Two Pakistani Startups Earn Spot on Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch List
Forbes has once again released its Asia 100 to Watch list, spotlighting startups that are redefining industries across the Asia-Pacific region. This year, two Pakistani fintech players—Haball and PostEx—have secured their place among the region’s most promising ventures, underscoring Pakistan’s growing influence in financial technology.
The annual ranking celebrates emerging companies that stand out for their innovation, business models, and impact. From AI-driven platforms to healthcare tech and logistics, the list paints a picture of a rapidly evolving startup ecosystem in Asia.
Pakistan’s Representatives: Haball and PostEx
Both of Pakistan’s featured startups are headquartered in Karachi and backed by Zayn VC, a venture capital firm known for investing in high-growth technology ventures.
- Haball, launched in 2017, focuses on building Shariah-compliant financial tools for businesses. Its platform enables digital invoicing, tax compliance solutions, and working capital financing. The company has already processed transactions worth over $3 billion, signaling strong adoption. In early 2025, Haball secured $52 million in funding, with $5 million in equity investment and $47 million in financing led by Meezan Bank.
- PostEx, founded in 2020, merges fintech with logistics, targeting the needs of Pakistan’s booming e-commerce sector. The company’s standout service is upfront cash-on-delivery payments, helping online sellers manage cash flow more effectively. PostEx has also pursued aggressive expansion, acquiring Call Courier in 2022 and raising $7.3 million in pre-Series A funding to enter Middle Eastern markets.
Asia’s Startup Powerhouses
While Pakistan’s inclusion highlights its growing startup scene, India dominates the 2025 list with 18 companies, followed by Singapore and Japan with 14 each. China claims third place with 9 startups. The rankings reflect Asia’s rapidly diversifying innovation landscape, with Pakistan emerging as a noteworthy contender in fintech.
These successes reinforce a trend: Pakistan’s tech startups are no longer just catching up—they’re competing regionally. With fintech adoption accelerating and fresh investment flowing in, Haball and PostEx could be early signs of a stronger, more global Pakistani startup presence in the coming years.
