So four months back "we" decided to start a business.We brainstormed a lot of ideas but in reality any idea that could really work had to be an IT based idea. Since other ideas require loads of funding and since venture capitalists and angel investors are virtually absent in Pakistan, we decided that our idea must be a web-based one. But you know, there was a problem in this whole "web-based thingy" and that was that we were genuinely electronics engineers with no IT background. Taking a cue from the movie "a beautiful mind",we started thinking that classes really were a waste of time . We opened up programming books,started studying stuff which we never would have thought about in our university time. We ended up with decent IT skills and equipped ourselves for launching an online business. It is extremely hard to monetize an online business especially in Pakistan where the internet is just limited to big cities. But instead of being intimidated, we thought that this is actually an opportunity. The opportunity to bring people towards the internet for everything they do, something the west did in the 1990's. We know it will be hard to stay afloat from here on as our patience will be tested severely. But we have thought of a somewhat sustainable business model so lets see how this one goes out.We dont know,as always,what the future holds for us and this tiny business, but we do think that by at least trying, we are getting rid of the various negative perceptions associated with start-ups in Pakistan.
What I like the most about this whole venture is that we never felt like working. You see when you love doing something,you never treat it as a burden, something which the modern corporate culture annihilates completely.
Lastly guys this website has been created by four people, all of whom are from NUST. It would be cynical not to mention their names here since our "final" team did work hard on the Project.So they are Farrukh Hijaz ( A theeta in any sense) Muddasir Ali Baig ( The born Marketeer) and Tayyab Aslam ( The Socialist in its pure sense) and me Usman Zafar ( The one and only ofcourse ;) ). I must also pay thanks to Usama Shahid Khan, Rafay Imran Zafar, Ahsan Saleem(lecturer) and Bilal Hussain for their contributions towards us. I must pay a special tribute to Abdul Moiz Kiyani ,whom we have often left on many occasions for unknown reasons, for supporting us even though he wasnt in it , yet.
Our whole start-up has been created on loyalty and trust, attributes which we greatly value. We are loyal towards you and if you help us in any way,we shall help you in every way. Its that simple. In other words, its your business "totally" !
So what is Eat-Islamabad ?
"Eat Islamabad is a restaurant guide, but you already figured that out. It’s a billion dollar company. Nah, its not even really a company. Its just a place where a group of talented people just do stuff they like and enjoy. We can assure you though that this is the first of a series of innovative start-ups we aim to create that would really really change the way you live for the better. That’s our promise to you."
Whats the mission ?
"Eat-Islamabad is more than just a business . We hope it becomes a shining ray of hope for fellow Pakistanis and inspires them into forming and growing their on businesses. We strongly believe that its upto the educated class to stop working and start employing people and in doing so help fellow Pakistanis. Being patriotic Pakistanis, its about time we contribute to help change Pakistan.
Social Responsibility:
Like we have said it before, Eat-Islamabad is more than just being a business. It's a business which deeply understands its social responsibility. We constantly strive to help our society improve in any possible way. If you need any help for any social motive or any other motive that benefits society in general, we will be there to help you. Eat-Islamabad guarantees it will do whatever it can to help move your just cause forward. That's our promise!
Ideas/Innovation:
If you have any innovative idea that can help us grow, please let us know . We guarantee you a prominent share in our company for that business idea. We believe being innovative and rewarding innovation is the key for the community in particular and Pakistan in general to grow and in doing so helping our fellow Pakistanis.
Alternatively, if you have a brilliant idea and are looking for investment, we will be more than willing to help . Just send us an email to discuss your idea/innovation (after signing a non-disclosure agreement ofcourse ! ) at ideas@eatislamabad.com"
So my dear loyal brothers and sisters, help us help you (and no this aint jerry maguire) by genuinely taking our cause everyway around. One of the best ways you can help us is by suggesting ideas for making the site more useful for the vast majority.
The site would be meaning less if you dont use it so please "Use Us"
Please join our facebook page:
Visit our Website (and keep doing it ;) )
Love us and we surely will love you .
