U.Solve #TheDataChapter

A Challenge designed with a Venture Studio Approach to identify innovative and skilled teams/talent with a deep understanding of the problems/solutions.

Program Goals

  • To identify aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs or teams who can validate and iterate the given/identified business solution to address the broader issues of data asymmetry issues present within the startup ecosystem in Pakistan and regionally. 

Problem Statement

1- Data Fragmentation

  • Fragmented and dispersed data sources, make it challenging to gather a holistic view of the startup landscape.
  • Lack of centralized data repositories or platforms for easy access and analysis.

2- Scalability & Localization

  • Global data platforms are not adapted to local market nuances. 
  • Existing solutions do not address the need for localized data insights.

3- Data Accessibility & Quality

  • Limited access to comprehensive and up-to-date business data in emerging markets.
  • Poor data quality and accuracy due to a lack of standardized reporting. 

Eligibility Criteria

All aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs and teams from across Pakistan are eligible to apply. Women and youth are encouraged to apply.

Components of U.Solve #TheGreenChapter

Advisory Clinics with Subject Matter Experts and Business Coaching

The first two days will be allocated for coaching and mentoring clinic where subject matter experts and business coaches will extend support one-on-one and work with businesses to refine their business and financial models, and sales and marketing strategies.

Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to engage with subject matter expert who will help entrepreneurs scrutinize the business solution from a technical standpoint and advise on its commercial viability and prepare them to attract investments effectively.

Final Pitch

The third day would be the challenge where entrepreneurs will finally pitch their business solution to the jury.

Subsidized-Debt Financing

The winner will then go through the pre-financing due-diligence process to unlock debt financing (USD 100,000).

Cash Prize

The emerging winner will be awarded USD 10,000 as prize money from partners.
** The prize money will only be awarded if the winner accepts AP’s subsidized debt financing.

Post Financing Technical Assistance

Following are key aspects of post-financing Technical Assistance:
a- Continued business mentoring, coaching and advisory from successful entrepreneurs, investors and AP’s business coaches.
b- Marketing, bookkeeping, and legal services
from top-of-the-line services providers, completely free of cost.
c- Market and commercial linkages in various industries nationally and internationally.
**This is exclusively offered to portfolio businesses i.e. businesses that have received financing from AP.

Access to Co-working Spaces

Entrepreneurs, during or after the cycle, will have access to Accelerate Prosperity co-working space available in Gilgit, Chitral at a nominal cost/rental. Space will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that enable working, innovative thinking, collaboration, networking opportunities and seeking guidance from subject matter experts, investors, mentors, and other successful entrepreneurs.

Instrument: Patient debt Ticket Size: Up to PKR 30 Million Interest Rate: Net 8-12% Term:Up to 10 years Other Requirements:Mortgage land or building Financing Select businesses who complete the incubation program successfully pitch for APs financing

Financing

Select businesses who complete the incubation program successfully pitch for APs financing.

Instrument:

Patient debt

Ticket Size:

Patient debt

Interest Rate:

Net 8-12%

Ticket Size:

Up to 10 years

Other Requirements:

Mortgage land or building

Applications closed for U.Solve #TheDataChapter

Are you an entrepreneur with an innovative and transformational business in the solar energy sector?