021 Disrupt Conference

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the #021Disrupt Conference, a two-day event packed with excitement and knowledge for all levels of attendees. PASHA needs no introduction, neither does its tech incubator, NEST I/O. They have mentored, launched and fostered some of the most well known local startups in the recent times. With the aim to further promote and boost the startup ecosystem in Pakistan, #021Disrupt Conference was held in November 2017. The 650 attendants ranging from startups, professionals, students and influencers, all gathered to gain valuable insights from local as well over a dozen international speakers.

From conceptualizing an idea to form a start-up to scaling a business to growth, the conference was so lively and informative that I couldn’t help but tweet regularly during various sessions (and I’m NOT a very social person).

One highlight of the event, out of many, was the speaker session by Rabeel Warraich, CEO and Founder of Sarmayacar. He not only explained how to reach out to investors but also suggested to develop a relationship prior to reaching out for an investment. This is a great insider tip for the newcomers.

Rabeel Warraich explains How to reach out to investors and create a relationship before you go out to raise an investment. At #021Disrupt Share on X

Jawwad Farid, Chief Executive of Alchemy Technologies highlighted the simplicity behind innovation. According to him,

Innovation is not rocket science. Learn from your surrounding and try to implement it into your own situation. Jawwad Fareed at #021Disrupt Share on X

Dr. Umar Saif, Chairman Punjab IT Board, focused on disruption. His talk explained how

Businesses in most large industries are now going about with disruption! - Dr. Umar Saif at the #021Disrupt Share on X

When it comes to customer services and managing your financials, there was sound advice throughout the event. If you are really good at keeping customers, then you can spend more on getting customers. This was the core of message conveyed by Sam Mallikarjunan, the Executive Strategist at HubSpot.

If you're really good at keeping customers then you can spend more in getting more customers. - Sam Mallikarjunan at the #021Disrupt Share on X

Rabia Gharib, Chief Editor at TheNewSpaces had an interesting session on the role of media and how each individual is empowering it. To simplify it, it is all about your clicks and likes. That’s all it takes.

You have the right to choose and be responsible to support and subscribe and grow the media landscape. - Rabia Garib at #021Disrupt Share on X

Shaheryar Popalzai, ICFJ Knight Fellow gave some brilliant ideas for startups and professionals alike. I surely noted down a few for myself.

Salma Jafri explained why creating empathy in marketing is so important to connect with your customers.

 

Things that I learned and re-assured from the event were:

– Success is a two-way street. A company has a lot to do with its team, give more credit to your people. #teamwork

– As long as one manages to take care of the customers, build a strong team and keeps finances in check, there is no reason your startup doesn’t fly. #customersuccess

– Go for an investment when it is absolutely required and you’re ready to scale up.

– Have the courage to try. That’s how the best things have happened.

This knowledge-packed event wouldn’t have been possible without the Big Bird, Jehan Ara. She has undertaken a monumental task of bringing Pakistani startups under the international radar, hats off to her!

Shamim Rajani is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Genetech Solutions, a one stop shop for all web services specializing in Web Development, Customized Web Applications, Social Media Marketing and other IT related services. Follow her on twitter @ShamimRajani & Linkedin.