Karachi, 19 September 2024: Standard Chartered Pakistan, launched the 6th Cohort of the Standard
Chartered Women in Tech programme (WiT) in partnership with INNOVentures Global (Pvt.) Limited.
This programme was first launched in Pakistan in 2019 and was designed to address gender disparity in the
technology sector. This initiative not only supports innovative business ideas but also addresses the
financial barriers women often face in launching and scaling their ventures. By offering tailored mentorship
and financial backing, Standard Chartered is committed to fostering an ecosystem where women can thrive
as successful entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and social change in the country.
Standard Chartered’s WiT is an integral component of the Bank’s entrepreneurship offering within
Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global initiative to tackle inequality and promote economic
inclusion.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said,
“Standard Chartered’s Women in Tech programme is aligned with the government’s agenda of supporting
small businesses, promoting financial inclusion, and enhancing financial education, with a focus on women
and technology. I am proud to announce the launch of Cohort 6 of this programme, designed to break down
barriers, create opportunities, and advance financial inclusion for women in Pakistan. Over the past five
years, this program has become a vital platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing critical
funding, and focused mentorship on global project organisation, network building and investment readiness.
To date, out of the 1300+ participating enterprises, more than 100 women founders have graduated, and 33
have received seed funding. This initiative reinforces Standard Chartered’s commitment to expanding
women’s access to entrepreneurial finance and embodies the core of the Bank’s Futuremakers sustainability
strategy.”
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