World Bank Plans $50 Million Fund for Pakistani Startups
The World Bank will help Pakistan mobilize private investment and broaden access to risk capital for innovative, high-growth firms through a new $50 million Fund of Funds. The project, named the Pakistan Entrepreneurship and Private Investment Catalyst Project, is scheduled for approval by the World Bank Executive Board in early 2027, Dawn reported.
Establishing the Fund of Funds
The government will use the initiative to establish and capitalize a $50 million Fund of Funds to kickstart the country’s nascent innovation and venture capital ecosystem. According to the project document, the fund will invest in professionally managed venture capital funds to expand the supply of early-stage and growth capital for high-potential businesses. The operation aims to bridge a long-standing market gap in innovation financing by crowding in both domestic and international private investors.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Increased access to private capital is expected to support firm growth, technological innovation, and overall market productivity over time. The project document states that these improvements will lead to the creation of more and better-quality jobs across the national economy. Because the operation has a national scope with no fixed geographic footprint at the concept stage, the country’s broader environmental and social context will factor into the anticipated portfolio investments.
Pakistan Entrepreneurship and Private Investment Catalyst Project Details
| Project Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Pakistan Entrepreneurship and Private Investment Catalyst Project |
| Fund Size | $50 million Fund of Funds (FoF) |
| Expected Board Approval | Early 2027 |
| Geographic Scope | National scope with no fixed geographic footprint at concept stage |
Common Questions About the Venture Capital Catalyst
Who will manage the investments made by the Fund of Funds?
The Fund of Funds will invest directly in professionally managed venture capital funds to channel early-stage and growth capital to innovative businesses.
What specific market gap does the World Bank project target?
The operation targets a long-standing shortage in innovation financing by bringing in domestic and international private investors to strengthen the foundation of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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