Pakistan's Colabs aims to establish a network of 100,000 business owners and independent workers
In the heart of Lahore, a coworking startup named Colabs is making waves, aiming to build the country's largest community of entrepreneurs and freelancers. Founded in 2019 by twin brothers Omar and Ali Shah, Colabs has already established a strong presence and a network that sets it apart from other coworking spaces in Pakistan.
A Growing Network and Community
Colabs has partnered with over 100 entities to organize events and offer perks to its communities. This network includes universities, venture capital funds, corporate entities, government, and industry leaders. The startup currently operates two coworking spaces in Lahore, with a third on the way, boasting about 700 members working from its spaces. With the addition of another 400 members when the third site launches, Colabs is well on its way to expanding its reach.
A Focus on Community and Collaboration
Colabs places a strong emphasis on building a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. By facilitating networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing within its spaces and through community events and programs, Colabs aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem that encourages growth and innovation.
Scaling Physical Infrastructure and Leveraging Partnerships
To achieve its goal of a community of 100,000 members throughout Pakistan within the next five to seven years, Colabs is focusing on scaling its physical infrastructure and leveraging its partnerships. The startup is using technology to optimize processes and connect everyone in its spaces, while also collaborating with universities, VCs, corporates, government, and industry leaders to support entrepreneurship growth and ecosystem development.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Colabs is committed to continuous innovation in workspace offerings and community engagement. By offering services such as an end-to-end payroll management service and working on an employment platform to connect tech talent with startups in Pakistan, Colabs is positioning itself as a one-stop-shop offering for international companies setting up in Pakistan.
Leading the Way
Colabs' journey is led by Ali Shah, a real estate developer in Lahore who leads the family's construction and development firm, Sabcon. The startup's newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, Fatima Mazhar, previously led the expansion of Careem into 100 cities as its Head of Expansion. With their combined expertise, Colabs is well-equipped to continue its growth and make a significant impact on Pakistan's entrepreneurial landscape.
Despite a strong foundation in the last two years, Colabs recognises that it needs to punch above its weight to reach its ambitious goal. With a clear vision and a strategic approach, this Lahore-based startup is poised to redefine the future of work in Pakistan.
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