Sportskot is a platform that allows clients from across the globe access to sports items made in the local industry of Sialkot. The company has raised some serious money as investors recognize the merit of such a startup.
The History
Sialkot or ‘cottage city’ of Pakistan is renowned for its high quality sports products. The city’s involvement in creating superior sports goods dates as far back as 1895 when the British awarded it with the prestigious ‘British Empire Sports Award’. Sialkot is populated with families who have been producing sports items since many generations, the specialized skills have been passed down over the ages and have been further refined over time.
The Problem
Sialkot has flourished as an industrial town since ages is now facing the prospect of the destruction of its cottage industry. While the big players in the market have made millions marketing the goods made here, they have left out the people who actually do all the work from the entire profit making process. The actual artisans have become very poor as they are paid peanuts for their skill. The proud manufacturers of the erstwhile era have been relegated to the status of mere laborers.
The Solution
Sportskot is a startup that aims to bridge the gap between the local industry and its international clients. While the company does not aim to do away with the all powerful middle men, it does want to improve the condition of the people who actually comprise the cottage industry. The efforts made by the startup are not only for the local people but also for reviving the ‘cottage industry’ which was once the pride of Pakistan.
The Progress
Sportskot has recently managed to garner an investment of £90,000 from Waqas, a UK based investor. Waqas was initially a client for Sportskot. The super marts in Scotland owned by him sold the Sportskot products. Looking at the superior quality of the products Waqas contacted the team for a mass order of footballs and rugby balls. It is from here that a relationship started which culminated in an investment of £90,000 from the erstwhile client.
Sportskot has also started manufacturing Brazuca which was the official ball for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, originally made in Pakistan. The locals of Sialkot are responsible for creating this ball which garnered huge acclaim for its innovative design and impeccable manufacturing.
The online platform has come up with a new method of payment which allows a buyer to transfer funds to the Sportskot bank account till the goods are delivered. Once the buyer checks out the products and finds them satisfactory he can issue a confirmation to the service team who in turn transfer the money to the seller. Cash on Delivery is also a payment option that guarantees customer satisfaction. On-time delivery of quality goods is the golden rule of the company.
Sportskot is taking giant strides towards making the venture a resounding success. It has recently registered with Plan9, a Lahore based incubator to further hone its business and make it a game changer for Pakistan’s sports goods manufacturing industry.
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