Myco’s journey is redefining digital ownership, content monetization, and what it means to be creator-first in Pakistan’s growing tech ecosystem.

In a historic moment for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem, Myco a decentralized video streaming platform secured a total investment and SaaS deal of PKR 42 crores (~USD 1.5 million) after winning the grand finale of Meet the Drapers, a global reality show spotlighting high-potential startups from around the world.

While the funding is noteworthy, it’s the context and process behind this win that holds more value for Pakistani founders navigating similar global stages.

What Actually Happened?

After progressing through Meet the Drapers a televised global pitch competition hosted by Tim Draper, the famed Silicon Valley VC behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Coinbase Myco emerged as a finalist and audience favorite. It was the first Pakistani startup to make it to the finale, a major feat considering over 2,000 global startups applied.

Following due diligence, Myco secured:

• $500,000 in equity investment from Draper Associates
  
• A $1 million SaaS services contract, making it the top startup of Season 9 in terms of deal value
  

This was made possible after Paklaunch, a diaspora-led community enabling Pakistani startups, convinced Draper to feature Pakistani founders in a special episode back in October 2024.

Beyond the Hype: 3 Takeaways for Startups in Pakistan

1. Visibility Can’t Be Bought It Has to Be Earned

The global stage isn’t out of reach for Pakistani founders, but it demands traction, storytelling, and timing. Myco built a loyal user base (20M+ in 18 months), captured strong public votes, and leveraged the visibility of Meet the Drapers to amplify their positioning not just in Pakistan, but globally.

Lesson: Invest early in your brand narrative and get real users. Visibility follows value.

2. Networks Matter Especially Diaspora-Led Ones

Without Paklaunch’s intervention, Pakistani startups may have never made it to the show. This milestone wasn’t just Myco’s it was a case study in how diaspora networks can create access to capital, exposure, and ecosystems.

Lesson: Founders should actively plug into communities like Paklaunch, NICs, and accelerators they open doors even before capital arrives.

3. Think Platforms, Not Just Products

Myco isn’t “just” a streaming app. It’s building a sports + Web3 platform: combining content rights (cricket, EPL, combat sports), monetization tools (watch & earn tokens), and blockchain infrastructure. This platform vision is what caught the eye of Draper a known decentralization advocate.

Lesson: A strong product is the starting point. Investors back visions that scale across markets and verticals.

What’s Next for Myco?

Backed by Draper Associates and Aptos Labs, Myco plans to:

• Expand across North America, MENA, and South Asia
  
• Launch a Web3 rewards economy for content creators and users
  
• Deepen partnerships in sports, media, and fintech
  

It’s also betting on decentralized ownership, aiming to shift how South Asian users engage with streaming from passive consumption to participatory content economies.

A Signal to the Ecosystem

Myco’s win is more than a milestone—it’s a statement: Pakistanis can lead and innovate on global platforms given the right exposure, network, and execution. It also adds to momentum from government initiatives like PIAIC (Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence & Computing), which supports Web3 and creator-led innovation in the country. en.wikipedia.org

To understand how infrastructure plays into Web3 growth—such as decentralized content platforms—see [The Untold Opportunity in Pakistan’s 2,000 MW Energy Push for Startups], which discusses government-backed infrastructure reforms shaping AI, blockchain, and related sectors

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