Standard Chartered Pakistan has officially launched the 7th Cohort of its Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women in the tech startup ecosystem. Launched in 2019 in collaboration with INNOVentures Global, this flagship program continues to provide vital support to female-led businesses through funding, mentorship, and targeted business development.
The accelerator was specifically created to address gender disparities in Pakistan’s tech industry, providing aspiring women entrepreneurs the tools they need to build, scale, and sustain successful ventures. Through this initiative, Standard Chartered aims to break down the financial and structural barriers that often hinder women’s entrepreneurial success.
Futuremakers Women in Tech is a central part of the bank’s Futuremakers global initiative, focused on reducing inequality and driving economic inclusion through education, employability, and entrepreneurship.
Highlighting the impact of the program, Rehan Shaikh, CEO of Standard Chartered Pakistan, shared that over the last six years, the program has received interest from over 1,900 women-led startups, with 143 graduating and 43 receiving seed funding. This demonstrates the bank’s ongoing investment in female-driven innovation, financial inclusion, and social progress in Pakistan.
By fostering a nurturing environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive, Standard Chartered continues to lead with purpose, advancing Pakistan’s digital economy and encouraging inclusive growth. The launch of Cohort 7 marks another milestone in building a diverse and empowered tech landscape led by women.
