties across Pakistan.

The website offers high-quality renderings of potential property locations as well as reliable information on local governments' regulations related to real estate transactions. This helps potential buyers make informed decisions with ease.

Additionally, Zameen also provides its customers with access to property management services such as home care packages that provide comprehensive maintenance services. They have an exclusive team of experts that ensures that each task is fulfilled with utmost quality assurance.

Furthermore, the company offers customized solutions such as real estate marketing campaigns and strategies tailored to the client’s needs. With its user-friendly interface and extensive staff resources, Zameen has revolutionized the real estate industry in Pakistan by connecting local buyers and sellers around the country.

18. Car First

CarFirst is an online second-hand car sales marketplace that was founded in Lahore in 2016 by Raja Murad Khan. By leveraging digital technology, the startup has quickly become a leader in the market for the buying and selling of used cars in Pakistan.

Through their online platform, CarFirst provides users with a convenient, fast, and secure way to buy and sell vehicles. The company makes it easy for customers to find their desired car with just a few simple clicks.

On the website, buyers can search for different types of cars such as sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and more.

The search result yields details like make, model, and year of production along with relevant images and price information.

Furthermore, CarFirst also offers home inspection services to potential buyers who want to purchase vehicles without having to travel far away from their homes.

This helps them save time and money on travel costs while providing them with detailed vehicle information prior to making a purchase decision.

With these special features along with competitive rates supported by excellent customer service, CarFirst is committed to providing a hassle-free transaction experience when it comes to buying or selling used vehicles across Pakistan.

19. Pak Style

PakStyle is an online fashion store that has been providing the people of Pakistan with stylish, affordable fashion since 2010. This e-commerce platform offers a wide range of products for every gender, age, and occasion.

The store has quickly risen in popularity and become one of the most popular e-commerce sites in the country with customers from all over Pakistan being able to access their dynamic collections.

PakStyle makes shopping for fashion effortless and convenient by offering customers instant access to hundreds of brands at just a few clicks away.

Their customer service team includes friendly advisors who ensure that customers receive a smooth and stress-free online shopping experience with quick delivery times and easy returns.

Pakstyle also has a user-friendly website so customers can easily search through different categories and compare prices to get the best deal available. Furthermore, they have regular sales and discounts which makes it easier for shoppers to find great products at reasonable prices.

 


Markaz

Start your very own online reselling business with Markaz App.


Wrapping Up

 invest in tech startups

invest in tech startups

A large portion of Pakistan's GDP is generated by small and medium-sized enterprises. Although innovation has become a hot topic in the entrepreneurial environment of the country recently, Innovation Driven Enterprises (IDEs) or startups are becoming more commonplace. There has been an increase in the number of incubators and accelerators in the country, making it easier for startups to seek help.

So, which one of these tech startups in Pakistan has inspired you the most so far and would you ever invest in tech startups?

FAQs

How many startups are in Pakistan?

By 2025, Pakistan is expected to have 97% more venture capital funding than it had in 2020, according to the Emerging Venture Markets Report. This helps Pakistan become a startup powerhouse. Now, Pakistan is home to upwards of 800 start-ups.

How many unicorns Pakistan has?

There are only three unicorns in Pakistan: Careem, Afiniti, and KeepTruckin, which are all valued at more than $1 billion each.

How is e-commerce in Pakistan?

In 2021, Pakistan will be the 37th-largest market for eCommerce, ahead of Iran but behind Israel in terms of revenue. In 2021, Pakistan's eCommerce market is expected to rise by 45 percent, helping to drive global eCommerce growth to 29%.

How to start an e-commerce business in Pakistan?

If you're eager to learn how to start an e-commerce business in Pakistan, it's essential to follow a systematic approach. First, identify a profitable niche that aligns with local market demands and customer preferences.

Then, conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your competitors and target audience. With a solid business plan in place, register your business and select a reliable e-commerce platform to build your online store.

Source products from trustworthy suppliers and integrate secure payment gateways to ensure smooth transactions. Implement an effective marketing strategy that leverages social media, SEO, and targeted advertising to drive traffic and boost sales.

Remember to prioritize exceptional customer service and continuously analyze and adapt your strategies to stay ahead in the competitive e-commerce landscape in Pakistan. With dedication and a strategic approach to how to start an e-commerce business in Pakistan, you can pave the way for a successful e-commerce business in Pakistan.