Endeavor Launches in Pakistan
In 2023, Pakistan became the 40th chapter of the global Endeavor network—a non-profit organization that supports high-impact entrepreneurs worldwide. With a presence in over 40 countries across Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, Endeavor connects more than 2,500 entrepreneurs leading over 1,200 companies, generating approximately $75 billion in annual revenue and creating over 4.1 million jobs globally.
In this interview, the team behind Endeavor Pakistan discussed the significance of the network’s arrival, the impact of the Multiplier Effect, and what it means for the country’s entrepreneurial future.
The establishment of Endeavor Pakistan represents both a milestone for local entrepreneurs and a strategic expansion for the global network. The idea of establishing a chapter in Pakistan had been on the radar for some time, with many viewing Pakistan as a high-opportunity market comparable to Indonesia, Nigeria, and Brazil.
Endeavor's presence in Pakistan coincides with a growing global interest in the country's venture capital landscape. Currently, Pakistan is one of the last large markets where the entrepreneurial ecosystem is still developing, making this an important moment for strategic growth.
What makes Endeavor Pakistan particularly historic is that, unlike other chapters, it launched with one of its own—Mudassir Sheikha, co-founder of Careem and an Endeavor entrepreneur—as its founding board chairman. In most countries, it typically takes five to ten years before an Endeavor entrepreneur assumes such a leadership role.
The launch was influenced by the ripple effect of Careem’s success, an example of the 'Multiplier Effect.' This referred to the widespread impact across entire communities and regions. Furthermore, it aimed to empower one entrepreneur, who would then support, mentor, or fund other entrepreneurs. Endeavor Pakistan sought to amplify this effect, embedding it as both a mindset and a way of life within the startup community.
Notably, Endeavor Pakistan focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to leapfrog into the digital economy through access to global networks, growth capital, and scaling expertise.
The organization's 25 years of experience across emerging markets positions it to help Pakistani founders accelerate growth while avoiding common pitfalls.
“Let’s focus on impact, let’s think big, let’s build this ecosystem together.”
Despite operating with the resource constraints typical of non-profits, the local team is driving forward with a clear mission: to build community, execute effectively, and create lasting foundations for Pakistan's startup ecosystem.
They call it the multiplier effect—if you could spark one, what would it be? Tell us how you'd create impact that grows.
*At the time Endeavor launched its operations in Pakistan in 2023, Careem was an active player in the country’s startup ecosystem. However, as of July 18, 2025, Careem officially ceased its ride-hailing services in Pakistan due to macroeconomic challenges, rising competition from low-cost rivals, and limited global investment capital. Nonetheless, its parent company, Careem Technologies, continues to operate in Pakistan with nearly 400 employees engaged in product development, payments, and other services.
This article was developed with the assistance of AI tools.
