Startup reality TV show set to launch early next year
ARY Digital Network, in collaboration with PakLaunch, a platform for Pakistani startups and investors, has announced the launch of a reality television series called Bazaar aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.
The show is set to air in early 2026 and will feature emerging entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of four investors (or 'gurus') and nine mentors.
While it appears there will be one female and three male gurus, their identities have yet to be revealed.
As for mentors, these include Naureen Hyatt – CEO, Zood; Dr Sara Khurram – Co-founder & CEO, Sehat Kahani, Omar Askari – Chief Business Officer, NayaPay and Zohaib Malik – Co-founder, Dastgyr.
Additional mentors come from companies such as Daraz, Bookme, Moveit, and EZBike.
Described by the organisers as a 'next-generation reality series,' Bazaar combines televised entertainment with a structured investment platform. The series is designed to provide early-stage and growth-stage startups with direct access to capital, mentorship, and national exposure.
The show will include a live equity exchange model, where investors can make immediate funding offers.
Startups will also have the opportunity to secure funding from a joint ARY–PakLaunch fund, as well as from regulated public crowdfunding options.
After a deal is finalised, mentors will be offered a small equity stake (1%) in the startups they advise, creating an incentive-based support model.
'Bazaar is a great opportunity for startups in Pakistan to connect with investors and mentors on a national platform,' said Syed Azfar Hussain, Project Director at National Incubation Center Karachi, where the launch event took place.
'It brings visibility, funding, and expert support to entrepreneurs who are ready to scale,' he told Business Recorder, adding 'Pakistan needs more platforms like Bazaar that support innovation and entrepreneurship. This show will help promising startups grow by giving them the exposure and investment they truly deserve.'
Deadlines for applications is July 20, 2025. Finalists will be selected mid-August, followed by a mentorship bootcamp.
Startups from various sectors have been invited to apply.
Details about the show's host and the full panel of investors are expected to be released closer to the premiere date.
How will the show compare to Shark Tank?
This news comes in the wake of criticism against a similar show called Shark Tank, an international franchise that took on a Pakistani spin last year.
Many who participated said the pitches made by judges did not materialise, while others said their company's purpose and primary product were misrepresented.
According to a report in The Friday Times, 'the global average for offers made on the show materialising into actual investment is 35-40%, and in Shark Tank Pakistan's case this may be in the region of 8-12%.'
The report noted that 'the degree of documentation of companies and startups was very low, so much so that this proved (according to the sharks we spoke with) to be a major hindrance in many of the offers made verbally not being followed up.'
The judges, or sharks, told the publication 'due diligence had to be done and that they found that a very high percentage of the companies selected did not have complete documentation which is a prerequisite before an investment can be made into any company'.
The question on the minds of many will be: will Bazaar be different?
According to the presentation given at the launch, 'unlike other shows, Bazaar ensures funding for selected startups.'
While not mentioning Shark Tank, or any other competitor shows, Hussain told Business Recorder: , 'the producers have clearly taken market feedback seriously, and it's evident that a great deal of thought has gone into addressing the common pitfalls seen in similar formats'.
'The addition of a mentorship layer is a particularly strong step, helping founders refine their business models and ensuring alignment of expectations before they step into the spotlight,' he said, adding 'Bazaar has the potential to build trust and deliver genuine value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It's refreshing to see a format that respects the founder's journey'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Russia offers stakes in its Nigeria oil, gas fields
Listen to article Russia has offered Pakistan stakes in its oil and gas fields in Nigeria, a move that will help secure energy supplies and ease pressure on foreign exchange. Russian energy giant Gazprom wants Pakistan's largest oil and gas explorer – Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) – to enter into joint ventures in its overseas oil and gas exploration projects. At present, Pakistan produces 15% of crude oil locally whereas remaining needs are met through expensive imports that build pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Earlier, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) tried to explore oil and gas in Iraq but that venture did not yield any result. Now, a Pakistani delegation, led by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, which is on a visit to Russia, has informed Moscow that Pakistan is interested in getting stakes in the fields that are already being developed to avoid risks. Ali Pervaiz Malik, who had replaced former petroleum minister Musadik Malik, was keen to address issues of oil and gas sectors. OGDCL Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak is also part of the delegation. Sources told The Express Tribune that the petroleum minister held a meeting with the chief executive officer of Gazprom, a Russian company responsible for overseas investment in oil and gas fields. During the meeting, the CEO of Gazprom offered Pakistan's petroleum minister to form joint ventures between OGDCL and Gazprom in those fields which were being operated by the Russian company outside Pakistan and Russia. At present, Gazprom is operating in different countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and Nigeria. He informed the Pakistani side that OGDCL could enter into a joint venture with Gazprom in any field. Pakistani companies including OGDCL, Mari Petroleum, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) had also formed a joint venture with a state-owned firm of the UAE in Dubai in an offshoring block. The UAE had offered a field to Pakistani companies, which had already been developed to avoid risks and was not a new block. Sources said that the Pakistani side informed the CEO of Gazprom that it was not interested in those blocks which had not been developed so far and wanted to follow the Dubai project model. Pakistan wants to get stakes in those fields which have already been developed by Gazprom. According to sources, Gazprom offered the petroleum minister to buy stakes in a developed hydrocarbon block in Nigeria, where no risk was involved. It proposed that Gazprom, a Nigerian state-owned company and OGDCL could become partners in that field. Sources said that the Russian company would now send a proposal to OGDCL for evaluation as it would be a pure commercial deal. The Pakistani side had already offered Russia to become part of OGDCL's bid for offshore drilling in Pakistan. Officials say a joint venture with Gazprom in Nigeria will also become a base for engaging the Russian company in offshore drilling in Pakistan. OGDCL and other Pakistani companies have already reached an understanding with a Turkish firm to offer a joint bid for an offshore exploration field in Pakistan. Officials say Pakistan is also looking towards the Russian firm to become its partner in this venture. Russia has been struggling to establish a firm footing in Pakistan's energy sector for the last one decade but it has not been able to achieve success. It was also working with Pakistan to build an LNG pipeline from Karachi to Lahore for transporting imported gas. However, US sanctions on Russian firms were a key hurdle, which could not allow implementation of the project. The structure of Pakistan Gas Stream Project was changed almost six times to avoid US sanctions but nothing could provide successful. Now, Gazprom has offered Pakistan to become a partner in oil and gas fields in Nigeria. Pakistan is hopeful that this joint venture could become successful.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan explores collaborative opportunities with Russian oil and gas company
ISLAMABAD: A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a meeting with representatives of Gazprom, Russia's leading oil and gas company, headed by Sergey Tumanov, general director of Gazprom International. Ahmed Hayat Lak, MD/CEO Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), was also present in the meeting. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with a particular emphasis on joint ventures and business development opportunities between OGDCL and Gazprom International. Pakistan, Russia discuss energy, trade cooperation During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening energy collaboration, leveraging Pakistan's growing energy demands and Gazprom's extensive expertise in oil and gas exploration, production, and infrastructure development. The discussions highlighted potential areas of partnership. It was agreed that OGDCL and Gazprom International would continue discussions to identify viable projects and partnerships, ensuring sustainable energy development and economic growth for both countries. The meeting marks a significant step forward in Pakistan-Russia energy relations, reinforcing the shared vision of energy collaboration and economic prosperity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
LCCI, PPH agree to enhance bilateral trade with African countries
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Pakistan Products House have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, industrial collaboration economic cooperation between Pakistan and African countries. The MoU was formally signed by LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad and Managing Director of Pakistan Products House Shahid Sajjad Hussain. LCCI Executive Committee Members Khuram Lodhi and Ahsan Shahid were also present on the occasion. Under the agreement, both organizations will work together to strengthen business-to-business cooperation and expand economic linkages based on mutual interests. The MoU also outlines the exchange of business reports, research studies, market surveys, magazines, newsletters other trade-related information to enhance mutual understanding of market dynamics and policy frameworks. The two sides have agreed to jointly organize B2B meetings, trade exhibitions, seminars, conferences other trade-related events to build strong connections between the business communities of Pakistan and Africa. Speaking at the signing ceremony, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that the agreement marks a significant step forward in boosting Pakistan's exports and promoting 'Made in Pakistan' products in emerging African markets. He noted that Africa presents vast untapped potential for Pakistani industries such collaborations can unlock new trade opportunities. Shahid Sajjad Hussain, Managing Director of PPH, said that Pakistan Products House, established in six key cities across Africa, serves as a robust platform for showcasing high-quality Pakistani products. He said that the MoU will provide Pakistani exporters with enhanced access to new markets and buyers. This strategic partnership is expected to open new doors for Pakistan's business community looking to establish or expand their footprint in Africa. It is anticipated that this collaboration will not only boost exports but also strengthen bilateral economic ties between Pakistan and African nations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
