Pakistan’s social impact accelerator i2i has created over 850 jobs for startups

Pakistan’s startup accelerator Invest2Innovate (i2i) began operations in 2011, and since then has mentored 21 young businesses. 15 of those are still active, the accelerator claims, and have raised a combined total of US$1 million in venture funding.

The Islamabad-based accelerator only works with mid-stage companies that are geared towards solving social problems, alleviating poverty, and creating jobs. It runs a four-month-long program every year, from September to January, and startups have the option of working remotely.

Some innovative ideas to come out of i2i are: Eco Energy Finance – a startup that’s bringing affordable energy to people living off the grid in Pakistan, Inaaya – a fashion startup that originally started off by helping flood victims and now employs a large number of rural craftsmen, and Emperor’s Bazaar – an Etsy or Craftsvilla for Pakistan.

The accelerator counts over 35 mentors in its network, and says the number of active investors is growing.

Since its first batch of startups graduated in 2012, i2i startups have created over 850 jobs, according to the accelerator’s own infographic (shown below). There’s been an average of 200 percent annual revenue growth with 60 percent female founders in the last two batches. Incidentally, the accelerator says its last two cohorts have also been the most successful.