What was changed
Founded in 2019 in Lahore, Airlift Technologies began as an Uber‑style bus service for mass transit. Early adoption was modest, and the company struggled to achieve significant scale before the pandemic.
When Pakistan’s lockdown halted its bus operations in March 2020, Airlift pivoted to on‑demand grocery delivery, leveraging its logistics network. The move attracted $85 million in Series B funding (Aug 2021), expanded to seven cities and sparked a wave of founder‑led startups that now form the “Airlift Mafia”.
What it achieved
Airlift raised $85 million in Series B funding, expanded to seven Pakistani cities, and inspired a new generation of founder‑led startups.
Why it worked
The COVID‑19 lockdown created an urgent need for home delivery of essentials.
Airlift’s existing driver and vehicle network allowed rapid launch of a grocery delivery service.
Founders aimed to create impact and jobs, motivating the shift despite uncertainty.
What can be applied
In a crisis, swiftly pivoting to meet urgent local demand can unlock new growth avenues and catalyze an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Aftermath
After the pivot, Airlift’s valuation rose, it continued to expand its quick‑commerce footprint across Pakistan, and its alumni launched ventures such as Dastgyr, EasyFresh and Parcel Logistics, spreading entrepreneurial energy nationwide.
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