These Pakistani Startups Have Made it to the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch List

This year, two Pakistani fintech startups have made it to the prestigious Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list, an annual ranking that highlights promising ventures across the Asia-Pacific region.

Recognizing Regional Innovators

The Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list is renowned for its diversity, featuring everything from AI-driven consumer platforms and industrial innovations to healthcare wearables and social enterprises. Each company selected is recognized for its innovative approach, industry influence, and potential for long-term impact.

For its 2025 edition, Forbes included a blend of private companies and emerging entrepreneurs from across the region. Pakistan earned representation through two Karachi-based fintech firms — Haball and PostEx — both of which are backed by venture capital firm Zayn VC.

Haball: Shariah-Compliant B2B Fintech

Founded in 2017, Haball has become a leader in Shariah-compliant B2B financial technology. Its services include digital invoicing, tax compliance, and working capital financing, catering to businesses in need of modern financial solutions.

To date, the company has processed transactions worth over $3 billion. In early 2025, it raised $52 million in new funding, comprising $5 million in equity and $47 million in financing from Meezan Bank, further cementing its growth trajectory.

PostEx: Combining Logistics and Finance

Launched in 2020, PostEx offers a unique blend of logistics and fintech solutions tailored for Pakistan’s rapidly growing e-commerce sector. One of its standout services is upfront cash payments on delivery, designed to help online sellers manage cash flow more effectively.

The company expanded in 2022 by acquiring Call Courier, one of Pakistan’s well-known delivery services. It later raised $7.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round, with plans to scale into Middle Eastern markets.

Regional Rankings

In terms of regional representation, India leads the 2025 Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list with 18 companies, while Singapore and Japan follow with 14 each. China comes in third with nine startups securing a place on the list.