Archive for June, 2013
A Will Made of Steel and An Aircraft Made in Pakistan
“That, my friend, is the very first airplane made in Pakistan by a certified, private aircraft manufacturer,” proudly stated my host pointing in the direction of the aircraft hanger behind me. As I turned around with anticipation and saw an all composite two seat, three propeller aircraft, gleaming in the sunlight coming in through the […]
Technology Business Valuations – A Hurdle to VC Deals in the Developing Markets
This article is a follow-on installment of one of my previous posts: Venture Capital and Angel Investing in Developing Countries – Challenges and Opportunities. If you haven’t read that one yet, please do so for additional context and background. Ask prospective local investors for a $200K investment at $800K pre-money valuation and see the jaws […]
Lifting the YouTube Ban in Pakistan – A Possible Solution [Updated]
It has been close to 11 months since YouTube was banned by the Pakistani government following the release of a ‘disgusting and reprehensible’ video titled Innocence of Muslims on the Google owned web property. On one hand, the content of the video inflamed the sensitivities of the predominantly Muslim populace and consequently, seemingly, justifies the […]
How to Manage a Successful Election Campaign
There is unanimous consent that the 2013 elections in Pakistan were like no other held before. They were the first elections held after a democratically elected government completed its full term. The election commission and judiciary were unanimously trusted to hold free and fair elections. The voter turnout averaged a staggering 55%, primarily driven up […]