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Invest2Innovate (i2i) is a venture capital organization founded in 2011 by Kalsoom Lakhani in Pakistan. The firm aims to build resilient entrepreneurship ecosystems in growth markets, particularly in Pakistan, through initiatives that promote innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In 2019, i2i launched i2i Ventures, which is recognized as Pakistan's first female-founded institutional VC fund, dedicated to investing in early-stage technology startups.
As of now, i2i manages a fund size of $15 million and has a portfolio of 13 companies. The organization operates with a team of 10 members, including founders and senior program leads. i2i has established itself as a key player in the Pakistani startup ecosystem, focusing on sectors such as AI, fintech, healthcare, consumer, and commerce. The firm has also attracted notable limited partners, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which invested $3 million under its Startup Catalyst Program.
i2i has made significant strides in promoting gender lens investing, with approximately 30% of its active portfolio being female-founded or co-founded. The firm emphasizes the importance of building a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and investors, aiming to strengthen the overall ecosystem in Pakistan.
Invest2Innovate (i2i) primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups, providing hands-on support to help them grow. The firm focuses on capital mobilization, gender lens investing, AI and future skills, climate action, and responsible business practices. i2i seeks to strengthen entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem enablers across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and consumer technology.
The check size for investments typically ranges from $250,000 to $500,000, with a focus on founders addressing large market opportunities in Pakistan. At the pre-seed stage, i2i emphasizes the importance of the founding team and market size, while at the seed stage, traction and metrics become critical factors. The firm values founders who are curious, think big, and possess a strong understanding of their business landscape.
i2i's investment strategy is sector-agnostic but is particularly focused on technology startups based in Pakistan. The firm has a strong commitment to gender lens investing, ensuring that a significant portion of its portfolio includes female-led ventures. This approach not only supports diversity but also aims to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Invest2Innovate (i2i) has built a diverse portfolio of 13 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting early-stage startups in Pakistan. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects i2i's focus on technology-driven solutions across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, and consumer services.
Kalsoom Lakhani — Co-Founder & General Partner; Kalsoom is a Pakistani-American social entrepreneur who founded Invest2Innovate in 2011, making her one of Pakistan's earliest ecosystem builders. She has extensive experience in supporting startups and fostering entrepreneurship.
Misbah Naqvi — Co-Founder; Misbah has a background in fintech and impact investing, contributing to i2i's focus on gender lens investing and sustainable business practices.
Leah Boyer Saifullah — U.S. Diplomat & Investment Consultant; Leah brings a wealth of experience in international relations and investment strategies, enhancing i2i's global perspective.
Hassan Bhatti — Tech Entrepreneur & Investor; Hassan has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship, providing valuable insights to portfolio companies.
Sarah Munir — Chief Executive Officer; Sarah leads the organization, overseeing operations and strategic initiatives to drive growth and impact.
Aleena Khan — Deputy Director Growth & Strategy; Aleena focuses on scaling initiatives and developing strategies to enhance i2i's reach.
Duaa Asif — Head of Strategic Communications; Duaa manages communications and outreach efforts, ensuring i2i's mission is effectively communicated.
Laiba Ahmad — Senior Program Lead; Laiba oversees various programs aimed at supporting early-stage startups.
Saba Kalsoom — Senior Program Lead; Saba works on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Farwa Zahid — Senior Data and Product Associate; Farwa focuses on data analysis and product development to support portfolio companies.
Umar Farooq — Senior Finance and Operations Associate; Umar manages financial operations and ensures efficient resource allocation.
Ayesha Faisal — Marketing Associate; Ayesha handles marketing efforts to promote i2i's initiatives and programs.
To pitch to Invest2Innovate (i2i), startups should submit their proposals through the official website at invest2innovate.com. The pitch deck should include essential information such as the business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team. i2i prefers clear and concise presentations that effectively communicate the startup's vision and potential.
Response times may vary, but founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks. While warm introductions are beneficial, they are not strictly necessary for submission. i2i values direct communication and encourages founders to reach out with their ideas.
Invest2Innovate (i2i) offers several programs aimed at supporting early-stage startups and enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs. Key programs include:
These programs reflect i2i's commitment to building a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, particularly women, in Pakistan.
In 2024, Invest2Innovate (i2i) published several insights and reports analyzing Pakistan's entrepreneurial landscape and funding trends. These publications aim to provide valuable information to startups and investors alike.
i2i has also been active in organizing events such as the **Innovate Lab**, a hands-on workshop for early-stage founders to embed AI into their businesses, and the **Build Up 2025** conference, which focuses on community engagement and skill development.
In August 2024, i2i announced the launch of its **WeRaise Program**, a coaching initiative designed to enhance fundraising readiness for women-led businesses.
Additionally, i2i Ventures continues to expand its portfolio, with recent investments in companies like **CreditBook** and **Abhi**, further solidifying its position as a leading venture capital firm in Pakistan.
What are Invest2Innovate's investment criteria?
Invest2Innovate (i2i) primarily invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. The firm looks for founders addressing large market opportunities in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of the founding team and market size at the pre-seed stage. At the seed stage, traction and metrics become critical factors.
How can startups apply or pitch to Invest2Innovate?
Startups can pitch to Invest2Innovate through their website at invest2innovate.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and details about the founding team in the pitch deck.
What makes Invest2Innovate different from other VC firms?
Invest2Innovate is distinguished by its commitment to gender lens investing, with approximately 30% of its active portfolio being female-founded or co-founded. The firm also emphasizes building resilient entrepreneurship ecosystems in growth markets, particularly in Pakistan.
What is the geographic focus of Invest2Innovate?
Invest2Innovate exclusively focuses on Pakistan, aiming to support early-stage technology startups within the country.
What kind of support does Invest2Innovate provide to portfolio companies?
Beyond capital, i2i offers fundraising support, strategic guidance through its operator bench, talent sourcing and optimization, and user insights via its research arm, i2i Insights.
What is the fund size and check size range for Invest2Innovate?
Invest2Innovate manages a fund size of $15 million, with check sizes typically ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 for initial investments.
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