Baybars Altuntaş, Executive Chairman of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF), participated in the 28th ITCN Asia 2026 as a Guest of Honour, contributing to a series of high-level discussions on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, international investment and the future of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — The 28th ITCN Asia opened at the Karachi Expo Centre with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), bringing together technology companies, government officials, international delegates, investors, entrepreneurs and innovation leaders.
One of the region’s major technology gatherings, ITCN Asia 2026 features more than 850 booths and 3,500 global brands, with organisers expecting over 75,000 trade visitors during the three-day event. The Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) and the Science & IT Department, Government of Sindh, are serving as Strategic Partners, while Ignite – National Technology Fund is the National Innovation Partner.
From a Services Economy to a Product Nation in the AI Era
During the Grand Opening Ceremony, Altuntaş joined the Digital Corridor High-Level Dialogue: “Building Product Nations in the AI Economy,” an executive-level discussion bringing together leaders from investment, finance, entrepreneurship, the creative economy and global talent.
The dialogue explored how countries such as Pakistan can move beyond service-driven growth and strengthen their position as globally competitive product nations, particularly as artificial intelligence transforms entrepreneurship, investment models and international markets.
Altuntaş highlighted the importance of connecting technological talent with smart finance, international investor networks and global markets. He emphasised that the next generation of successful entrepreneurial ecosystems will require not only technological capabilities but also effective mechanisms for converting innovation into scalable and investable businesses.
Global Angel Capital for Pakistani Startups
Altuntaş also delivered a featured keynote address at the 13th Investment Summit, entitled “Global Angel Capital: Positioning Pakistani Startups for International Investment.”
His keynote focused on the steps required to connect Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with international angel investors and global capital markets.
Altuntaş stressed that attracting international investment requires more than promising ideas. Entrepreneurs must develop globally competitive business models, demonstrate scalability, strengthen governance and investor readiness, and build connections with international investment networks.
He also highlighted the role of cross-border angel investment in bringing entrepreneurs not only capital, but also knowledge, mentorship, networks and access to new markets.
Representing WBAF, an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), Altuntaş underlined the organisation’s commitment to easing access to finance and promoting greater financial inclusion for entrepreneurs around the world.
Media Interviews and Entrepreneurship Podcast
Throughout ITCN Asia 2026, Altuntaş was interviewed by various media organisations, sharing his perspectives on Pakistan’s entrepreneurial potential, global angel investment trends, financial inclusion and the growing importance of connecting emerging-market startups with international investors.
He was also invited to the ITCN Asia podcast studio for a special conversation focusing on the financial roadmap for entrepreneurs.
The discussion addressed the financing journey of entrepreneurs, from the earliest stages of building a business through angel investment and subsequent fundraising rounds, with particular attention to investment readiness and the importance of choosing the right type of capital at different stages of growth.
Celebrating Pakistan’s ICT Innovation
Altuntaş also attended the Gala Dinner of the ICT Innovation Awards of Pakistan, joining technology leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and other distinguished guests in recognising achievements across Pakistan’s rapidly developing digital and ICT ecosystem.
His participation in the awards programme complemented WBAF’s broader engagement at ITCN Asia by highlighting the relationship between innovation, entrepreneurship and access to finance.
Connecting Pakistan with Global Capital
Altuntaş’s participation across the Grand Opening Ceremony, Investment Summit, media interviews, podcast programme and ICT Innovation Awards reflected WBAF’s broader mission of connecting promising entrepreneurial ecosystems with international investors, knowledge and markets.
“When capital crosses borders, it brings more than money. It brings knowledge, networks, markets and opportunity,” Altuntaş said.
He encouraged Pakistani entrepreneurs to position themselves proactively for international investment and to build companies capable of competing beyond domestic markets.
The World Business Angels Investment Forum works across borders to facilitate access to finance, promote financial and digital inclusion, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and connect startups and scaleups with angel investors and other sources of international capital.
Altuntaş’s visit to Karachi also provided an opportunity to deepen dialogue with Pakistan’s technology, investment and entrepreneurship community and explore stronger connections between the country’s emerging businesses and WBAF’s international network.
About WBAF
The World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is an international organisation committed to easing access to finance for entrepreneurs and promoting financial inclusion, digital inclusion and gender equality. As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), WBAF engages with stakeholders across the global entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem to strengthen cooperation between startups, scaleups, angel investors, institutions and policymakers.
