Vceela

Company

Vceela is a digital ecosystem for Pakistani artisans that connects them directly to local and international markets.

The problem

The artisan sector accounts for 15% of Pakistan’s workforce – the second largest employer in the country. More than 85% of artisans are not connected digitally, which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation from intermediaries.

GSMA project

In March 2021, Vceela received a GSMA grant to scale its existing solution to reach more artisans, who were trained to use mobile services. Through Vceela’s mobile solution, artisans can source raw materials, market and sell their products, collect payments and receive microfinance more easily. The project has a particular focus on disadvantaged groups, including women and persons with disabilities.

Outcomes

Trained just over 5,000 artisans to manage their product profile on the Vceela platform.

Traction

As of February 2025, Vceela has just over 75,000 artisans on its web platform and mobile app, including more than 61,500 women.

A message from the founder

“Millions of digitally unconnected artisans don’t get the fair share of their creations as they are stuck in a centuries old exploitative system run by middlemen. Vceela creates an ecosystem which connects these unconnected artisans directly to the global market.”

– Akeel Khalid, Founder and CEO, Vceela