The growth of the IT sector in Pakistan is amazing, despite the presence of severe socio-economic crisis. The industry currently holds 110,000 IT professionals, 24,000 out of which are successfully selling their expertise, especially those related to developing mobile apps, both locally and internationally. This bodes well for the future, as by 2017, it has been estimated that global investment on smartphones by the users is going to reach $75 billion. The local market for apps is also huge as most Pakistani mobile users have a smartphone, and are always looking for the latest games and productivity apps to try. It must be noted, however, that the gaming industry is still a small part of the entire IT industry in Pakistan; and therefore, needs more attention than ever before.
Let’s have a look at some of the recent Pakistani startups.
1. Olaround
Olaround by Bramerz, developed with the collaboration of Google and Ufone, is worth mentioning. It is an amazingly useful app developed in Pakistan that uses location proximity to discover special deals and ventures (from the record of some 180 restaurants and cafes registered with it). This is the very first loyalty based app that just topped the charts right away in Pakistan as customers can avail discounts when eating out.
2. SMSall
If we are talking about successful apps, we cannot ignore SMSall. It is a 100% free Pakistani messaging app that is going viral in the country, fabricating a rich, local social media forum while bringing down the cost of SMS messaging. It is proving itself a pioneer in the field of SMS messaging in Pakistan. Developed by Idrees Butt, the app has connected seven million people so far. In fact, Google has just recently selected this app for the entrepreneurs’ parties’ programmes. All signs point to this being an app, and a company, to keep an eye out for.
3. Groopic by Eyedeus Labs
Groopic is an amazing app by Eyedeus Labs which allows for picture editing in a way that can insert a person not previously included in the photograph, into the picture. Because of the mega success, Eyedeus Labs have been offered various deals by IT giants both nationally and internationally.
Facebook: Eyedeus Labs
4. Appography by Vivid Tech
Vivid Tech is a promising startup based in Pakistan. Their app, Appography is revamping the concept of customer service. Appography has currently been incubated at Plan9, the largest tech incubator in Pakistan. It is also the first startup of its kind in Pakistan that has successfully received seed funding from UK investors.
5. Mindstorm Studios
Mindstorm Studios, the creator of Cricket Revolution™, is the first game developed in Pakistan that was successfully sold internationally. Founded by two brothers, this company has turned the wave of Smartphone explosion in its favor. It has successfully developed some amazing games and at present it is on its way to grab more fame, both nationally and across borders.
Facebook: Mindstorm Studios
6. GameView Studios
GameView Studios, based on the mastermind of Tap Fish, which was successful enough to be bought by Japanese Firm DeNa in recognition of the extremely good job, is doing just great in the gaming arena. This game has been reported to generate $1 million within a month and has become one of the most popular games on Google Play, nowadays.
Facebook: GameView Studios
7. TinTash
It is another successful company whose founders focus the development of extremely innovative games. Both the founders are just outstanding in their expertise and have wisely selected their niches. One of them is a Stanford graduate while the other has formerly worked at Apple. These gentlemen, together with their subordinates have designed several apps and games that have frequently landed them in fame including the recent iPhone app, TinTash, which was ranked amongst the top ten of Apple Store.
Facebook: TinTash
What is your favourite Startup?
19 Comments
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Raniya
13/03/2014 at 11:56 am
We are great nation with allot of talent, always proud to be a Pakistani
Classified
13/03/2014 at 12:43 pm
I must say a great Startup and inspiration for the new comers.
Shahan Mirza
13/03/2014 at 5:19 pm
Guys you must checkout stuffwrap.com a place where we can exchange our things with our friends… must check out … here is the link http://www.stuffwrap.com
Shehroz Ahmed
15/03/2014 at 9:05 am
Well , nice idea . keep moving . it will improve our economy & social life as well and help us to utilize our unwanted stuff..
Kamil Rextin
13/03/2014 at 6:51 pm
Raed Entertainment is a local company working in the game and Unity 3D space. They have a very successful Unity extension that’s been featured in the Unity Asset Store:
https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/#/content/10463
Hopefully more great things to come.
Nida Rasheed
13/03/2014 at 9:27 pm
Thanks for pointing them out Kamil.
Emraan
14/03/2014 at 3:09 am
Hey guys i am from kashmir and good to see those talented blooms…………………..
tayeba
14/03/2014 at 8:35 am
This article misses out we.R.play !!!
I just played ‘Lost Twins’ and it is so much fun. After reading the history of the company, I am really impressed by the progress they have made and multiple apps that have brought Pakistan’s name to the fore. I am going to download FotoFinish now. There just seems no end to the wonderful quality of entertainment and games this company makes, two thumbs up!
PsyPher
14/03/2014 at 4:22 pm
Surprised to see we r play was completely missed out from the list. They have tons of apps developed in the past couple of years and have worked in collaboration with international corps.
Nida Rasheed
14/03/2014 at 10:28 pm
Apologies. This article was in no way meant to include all the companies developing apps, and it should mention that. There are many different companies, and we hope to cover them in-depth with feature articles in the future.
Ahsan
14/03/2014 at 12:05 pm
Proud, We are coming after you.. (Y)
Sadia
14/03/2014 at 1:07 pm
Look at AlizDesk by Ali Raza and see what that youth has done so far.
Nida Rasheed
14/03/2014 at 10:29 pm
Can you link their website here? All I can find it the Facebook page and Twitter.
Sana
15/03/2014 at 12:17 pm
You’re missing out on the media / advertising side where branded content is taking over. MI digital is one who has developed a slider game for Anne French and a Yoga Studio app. Both can be seen at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=MI+Digital. Also some new stuff coming from Digitz, Creative Chaos, etc is also good.
Nida Rasheed
16/03/2014 at 7:07 am
Hey!
You’re right. This was definitely not mean to be an exhaustive list :) There are dozens of companies, and we hope to cover all of them in the next few months.
Thanks for the suggestion. We’re going to look into them :)
Sameer Hussain
16/03/2014 at 10:16 am
Can’t believe you missed out weRplay. First company in Pakistan to collaborate with international companies like chillingo and most recently namco bandai to publish their games. Recently dawn published a article on them. Link to their fb page:
https://www.facebook.com/we.R.play
Nida Rasheed
16/03/2014 at 10:41 am
This article was in no way meant to include all the companies developing apps, and it should mention that. There are many different companies, and we hope to cover them in-depth with feature articles in the future.
Sameer Hussain
16/03/2014 at 1:23 pm
I totally understand that. Just saying weRplay deserved a mention here since it is a startup too and doing great work!
hamid
20/02/2015 at 3:24 pm
Nice article Nida. Indeed pakistan startup companies are doing great work and they need mention in the local and international media as much as possible. I have also come across another great price comparison website in Pakistan called pricematch.pk. They compare mobile phones, laptops and tablets prices from various online retailers in Pakistan. It would be great if you look into that and comment. :)