World Bank Initiates Support for Pakistani Start-Ups with $50 Million Fund

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank is set to bolster Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape by facilitating private investment and enhancing access to risk capital for innovative, high-growth firms. This initiative, known as the “Pakistan Entrepreneurship and Private Investment Catalyst Project,” is anticipated to receive approval from the World Bank Executive Board in early 2027.

The project aims to establish a $50 million Fund of Funds (FoF) that will invest in professionally managed venture capital funds. This strategic move is designed to expand the availability of early-stage and growth capital for innovative firms, as outlined in the project documentation obtained by Dawn.

By attracting both domestic and international private investors, the initiative seeks to fill a significant gap in innovation financing, thereby strengthening the foundation of Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The document indicates that increased access to private capital is expected to foster firm growth, spur innovation, enhance productivity, and create higher-quality jobs across the country.

As the project progresses, it will maintain a national scope, with further developments anticipated in the coming months. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting the World Bank’s formal approval, which will mark a pivotal step in advancing Pakistan’s start-up sector.