Thought Behind Things Maha Shahzad: I Built a PROFITABLE Startup Without a DEGREE!! | 473 | TBT
In this episode of Thought Behind Things, we’re joined by Maha Shahzad, the founder & CEO of Buscaro — Pakistan’s first tech-enabled bus-sharing startup that’s making everyday commuting safer, smarter, and more affordable for thousands of Pakistanis.
From doing odd jobs to fund her education, to building a profitable transport startup without a degree, Maha’s story is pure resilience. She shares how her experiences at Careem, Foodpanda, and SWVL shaped her understanding of Pakistan’s mobility problems — and how a confusing global model inspired her to build something truly local.
We Explore:
- How SWVL’s confusing model failed to connect with Pakistani commuters
- The story behind Buscaro and how it was born during the downturn
- How she raised her first investor cheque and built a profitable startup
- Buscaro’s 6.5 million-dollars annual revenue and 70-member team
- How the platform ensures safety for women & school children
Maha also opens up about investor trust after 2022, navigating bias as a young female founder, and her long-term vision for Pakistan’s urban mobility.
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Muzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/
Muzamil's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/
Maha's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maha-shahzad-88878b220/
Special thanks to Daftarkhwan for providing us with the studio space.
You can find out more about them at: https://www.daftarkhwan.com/
Credits:
Executive Producer: Syed Muzamil Hasan Zaidi
Associate Producer: Saad Shehryar
Publisher: Talha Shaikh
Editor: Jawad Sajid