Islamabad: inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has announced the launch of Aurora Ventures, a new early-stage investment initiative aimed at addressing the venture capital funding gap for women tech founders in emerging markets, including Pakistan.

According to InDrive, Aurora Ventures will provide investments ranging from $180,000 to $250,000 at the pre-seed and seed stages to women-led startups with significant growth potential. The program is part of inDrive's broader vision to promote community-first economies and empower local ecosystems by supporting exceptional women entrepreneurs who face challenges in accessing institutional capital.

Awais Saeed, Country Manager of inDrive Pakistan, emphasized that the initiative is a significant step in supporting Pakistan's digital economy and entrepreneurial talent. He noted that many women-led businesses encounter barriers to accessing capital early on, and Aurora Ventures aims to offer both economic opportunities and long-term impact.

Aurora Ventures will use insights from five years of Aurora Tech Award data and a global founder network to identify promising startups at an early stage. The Aurora Tech Award, created by inDrive, is dedicated to female tech founders in emerging markets and provides mentorship and support tailored to their needs.

In 2025, Pakistan saw over 200 submissions to the Aurora Tech Award, indicating a growing interest in women-led entrepreneurship. This momentum builds on past success stories, such as Faiza Yousuf, a finalist in the 2023 award, who gained international recognition.

The pilot program in 2026 will focus on building an initial portfolio of startups while establishing Aurora Ventures' long-term investment presence in emerging markets, including Pakistan. Despite significant growth in Pakistan's startup ecosystem, challenges remain, particularly for female entrepreneurs who struggle with access to growth capital.

Aurora Ventures is part of inDrive's transition from a ride-hailing operator to an ecosystem investor. By combining capital with strategic guidance and platform infrastructure, inDrive aims to help emerging startups in Pakistan scale more effectively.

InDrive operates in 1,065 cities across 48 countries and is committed to challenging injustice through fair choices, supporting local communities, and providing a wide range of services beyond ride-hailing.