Islamabad, often recognized for its serene beauty and as the political capital of Pakistan, is now making waves in the world of entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, the startup ecosystem in Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented boom, and at the heart of this transformation are women who are redefining what it means to be a founder, innovator, and leader. These women are not only breaking stereotypes but also creating ventures that are changing industries, impacting communities, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In this article, we take a closer look at the women shaping Islamabad’s startup scene, their journeys, challenges, and why they deserve to be on every investor and innovator’s radar.
The Rise of Female Founders in Islamabad
Historically, entrepreneurship in Pakistan has been dominated by men, but the tide is turning. From tech startups to fashion e-commerce platforms, health solutions to educational technologies, women in Islamabad are proving that innovation knows no gender. Initiatives like WomenInTechPK, CodeGirls, and SheMeansBusiness have provided a strong push, but what truly stands out is the determination of these women to carve their own paths in a challenging ecosystem.
Islamabad, being home to universities, tech incubators, and a growing digital economy, has become a hotbed for entrepreneurial activity. Female founders here are leveraging this infrastructure, access to global markets, and the power of digitalization to build businesses that are not only profitable but socially impactful.
Why These Women Stand Out
The women we feature today are not just business owners—they are visionaries, innovators, and disruptors. They have battled cultural barriers, navigated funding challenges, and overcome the lack of representation in tech and business sectors. What makes them truly special is their ability to turn obstacles into opportunities and lead ventures that address real-world problems.
These women come from diverse backgrounds—engineers, designers, MBAs, and self-taught innovators—but they share one common trait: fearlessness.
Top Female Founders to Watch in Islamabad
1. Hira Saeed – Empowering Freelancers & Digital Nomads
Hira is a name synonymous with digital empowerment in Pakistan. She is the founder of HerCareer and CaterpillHERs, platforms dedicated to helping women develop digital skills, find remote work opportunities, and become financially independent. Starting her journey as a freelancer herself, Hira understands the barriers women face in entering the tech and freelance economy. Today, her initiatives have helped thousands of women learn new skills and break into the digital marketplace.
Why Watch Her:
Hira’s work addresses a global trend—the gig economy—and her solutions make her a pioneer in empowering women for the future of work.
2. Sidra Qasim – The Fashion Tech Disruptor
Sidra Qasim co-founded Markhor, a luxury footwear brand that connects traditional craftsmen in Pakistan with global markets through e-commerce. While the company initially started from Lahore, its expansion and operational base in Islamabad mark it as a capital city success story. Sidra’s vision is not just about selling shoes—it’s about preserving heritage while embracing technology.
Why Watch Her:
She successfully raised funds through Kickstarter, proving that Pakistani female founders can compete on a global scale and win.
3. Maria Umar – A Champion for Digital Literacy
Founder of Women’s Digital League (WDL), Maria Umar is a trailblazer who has spent over a decade promoting digital literacy among women. Her platform connects women with remote work opportunities, offering training in skills like social media management, virtual assistance, and content creation. Based in Islamabad, Maria is proof that tech can be a great equalizer.
Why Watch Her:
She started from scratch with no tech background and turned her vision into a thriving business that impacts women nationwide.
4. Sehat Kahani – Healthcare at Your Fingertips
Founded by Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram and Dr. Iffat Zafar, Sehat Kahani is a telemedicine platform connecting patients in remote areas with qualified female doctors through video consultations. Many female doctors in Pakistan leave practice due to cultural and familial pressures. Sehat Kahani provides them an avenue to work from home while serving underserved communities.
Why Watch Them:
This startup not only addresses healthcare accessibility but also revives medical careers for women who would otherwise be lost to the system.
5. Rida Shah – Innovating EdTech
Rida is the co-founder of Maqsad, an educational technology platform aimed at making quality learning accessible to students across Pakistan. While the EdTech sector is booming globally, Rida’s focus on localized solutions and affordability makes Maqsad unique. With Islamabad being an educational hub, her vision aligns perfectly with the city’s academic culture.
Why Watch Her:
Her platform leverages AI and mobile-first strategies to reach students who traditionally lack access to high-quality educational resources.
What Makes Their Journey Inspiring?
These women did not have it easy. Let’s face it—Pakistan’s startup ecosystem still struggles with gender bias, limited access to funding for women, and societal expectations that often discourage risk-taking. But these female founders have proven that perseverance, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose can break all barriers.
Some common themes in their stories include:
✔ Bootstrapping their ventures before attracting investors.
✔ Leveraging social media and online platforms to reach customers.
✔ Focusing on community impact as much as profitability.
✔ Navigating male-dominated investor networks with resilience.
Challenges Faced by Female Founders in Islamabad
While progress is visible, challenges persist:
Funding Gap: Female founders still receive a fraction of venture capital compared to their male counterparts.
Cultural Barriers: Traditional expectations often limit women’s ability to network or travel for business.
Representation in Tech: Despite efforts, women remain underrepresented in technical roles, making tech startups harder to scale.
However, these challenges are slowly being dismantled by mentorship programs, women-focused accelerators, and a growing awareness about gender diversity in business.
The Role of Incubators and Accelerators
Islamabad is home to some key incubators and accelerators like NIC (National Incubation Center), Plan9, and Invest2Innovate, which are playing a pivotal role in supporting female-led startups. These platforms provide training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to funding, helping women entrepreneurs take their ideas from concept to execution.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
Here’s the truth: female-led businesses deliver higher returns on investment globally. Studies show that diverse teams perform better, and Islamabad’s female founders are proving this on the ground. Whether it’s tech, healthcare, fashion, or education, these women are building ventures with scalability and sustainability in mind.
For investors looking for untapped opportunities, Islamabad’s female founders represent innovation, resilience, and growth potential. The next unicorn might just have a woman at its helm.
The Future of Women Entrepreneurship in Islamabad
The momentum is strong, but there’s more to do. For Islamabad to truly become a hub for women-led startups, the ecosystem needs:
Equal Access to Funding – More women-focused funds and angel networks.
Policy Support – Government-backed initiatives to encourage female participation in business.
Community Building – Stronger networks where women can share resources and experiences.
Final Thoughts: The Queens Leading the Charge
Islamabad’s startup scene is vibrant, and these female founders are its crown jewels. They are not just building businesses—they are breaking glass ceilings, changing perceptions, and setting benchmarks for the next generation. Their success stories send a powerful message: when women rise, communities thrive.
The world should watch these Startup Queens because they represent the future of innovation in Pakistan—a future that is inclusive, dynamic, and unstoppable.
