Standard Chartered expands women in tech programme

April 1, 2026 (MLN): Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Village Capital and InnoVentures Global, has unveiled the eighth cohort of its Women in Tech Pakistan Accelerator, continuing its long-term push to support women entrepreneurs in the country’s technology ecosystem.

The latest cohort marks eight years of the initiative in Pakistan, during which the program has backed over 1,300 businesses. More than 150 women founders have graduated from the accelerator, with upwards of 50 startups successfully securing seed-stage funding.

The 2026 edition aims to further strengthen women-led, tech-enabled ventures by offering investment readiness training, access to catalytic capital, and connections to global investor networks.

The program will be locally implemented by InnoVentures Global, leveraging its experience in startup incubation and ecosystem development.

Speaking on the launch, Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Pakistan, emphasized the bank’s ongoing commitment to bridging gaps faced by women entrepreneurs.

He noted that limited access to funding and professional networks remains a key challenge, adding that enabling women-led enterprises is critical for building a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial landscape.

He highlighted that the accelerator focuses on equipping founders with practical tools, capital access, and structured mentorship to scale their businesses sustainably.

Meanwhile, Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East at Village Capital, shared that the program has already demonstrated measurable impact.

In 2025 alone, 71 women-led startups participating in the initiative collectively generated over $2m in additional revenue, emphasizing the value of targeted support and funding access.

It was added that the 2026 cohort will continue to foster growth by enabling founders to refine their business strategies, engage investors effectively, and drive long-term impact within their communities, according to the press release.

The accelerator is part of a broader three-year regional initiative designed to address persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance, mentorship, and business development opportunities.

Across the region, around 400 women founders are expected to benefit from the program’s structured support.

Nida Athar, Founder of InnoVentures Global, highlighted the importance of sustained engagement in nurturing women entrepreneurs.

She noted that despite economic uncertainties, women founders in Pakistan are building resilient and scalable businesses, contributing meaningfully to economic growth while inspiring future generations.

Applications for the Pakistan cohort are open until May 1, 2026. Selected startups will participate in the accelerator program scheduled to run from June through October.

Globally, the Standard Chartered Women in Tech initiative has supported more than 4,000 women entrepreneurs across 17 markets. For 2026, the program has earmarked over $600,000 in grant funding across 12 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying can access further details and eligibility criteria through the official Women in Tech platform by Standard Chartered.

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