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Sarmayacar is a venture capital firm based in Pakistan, founded in 2016 as an Angel Syndicate and incorporated as a venture capital fund in 2018. The firm was established to address the lack of professionally managed venture capital in Pakistan, providing founders with access to value-add capital while offering investors a risk-managed way to explore investment opportunities. Sarmayacar operates from two offices in Lahore and Karachi, and is managed by professionals with extensive backgrounds in banking, private equity, and company building.
As of 2023, Sarmayacar has approximately $25 million in assets under management (AUM) and has made investments in 16 portfolio companies. The firm has transitioned from an Angel Syndicate to a formal venture capital fund, indicating its commitment to supporting the local startup ecosystem. Notable milestones include leading significant funding rounds and establishing partnerships with international development finance institutions (DFIs) like the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Sarmayacar invests across a wide range of sectors, including fintech, healthtech, logistics, agritech, edtech, entertainment, IoT, gaming, hospitality, e-commerce, and mobility. The firm is sector-agnostic and focuses on both pre-revenue companies through its operator angel program and later-stage companies through its main fund. Investment stages include pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A, allowing Sarmayacar to engage with startups at various growth phases.
The firm seeks to provide value-add capital to founders, emphasizing the importance of operational support and mentorship. Sarmayacar looks for innovative ideas and strong founding teams capable of executing their vision. The firm also prefers to lead investment rounds and co-invest with aligned international capital, ensuring a collaborative approach to funding.
Sarmayacar has a notable portfolio of seven companies, showcasing its diverse investment strategy:
Rabeel Warraich - Founder / CEO. Rabeel is a prominent figure in the Pakistani venture capital scene and has been instrumental in establishing Sarmayacar as a leading VC firm. He is known for his active participation in startup events and conferences.
Aman Nasir - Partner. Aman brings extensive experience in private equity and investment management, contributing to Sarmayacar's strategic direction.
Muneeb Maayr - CEO of Bykea. Muneeb has led Bykea to become Pakistan's largest network of motorbikes for on-demand services, showcasing his expertise in scaling tech startups.
Yassir Pasha - CEO of Simpaisa. Yassir has a strong background in fintech and has been pivotal in developing Simpaisa's digital payment solutions.
Omair Ansar - Co-founder of Abhi Finance. Omair has played a key role in establishing Abhi as a leading neobank in Pakistan, focusing on innovative financial solutions.
Ammar Zaeem - CEO of Revolving Games. Ammar leads the mobile game studio, focusing on developing engaging online gaming experiences.
Furqan Kidwai - CEO of Dawaai. Furqan has been instrumental in positioning Dawaai as a major player in the online pharmacy sector in Pakistan.
Abid Butt - Managing Director of TruKKer. Abid oversees the trucking marketplace, connecting shippers with truck owners and drivers.
Saim Siddiqui - CEO of Procheck. Saim leads Procheck in providing track and trace solutions to combat counterfeiting in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
To pitch Sarmayacar, founders should use the contact email connect@sarmayacar.com or submit their pitch through the website at sarmayacar.com. It is advisable to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and team background. Founders can expect a response within a few weeks, depending on the volume of submissions.
Warm introductions are preferred but not mandatory. Sarmayacar values clarity and conciseness in pitch materials, so founders should ensure that their presentations are well-structured and focused on key metrics and milestones.
In April 2024, Sarmayacar led an $11 million Series A funding round for OneLoad, a payments and distribution platform, alongside the Gates Foundation and Shorooq Partners. This investment highlights Sarmayacar's active role in supporting innovative startups in Pakistan.
In October 2024, Sarmayacar announced the launch of its Climaventures Fund, securing a $15 million anchor commitment from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to accelerate climate-tech innovation in Pakistan. This initiative aims to target sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
However, in June 2025, Sarmayacar was removed from the UN-backed $40 million climate fund structure following final due diligence, indicating a shift in its strategic focus.
What are Sarmayacar's investment criteria?
Sarmayacar invests in early-stage startups across various sectors, focusing on fintech, healthtech, logistics, agritech, edtech, entertainment, IoT, gaming, hospitality, e-commerce, and mobility. The firm looks for innovative ideas and strong founding teams capable of executing their vision.
How can I pitch to Sarmayacar?
Founders can pitch to Sarmayacar through their website at sarmayacar.com. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and team background in the pitch deck.
What makes Sarmayacar different from other VCs?
Sarmayacar focuses on providing value-add capital and operational support to its portfolio companies, which is a key differentiator in the Pakistani venture capital landscape.
What is Sarmayacar's geographic focus?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Asia, with a strong emphasis on the Pakistani market.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, Sarmayacar invests across pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, indicating a flexible approach to funding amounts based on the startup's needs.
What is Sarmayacar's post-investment involvement?
Sarmayacar actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing mentorship, operational support, and strategic guidance to help them scale effectively.
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