Bazaar: Pakistan’s First Startup Reality Show Set to Launch in 2026
ARY Digital Network, in collaboration with PakLaunch, has announced Bazaar—a next-generation startup reality television series aimed at energizing Pakistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Bazaar, Pakistan’s first startup reality TV show, is set to air in early 2026. Designed for early-stage and growth-stage entrepreneurs, the show offers startups the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors (“gurus”) and mentors in front of a national audience. More than just entertainment, Bazaar promises real investment, expert guidance, and massive exposure. Confirmed mentors include prominent names such as Naureen Hyatt (Zood), Dr. Sara Khurram (Sehat Kahani), Omar Askari (NayaPay), and Zohaib Malik (Dastgyr), with others representing companies like Daraz, Bookme, Moveit, and EZBike. Described as more than just a show, Bazaar introduces a live equity exchange model, investors can make on-the-spot offers, while mentors receive a 1% equity stake in startups they support, aligning incentives with founder success. Startups will also benefit from funding via a joint ARY–PakLaunch fund and regulated public crowdfunding. “Bazaar is a great opportunity for startups in Pakistan to connect with investors and mentors on a national platform,” said Syed Azfar Hussain of NIC Karachi, at the launch event. “It brings visibility, funding, and expert support to entrepreneurs who are ready to scale.”
Learning from the Past?
The show comes in the wake of criticism aimed at Pakistan’s version of Shark Tank, where many deals failed to materialise, and founders reported misrepresentation of their companies. With Bazaar, organizers say they’ve learned from the shortcomings of such shows. “Unlike other shows, Bazaar ensures funding for selected startups,” said Hussain. The mentorship bootcamp and detailed due diligence process aim to correct the trust deficit that plagued earlier formats. With its focus on structure, mentorship, and real outcomes, Bazaar may just become the launchpad Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has long needed. FAQ What is Bazaar, the new Pakistani reality show? Bazaar is a startup-focused reality TV show where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of investors and mentors for funding and guidance Who is behind the production of Bazaar? The show is a collaboration between ARY Digital Network and PakLaunch, a platform for Pakistani startups and investors. How is Bazaar different from Shark Tank Pakistan? Unlike previous formats, Bazaar includes a mentorship layer, a structured bootcamp, guaranteed funding for selected startups, and a live equity exchange model to ensure real investment. Who are the mentors and investors involved in the show? Mentors include executives from Zood, Sehat Kahani, NayaPay, Dastgyr, Bookme, Moveit, and EZBike. The identities of the four investor “gurus” will be revealed later Read the full article
