In a major win for women-led innovation, Pakistan-based startup BeMe has received funding from Village Capital under the Women in Tech Financing Facility. Backed by Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers program, the initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs across MENA and South Asia, particularly in underrepresented sectors and markets.
A strategic investment in Women Founders
Village Capital has invested $200,000 in three standout women-led startups:
- ✅ BeMe (Pakistan) – A mental health platform providing accessible therapy
- ✅ Dabchy (Tunisia) – A circular economy-driven fashion resale app
- ✅ FreshSource (Egypt) – A tech solution streamlining agricultural supply chains
These startups were selected from among the alumni of the Women in Tech program, known for its focus on solving real-world problems in bold, scalable ways.
BeMe: Mental Health Support at Your Fingertips
Founded in Pakistan, BeMe is tackling one of the country’s most urgent needs—mental health access. The platform connects users, including those from the Pakistani diaspora, with certified therapists around the clock. By offering culturally relevant and affordable online therapy, BeMe is filling a critical gap in a country with a shortage of mental health professionals.
- ✅ 24/7 access to licensed professionals
- ✅ Therapy in culturally relevant formats
- ✅ Services tailored for individuals and corporate teams
Sharmeen Khan, co-founder of BeMe, shared that the funding will be used to:
- ✅ Expand the team
- ✅ Scale marketing and client outreach
- ✅ Personalize offerings for users and companies
- ✅ Strengthen R&D to improve the platform experience
A Bigger Mission: Funding Inclusive Innovation
Meredith Storton, Senior Manager of Investments at Village Capital, highlighted the importance of context-specific solutions. “These entrepreneurs are building bold innovations in sectors that urgently need attention,” she said. The program isn’t just about funding—it’s about long-term support for women founders who often face systemic barriers.
Regina Mukiri, Regional Head of Community Impact at Standard Chartered, emphasized the importance of economic inclusion. “Empowering women is essential for sustainable development. This facility addresses the funding gap that women-led businesses continue to face,” she added.
The Bigger Picture: Gender Disparity in Startup Funding
Despite growing numbers of women entrepreneurs, the funding gap remains stark:
- ✅ In MENA, only 8.7% of 2024 startup funding went to mixed-gender teams
- ✅ In Pakistan, women-led startup funding dropped from 34% in 2021 to just 8% in 2022
BeMe stands as a beacon of progress in reversing these trends.
What’s next for BeMe and its backers?
The latest funding round by Village Capital and Standard Chartered highlights how supporting women-led startups can drive inclusive, scalable change. Startups like BeMe are not just building businesses—they’re solving problems that matter.