The National Incubation Center (NIC) Peshawar, funded by Ignite (MOITT) in collaboration with Invest2Innovate (i2i), has successfully concluded the Invest Lab angel investor workshop, a transformative three-day event aimed at strengthening the early-stage investment landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This milestone event marked a significant step toward building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
The Invest Lab angel investor workshop introduced 22 participants from diverse professional backgrounds to the fundamentals of angel investing, addressing the region’s early-stage funding gap. The workshop laid the foundation for two pivotal developments: the formation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first Angel Syndicate and the establishment of its first dedicated Business Angel Network.
Led by global experts Maria Carolina Romero and Mubariz Siddiqui, the sessions focused on evaluating startups, structuring deals, negotiating term sheets, conducting due diligence, and managing portfolios in emerging markets. Guest speakers included Misbah Naqvi, Co-Founder & GP at i2i Ventures, who shared insights on Pakistan’s venture capital environment, and Shehryar Hydri, Managing Partner at Endeavor Pakistan, who emphasized the urgency of local investor syndication amid global investment slowdowns.
A key outcome of the workshop was the creation of a local investor syndicate—allowing capital pooling, shared deal flow, and collaborative investment decisions. Furthermore, the Business Angel Network aims to institutionalize investor activity through quarterly deal-sharing sessions, collaborative due diligence, and continuous professional development.
The announcement of these landmark initiatives was made by Illum Khan, COO of Evamp & Saanga and Chairman of the NIC Peshawar Strategic Council. Asim Ishaq Khan, VP LMKT & Director NIC Peshawar, noted, “Invest Lab angel investor workshop is a strategic leap forward in mobilizing local capital for local innovation.”
Sarah Munir, CEO of Invest2Innovate (i2i), added, “This collaboration accelerates growth for startups in KP. The formation of the Angel Syndicate and Business Angel Network ensures entrepreneurs now have stronger access to investment and mentorship, equipping them for global competitiveness.”
Established in 2017, NIC Peshawar is the region’s premier incubator, having supported over 200 startups, created more than 14,000 jobs, and generated over PKR 9.4 billion in revenue. LMKT, which operates NIC Peshawar, is a tech firm specializing in smart cities, clean energy, and tech incubation. Invest2Innovate (i2i) empowers entrepreneurs in growth markets, while Ignite, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, funds innovative ventures across Pakistan.
The Invest Lab angel investor workshop not only educated investors but also catalyzed a new era of collaborative, structured angel investing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
