Shows
misaal71. From Freelancer to CEO: The CeePrinto StoryIn this 71st episode of the misaal podcast, you will listen to my conversation with Asfar Anjum — the founder of CeePrinto.
A Print-on-demand platform that lets you design, customize, and sell your own products.
Guest: Asfar Anjum | https://www.linkedin.com/in/asfaranjum/
Startup: Ceeprinto | https://ceeprinto.com/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to lis...2024-05-1323 minmisaal70. Scaling AI: Saad Khawar's vision for more intelligent data labelingIn this 70th episode of the misaal podcast, you will listen to my conversation with Saad Khawar — co-founder of Datacade.
A provider of labeling and annotation solutions for LLMs.
Guest: Saad Khawar | https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-khawar/
Startup: Datacade | https://datacade.ai/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaal
Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid2024-04-2335 minmisaal69. Pakistani startups raised $0 in Q1 2024In this episode of the misaal podcast, I’ll give you a quarterly update on the startup ecosystem in Pakistan.
As far as startup funding goes, there isn’t much to discuss, as Pakistani startups raised $0 in Q1. Still, many things happened in Q1, such as SadaPay acquisition, startup closures, layoffs, etc.
It’s mostly bad news, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Tech & VC Landscape Pakistan 2023 Report: https://insights.datadarbar.io/tech-vc-landscape-pakistan-2023-report/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Oth...2024-04-0705 minmisaal68. Syed Azfar Hussain | NIC HyderabadIn this 68th episode of the misaal podcast, you will listen to my conversation with Syed Azfar Hussain — the Project Director at NIC Hyderabad.
A public-private partnership-funded incubation center for ambitious entrepreneurs.
Guest: Syed Azfar Hussain | https://www.linkedin.com/in/azfar84/
Organization: NIC Hyderabad | https://nichyderabad.com/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaalBuy me a coffee: https://www.bu...2024-03-1837 minmisaal67. Unpacking SadaPay’s $50 million AcquisitionIn this 67th episode of the misaal podcast, I unpack the recent $50 million acquisition of SadaPay by Papara.
Despite a challenging month with no new startup funding rounds, the ecosystem showed signs of resilience with SadaPay’s acquisition. However, there are no whiners in this deal.
Discover insights into the impact of political changes on the ecosystem, the significance of startup acquisitions, and what the SadaPay deal reveals about venture capital dynamics.
I dissect the valuation, the terms of the deal, and its implications for investors and the broader ecosystem.
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup fu...2024-03-0705 minmisaal66. Gohar Shafique | We Want DesignIn this 66th episode of the misaal podcast, you will listen to my conversation with Gohar Shafique — a serial entrepreneur and founder of We Want Design.
An easy-to-use design and development service for startups, enterprises, and agencies.
Guest: Gohar Shafique | https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohardotme/
Startup: We Want Design | https://www.wewantdesign.co/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to li...2024-02-2630 minmisaal65. Huzaifa Ahmad | RizqIn this 65th episode of the misaal podcast, you will listen to my conversation with Huzaifa Ahmad — the co-founder of Rizq
A social impact startup that tackles the problem of food insecurity and waste through its many different programs.
Guest: Huzaifa Ahmad | https://www.linkedin.com/in/huzaifa-ahmad-7026aa165/
Startup: Rizq | https://rizq.org/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Ot...2024-02-0537 minmisaal64. Adeel Raza | eLearning evolveIn this episode, Adeel Raza, co-founder of eLearning Evolve, shares how his free WordPress plugin proved more valuable than he first anticipated, allowing him to offer a paid version.
Guest: Adeel Raza | https://www.linkedin.com/in/adeel-raza/
Startup: eLearning evolve | https://elearningevolve.com/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaal
Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahid2024-01-1220 minmisaal63. Hunain Kapadia | SmartbenefitsHunain Kapadia, the co-founder and CTO of Smartbenefits, joins me to talk about how he is making it easier for employers to provide health and life insurance to their employees at an affordable price.
Guest: Hunain Kapadia | https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunainkapadia/
Startup: Smartbenefits | https://smartbenefits.pk/
Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilani
Startup funding news: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com
Free newsletter: https://techshaw.substack.com/
Other ways to listen: https://techshaw.com/misaal2023-12-1925 min
misaal62. Haider Raza | DealCartE-commerce startups are commonplace in Pakistan. However, a significant segment of society sits on the sidelines as they can’t find the bargains they seek online. My guest in this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that.His name is Haider Raza, and he is the co-founder of DealCart.A social commerce startup bringing community and group buying to Pakistan's rapidly growing e-commerce market.Guest: Haider Raza | https://www.linkedin.com/in/haider-raza-036342aa/Startup: DealCart | https://dealcart.io...2023-11-1037 min
misaal61. Pakistan's Changing Digital Media Landscape with Muna KhanFrom busy cities to remote villages, digital media has revolutionized how Pakistan shares information. The more we understand these changes, the better off we'll be at digesting news, engaging with stories, and understanding the world.The topic of digital media is very close to my heart as a podcaster and publisher serving the Pakistani audience. However, I have an outsider’s perspective on digital media in Pakistan. And for that reason, in this episode of the misaal podcast, I'm thrilled to host someone much smarter on this topic.Her na...2023-10-1641 min
misaal60. Q3 2023 Pakistan Startup Funding Update with Mutaher KhanThe quarter just ended, and the numbers are in. Pakistani startups raised $6.8 million in disclosed equity funding across five deals in Q3 2023.That’s 87% less than the $55 million raised in Q3 of 2022 but 40% more than the $5 million raised in Q2 of 2023. This brings the YTD funding to $35 million.So what gives? To answer that question and better understand the current trends in Pakistani startup funding, in this episode of the misaal podcast, I am joined by Mutaher Khan.He covers startups for DAWN and is...2023-10-0631 min
misaal59. Michel Friedman | Reflect VenturesLast year, Pakistani startups received half their funding from emerging market VC firms. This year, most emerging market VC firms are sitting on the sidelines and waiting for market conditions to improve. However, my guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is actively funding deals and most recently invested in Truckistan.His name is Michel Friedman, and he is the founding partner at Reflect Ventures.Reflect Ventures is an early-stage VC firm investing in B2B and B2B2C startups focusing on l...2023-09-2527 min
misaal58. Asad Hashamali | Alt AcademyIt is not easy to monetize EdTech in Pakistan. Startups are competing with free content on YouTube.However, my guest on this episode of the misaal podcast has successfully monetized his EdTech startup and built the go-to place for A levels prep.His name is Asad Hashamali, and he is the co-founder of Alt Academy.Alt Academy makes A Level exam prep a piece of cake. You get access to 9 expert-led courses for one low subscription.Guest: Asad Hashamali...2023-08-2137 min
misaal57. Muhammad Mustafa | EasyFreshAgriculture plays a huge role in Pakistan’s economy. It employs about 42% of the country’s workforce and contributes 19% to the GDP. But the sector still relies a lot on inefficient supply chains. And my guest in this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that. His name is Muhammad Mustafa, and he is the co-founder of EasyFresh. A B2B startup connecting farmers with retailers across Pakistan, eliminating intermediaries and increasing efficiency.Guest: Muhammad Mustafa | https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-mustafa-06323a7/S...2023-07-3126 min
misaal56. Ahsan Ali Khan | ZarayeIn Pakistan, sourcing raw materials for manufacturing is complicated and fragmented. My guest on this episode of the misaal podcast wants to change that. His name is Ahsan Ali Khan, and he is the co-founder of Zaraye. A marketplace that simplifies and streamlines the sourcing process for buyers and sellers alike. Buyers get quality products, and suppliers get the best price. Guest: Ahsan Ali Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsan-ali-khan-86721b28/Startup: Zaraye | https://www.zaraye.co/H...2023-07-0729 min
misaal55. Mutaher Khan | The focus on IT in Pakistan’s FY24 BudgetA couple of weeks back, Pakistan unveiled its federal budget for FY24. It is as predictable as one has come to expect. A lot of borrowing to pay for the basics. However, this budget had one unique feature: the focus on IT.So I asked Mutaher Khan, who did an excellent round-up of all IT-related proposals in the budget for DAWN news, to come and share his thoughts.Guest: Mutaher Khan | https://www.linkedin.com/in/mutaherkhan/DAWN Article: https://www.dawn.com/news/17592822023-06-1923 min
misaal54. Salman Shahid | DostMy guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is helping blue-collar workers find the opportunities they deserve and get an edge in the job market.His name is Salman Shahid, and he is the co-founder of Dost. Find out why he believes Dost is the best platform for blue-collar workers to find jobs and for employers to hire qualified candidates.Guest: Salman Shahid | https://www.linkedin.com/in/salman-shahid-678abb78/Startup: Dost | https://dost.work/Host: Z...2023-06-1228 min
misaal53. Farooq Tirmizi | ElphinstoneMy guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is changing how Pakistanis invest. His startup allows investors in Pakistan to invest in the U.S. stock market.His name is Farooq Tirmizi, and he is the co-founder of Elphinstone. For as little as $100, you can start investing in the U.S. stock market with Elphinstone.Guest: Farooq Tirmizi | https://www.linkedin.com/in/farooqtirmizi/Startup: Elphinstone | https://elphinstone.usHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by...2023-05-2332 min
misaal52. Aamir Bhagat | ITeachStuffMy guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is bringing all your favorite creators and experts in their fields to one platform so you can learn in-demand skills and up your game.He’s a creative tour de force and an invisible hand behind many creators you all love and cherish. I, for one, have learned a great deal about editing from his many YouTube tutorials.His name is Aamir Bhagat, and he is the founder of ITeachStuff. It’s like Skillshare but much better. And in Urdu.Guest: Aamir Bhagat | https://www...2023-05-0131 min
misaal51. Rooshan Aziz | MaqsadMy guest in this episode of the misaal podcast is helping students get ahead by providing them with personalized tutoring and customized testing. His name is Rooshan Aziz, and he is the co-founder of Maqsad. Using Maqsad's all-in-one mobile learning platform, students from grades 9-12 can learn and test at their own pace.Guest: Rooshan Aziz | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rooshan-aziz-04710875/Startup: Maqsad | https://maqsad.io/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://t...2023-04-1120 min
misaal50. Jarrar Shah | 24SevenMy guest in this 50th episode of the misaal podcast is empowering kiryana stores to create a unified consumer experience. His name is Jarrar Shah, and he is the co-founder of 24Seven. Through digitization and innovation, 24Seven helps local kiryana stores in Pakistan create a unified consumer experience.Guest: Jarrar Shah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrarshah/Startup: 24Seven - https://24seven.pk/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comF...2023-03-3027 min
misaal49. Mohammad Nasrullah | IntegryI have a very special guest on this episode of the misaal podcast. A serial entrepreneur who's currently building his third startup. Not only that, he's building a global B2B SaaS product in a country where startups like his are fairly uncommon.His name is Mohammad Nasrullah, a.k.a Nash, and he is the founder of Integry. With Integry, companies can create app integrations that are incredibly easy to set up and use.Guest: Mohammad Nasrullah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monash/Startup: Integry...2023-03-2033 min
misaal48. Bazigh Kiani | BharteeIn Pakistan, employers do not use LinkedIn to find blue-collar workers. Blue-collar workers also can't use LinkedIn to find work. Those who want jobs can’t find them, and those that want to hire don’t know where to go. Using technology to connect workers with employers, my next guest wants to help solve this problem. His name is Bazigh Kiani and he is the co-founder of Bhartee. With Bhartee, you can hire skilled and NADRA-verified blue-collar workers across Pakistan in less than a week.Guest: Bazigh Kiani - https...2023-03-0823 min
misaal47. Shoaib Lalani | FinPocketInvesting in the stock market can help you diversify your investments and earn dividends or capital gains. But not everyone takes advantage of this. Pakistan has fewer than 300,000 retail investors. This 47th episode of the misaal podcast features a guest who wants to change that.His name is Shoaib Lalani, and he is the co-founder of Finpocket. With FinPocket, you can discuss, analyze, and trade stocks on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.Guest: Shoaib Lalani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoaiblalani/Startup: FinPocket - https://finpocket.pk/2023-02-1729 min
misaal46. Akbar Tejani | BefilerIn this 46th episode, I am joined by Akbar Tejani. He is a co-founder and CEO at Befiler, a Karachi-based FinTech providing tax and business advisory services.Having recently raised $1.5 million in seed funding, Akbar discusses why he went the venture capital route as a service-based business, building a tech stack that scales with growth and the challenges he faced when scaling.Guest: Akbar Tejani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akbartejani/Startup: Befiler - https://www.befiler.com/Host: Zahid Lilani...2023-01-3023 min
misaal45. Mutaher Khan | Digital Banking LicenseConversation with Mutaher Khan on recently issued digital banking license by the State Bank of Pakistan2023-01-1633 min
misaal44. Ariba Shahid | Journalist DealStreetAsiaWelcome to another episode of the misaal podcast. In this 44th episode, I am joined by Ariba Shahid. She is a journalist and covers the economy for Profit and startups for DealStreetAsia.She shares insights on Pakistan's economy, startup funding trends, and what to expect in the new year.Guest: Ariba Shahid - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribashahid/Company: DealStreetAsia - https://www.dealstreetasia.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.com...2023-01-0939 min
misaal43. Aman Nasir | SarmayacarIn this 43rd episode, I am joined by Aman Nasir. He is a Partner at Sarmayacar. An early-stage VC firm that has invested in startups like Abhi, Bykea, Dawaai, and Patari.He talks about moving back to Pakistan to lead Sarmayacar’s Karachi office, including Fund II's launch. He also talks about startup funding, deal flow trends, and building for global markets.Guest: Aman Nasir - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-nasir-9b432766/VC Firm: Sarmayacar - https://www.sarmayacar.com/Host: Zahid Lilani - ht...2022-12-2728 min
misaal42. Jabraan Shahid | School with JabraanConversation with Jabraan Shahid. Creator at School with Jabraan.2022-12-2046 min
misaal41. Kalsoom Lakhani | i2i VenturesIn this 41st episode of the misaal podcast, I am joined by Kalsoom Lakhani, Co-founder and General Partner at i2i Ventures. One of the country's most prominent and active investors with a portfolio of startups, including Abhi, Tazah, Metric, Oraan, Truck It In, etc.She talks about how the funding environment for startups changed in 2022, startup valuations, deal flow trends, government policy changes or lack thereof, and predictions for 2023.Guest: Kalsoom Lakhani - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalsoomlakhani/VC Firm: i2i Ventures - https://www.i2iventures...2022-12-1227 min
misaal40. Bushra Latif | Nani.pkToday I am joined by Bushra Latif, the founder, and CEO of Nani.pk. A newly launched e-commerce platform and a community for mothers.As a female entrepreneur in Pakistan, she talks about building an e-commerce product for mothers, providing quality childcare products, and creating content that helps mothers. Guest: Bushra Latif - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bushra-latif-024596214/Startup: Nani.pk - https://nani.pkHost: Zahid Lilani - https://twitter.com/ZahidLilaniPresented by: Techshaw - https://techshaw.comEpisode v...2022-12-0519 min
misaal39. Ehsan Baig | GilgitAppConversation with Ehsan Baig. Co-founder at GilgitApp.2022-11-2121 min
misaal38. Nashit Iqbal | OkayKerConversation with Nashit Iqbal. Co-founder at OkayKer.2022-11-0744 min
misaal37. Mahad Imran | Kis UniConversation with Mahad Imran. Founder of Kis Uni.2022-10-2425 min
misaal36. Zeshan Gondal | Zayn CapitalConversation with Zeshan Gondal. Investor and Head of Strategy at Zayn Capital.2022-10-1245 min
misaal35. Q3 Startup Funding Update with Nazish HussainQ3 Startup Funding Update with Nazish Hussain from Secret Stash.2022-10-0536 min
misaalAizaz Nayyer | Linkst.arConversation with Aizaz Nayyer. Co-founder and CEO of Linkst.ar.2022-09-2640 min
misaalRafae Dossal | Waggles.pkConversation with Rafae Dossal. Co-founder and CEO of Waggles.pk.2022-09-1839 min
misaalAsad Iqbal | Web3Conversation with Asad Iqbal. A Web3 product specialist and venture architect.2022-09-1228 min
misaalMohsen Siddiqui | GenMoConversation with Mohsen Siddiqui. Co-founder and CEO of GenMO2022-09-0636 min
misaalNeelam Shoaib | ShadiyanaConversation with Neelam Shoaib. Co-founder and COO of Shadiyana.2022-09-0131 min
misaalSarfraz Hussain | YPayConversation with Sarfraz Hussain. Co-founder and CEO of YPay.2022-08-2927 min
misaalSennen Desouza | Investors LoungeConversation with Sennen Desouza. Co-founder and Head of Business Development at Investors Lounge.2022-08-2546 min
misaalHafiz Awais Afzal | Fulbright ScholarConversation with Hafiz Awais Afzal. Fulbright Scholar and Founder of Rahnumai, an EdTech startup.2022-08-1942 min
misaalShehryar Hydri | Deosai VenturesCoversation with Shehryar Hydri. Managing Partner at Deosai Ventures.2022-08-1251 min
misaalMutaher Khan | Data DarbarConversation with Mutaher Khan. Co-founder at Data Darbar.2022-08-0957 min
misaalShershah Hassan | KalPayConversation with Shershah Hassan. Co-founder and CEO of KalPay2022-08-0631 min
misaalAsaad Sohail | Stakehold PakistanConversation with Asaad Sohail. Co-founder and CEO of Stakehold Pakistan2022-07-2531 min
misaalHusnain Tariq | Sapiens InConversation with Husnain Tariq. Co-founder and CEO of Sapiens In.2022-07-1731 min
misaalZarlasht Faisal | It’s PrelovedConversation with Zarlasht Faisal. Co-founder and CEO of It's Preloved.2022-07-1235 min
misaalMeenah Tariq | MetricConversation with Meenah Tariq. Co-founder and CEO of Metric.2022-07-0431 min
misaalFaaez-ul-Haq | Kinnow CapitalConversation with Faaez-ul-Haq. Managing partner and co-founder of Kinnow Capital.2022-06-2530 min
misaalMuhammed Bukhari | FarmdarConversation with Muhammed Bukhari. Co-founder Farmdar.2022-06-1726 min
misaalYasir Ilyas | Hysab KytabConversation with Yasir Ilyas. Head of Hysab Kytab.2022-06-1242 min
misaalMubariz Siddiqui | Pakistani Startup LawyerConversation with Mubariz Siddiqui. An independent startup lawyer.2022-05-2832 min
misaalAdam Dawood | bSecure.pkConversation with Adam Dawood. Founder and CEO of bSecure.pk2022-05-0939 min
misaalRaza Matin | BrandverseConversation with Raza Matin. Founder and CEO of Brandverse.2022-04-3040 min
misaalOmar Shah | COLABSConversation with Omar Shah. Co-founder and CEO of COLABS.2022-04-0434 min
misaalSaad Hasan | HBL VenturesConversation with Saad Hasan. VC at Habib Bank Limited.2022-03-2853 min
misaalHumza Khan | Binance PakistanConversation with Humza Khan. Growth Manager at Binance Pakistan.2022-03-2034 min
School with JabraanPakistani Startup Ecosystem | Why & How Startups are Rising in Pakistan? | Zahid Lilani | Episode-9Pakistani Startup system is on the Rise. Since 2012 Pakistani startups are on an upward trajectory and 2021 was consequential both in terms of funding and growth. In this podcast with Zahid, we discussed this rise in detail.
Zahid Lilani is the founder of Techshaw, a digital media outlet covering Pakistan's startup economy. He also hosts a podcast called misaal where he has candid conversations with people building the startup ecosystem in Pakistan.
In this podcast with Zahid, we have discussed in detail the history, rise, and future of Pakistani startups. Zahid is also a content creator...2022-03-0754 min
misaalUmar Khan | SocialBuConversation with Umar Khan. Co-founder of SocialBu.2022-03-0126 min
misaalFaisal Khan - Building an Online Platform for GRE Test PrepConversation with Faisal Khan. Founder of ScholarDen.2022-02-1924 min
misaalAhmar Awan | Truck It InConversation with Ahmar Awan. General Manager at Truck It In.2022-02-1230 min
misaalHira Tariq | Sisterhood.pkConversation with Hira Tariq. Founder of Sisterhood.pk2022-02-0622 min
misaalBilal Sheikh | Lettus KitchensConversation with Bilal Sheikh. Founder of Lettus Kitchens.2022-01-3036 min
misaalAriba Shahid - Profit and Deal Street AsiaConversation with Ariba Shahid. Business journalist at Profit and contributor to Deal Street Asia.2022-01-2324 min
misaalKalsoom Lakhani | i2i VenturesConversation with Kalsoom Lakhani. Early-stage startup investor at i2i Ventures.2022-01-1145 min
misaalUsama Khalid - ContentdripsConversation with Usama Khalid. Creator of Contentdrips.com.2022-01-0327 min
misaalMutaher Khan | Data Darbar and DAWNConversation with Mutaher Khan. Startup and technology reporter at DAWN and Founder at Data Darbar.2021-12-2049 min
misaalZubair Naeem Paracha | FlareConversation with Zubair Naeem Paracha. Founder MENAbytes and co-founder Flare.2021-12-1453 min