COO of 500 Global appreciates Pakistani start-ups during their visit to NICL at LUMS

youthful population, Chairman NICL, Saleem Ahmad. COO of 500 Global appreciates Pakistani start-ups during their visit to NICL at LUMS.

COO of 500 Global appreciates Pakistani start-ups during their visit to NICL at LUMS
COO of 500 Global appreciates Pakistani start-ups during their visit to NICL at LUMS

“Technological leapfrogging, be it through new venture creation or innovation of the industry. The only way to attain the kind of economic growth needed to satiate the influx of our youthful population, Chairman NICL, Saleem Ahmad. COO of 500 Global appreciates Pakistani start-ups during their visit to NICL at LUMS.

Lahore, November 13, 2021: Pakistani technology start-ups took the spotlight as Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer, and Managing Partner, 500 Global. USD 1.8 billion international venture capital firm, visited the National Incubation Centre Lahore (NICL) at LUMS. The visit was facilitated by Pak launch. Ms. Powell was accompanied by Board Member, Max Scheder-Bieschin, and hosted by Chairman NICL, Saleem Ahmad. The team was welcomed by the LUMS leadership including Rector, Shahid Hussain; Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, and members of the Board Trustees.

NICL Role

During the day-long engagement, Ms. Powell and Mr. Scheder-Bieschin discussed the role of NICL in preparing the future generation of start-up founders. Mr Ahmad presented NICL vision for venture incubation in high-impact sectors. Its rigorous focus on skills development, and its role as an innovation hub for the industry. Citing the example of electric mobility work that fits well with the organization cleantech initiative. The visit coincided with the launch of the USAID-sponsored electric vehicle market assessment report, chaired by the US Consul General, William Makaneole at NICL.

The Facebook Innovation Lab, where virtual and augmented reality solutions come to life, and a co-working space, featuring a plug-and-play set-up. They exchanged insights with entrepreneurs from NICL graduated start-ups as well. Those currently in incubation and participated in a roundtable discussion with the Foundation Council members including Qasif Shahid (Finja), Usman Javaid (Ricult), and Ahmed Hussain (SSC).