Karachi-based Omair Ahmed Siddiqui walked over tough paths and paved the way for upcoming generations
Success Story: How an IT entrepreneur became
a key entrepreneur producer of the country
Muhammad Umar Waqqas
“The journey of entrepreneurship is seldom easy, but it is a path that can lead to remarkable achievements,” says Omair Ahmed Siddiqui. The entrepreneur traces his journey from being a marketing executive to making a mark in the Pakistani IT industry with Meta Frolic Labs. Siddiqui’s story is of dedication, innovation, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of IT entrepreneurs.
Highlights:
> Omair Ahmed Siddiqui believes that “IT is the future,” and he has transformed the IT landscape in Pakistan through passion and innovation.
> After working as a marketing executive, he pursued his MBA from IoBM with specializations in strategic management and business growth to develop a strong foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.
> He spent 13 years at Salsoft Technologies, where he built divisions and trained people who became successful entrepreneurs.
> Siddiqui founded Meta Frolic Labs to foster innovation and accelerate IT exports, which enabled Pakistan to see its highest year-on-year growth at 24% in FY24 to $3.2 billion.
> He spearheads IT training and development through Meta Frolic Labs, enabling youth to launch startups and contribute to Pakistan’s IT ecosystem.
> One of the pioneers of AI-driven technologies, he leads the development of innovative solutions in HR, taxation, and operations that enhance efficiency with export potential.
> His vision includes equipping young people with leadership qualities, a digital revolution, and inclusivity in the workforce.
The Future is IT
Everyone says, “IT is the Future,” but only a few own this maxim with their grit and dedication. Not everyone is lucky enough to decide on their perfect career journey or has what it takes to mold their future immediately after completing their education. In a world filled with numerous choices, people seldom know what they want or what career to pursue. Omair Ahmed Siddiqui knew from the get-go he wanted to accomplish something big which drove him to transform Pakistan’s IT sector.
Big Aspirations and Early Career
Omair Ahmed Siddiqui had big aspirations and wanted to make a difference in whatever he did from his early days. He started his professional career as a marketing executive at a local event management company in Pakistan. Working there, he experienced the excitement of sales and marketing, but exposure to prominent entrepreneurs fueled his entrepreneurial passion. Siddiqui knew the power of education and pursued a Master’s in Business Administration at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) Karachi from 2010-2014, focusing on business growth, web marketing and strategic management.
Siddiqui joined Salsoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in 2010 as a Business Unit Head. He was part of strategy, sales, and corporate development there for over 13 years, setting up business divisions for web design, branding, mobile apps, and several other divisions. His leadership achieved the best annual sales turnover, reflecting his orientation toward results and strategic decision-making. He mentored, inspired, and led hundreds of individuals during his career who later became prominent entrepreneurs. He did not stop there, as he was destined to transform the Pakistani IT industry.
Becoming a Trailblazer in IT Exports
Siddiqui’s entrepreneurial zeal compelled him to shift gears and steer his career toward something big, an IT company with ambitious goals for catapulting Pakistan IT exports to record levels. He founded Meta Frolic Labs as a launching pad for his vision to succeed and rally the country’s IT sector toward unprecedented growth. The Meta Frolic Labs founder envisions an IT sector that plays a primary role in Pakistan’s economic recovery and progress.
Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) exports have soared to $3.2 billion in FY2024, marking a solid 24% year-on-year increase from the previous fiscal’s $2.59 billion. The latest data, released by the State Bank of Pakistan, underscores the sector’s resilience and growth amidst global economic challenges. For June 2024 alone, Pakistan recorded IT exports worth $298 million, up 33% compared to the same period last year. Despite a month-on-month decline of 10%, June’s exports surpassed the twelve-month average of $262 million, highlighting sustained momentum in the sector.
Omair Ahmed Siddiqui says, “Several factors have contributed to this surge in IT exports. Firstly, Pakistani IT firms have expanded their footprint in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, where demand for IT services has steadily increased. Secondly, the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to raise the permissible retention limit in Exporters’ Specialized Foreign Currency Accounts from 35% to 50% has encouraged IT exporters to repatriate higher profits back to Pakistan, boosting overall export figures. Lastly, a stable Pakistani rupee (PKR) has further incentivized IT companies to conduct business and bring earnings back home.”
Throughout FY24, Pakistan’s net IT exports, calculated as exports minus imports, amounted to US$2.8 billion, marking a 23% year-on-year increase. In June 2024, net IT exports reached US$256 million, up by 32% compared to last year, surpassing the twelve-month average of US$230 million.
Omair Ahmed Siddiqui is optimistic about the IT sector’s growth trajectory, he expects a continued expansion of 10-15% for FY25, with anticipated exports ranging between US$3.5 billion to US$3.7 billion.
Nurturing Entrepreneurs and Startups
Among Siddiqui’s many contributions, the most notable are inspiring, mentoring, and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs. Throughout his career and at Meta Frolic Labs, he has overseen the training and development of hundreds of young individuals, endowing them with advanced skills aligned to global market requirements. Several of Siddique’s subordinates, mentees, and trainees have successfully launched their own startups, further strengthening Pakistan’s export-oriented IT ecosystem. Siddiqui underlines the need to develop the entrepreneurial spirit and says “Strategic training and skill development are the keys to transforming our youth into global players in the IT industry. The reason to share my success journey is to highlight the direction and the required mindset, especially to the young upcoming entrepreneurs of my beloved country”.
Driving Innovation with AI and Emerging Technologies
At the forefront of technological innovation, Siddiqui has also spearheaded research and development at Meta Frolic Labs on AI-driven tools and technologies. Innovative research envisioned by Siddique contributed to a range of human resources, taxation, and operational management AI-powered solutions. He has implemented solutions that drive efficiency and create new opportunities for Pakistani exports in the IT sector, driven by AI-powered solutions. Under his leadership, Meta Frolic Labs has rapidly emerged into the mainstream due to its innovation and emphasis on AI-driven solutions. “Our mission is to leverage emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and cloud security to solve real-world problems,” he says.
Training and Developing a New Generation of IT Experts
Omair Ahmed Siddiqui established his IT firm, Meta Frolic Labs, to promote innovation and assist the Pakistani IT industry. Based on two decades of expertise and a passion for driving corporate success and growth, his efficient sales management and digital marketing exposure became the strong pillars of his new business journey. Leveraging his two decades of experience, he laid the foundation for a company that delivers IT solutions but puts greater emphasis on skill development for the youth. “When I say training, I don’t mean traditional short courses. Our programs are strategically designed to equip our youth with the skills needed to perform and bring business to Pakistan from international markets,” Siddiqui explains.
He thinks education and mentorship really empower the youth, he says “The young generation needs to be equipped with the skills not just to join the workforce but to lead it.” He is equipped to unleash a digital revolution by offering the opportunity to innovate and provide youth resources. Siddiqui is also a staunch advocate of diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, reflected in his initiative to hire visually impaired employees (or “technically capable” individuals, as he emphasizes) in various operational units in collaboration with the Binae Education Foundation.
Omair Ahmed Siddiqui’s journey from being a marketing executive to becoming a role model in Pakistan’s IT industry is a story of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to empowering the youth. He has set benchmarks for others through contributions to IT exports, entrepreneurial mentorship, and technological advancement. “Success is not only about personal achievement but also about creating a legacy that inspires and empowers others,” Siddiqui concludes. His leadership continues to drive Pakistan’s IT sector forward while empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs.
