LUMS Alumnus Syed Ismail Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026
LUMS proudly congratulates Syed Ismail (BSc 2021), Co-founder and CEO of Saraaf, on being recognised in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list for his contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship.
In 2021, Ismail co-founded Saraaf, a technology-driven platform that is transforming commodity sourcing through digitisation and transparency. Headquartered in Karachi, Saraaf is reimagining how businesses source commodities such as onyx, cotton, and other raw materials across Central and South Asia.
The company is developing a mobile-first ecosystem that enables businesses to access real-time pricing, track shipments, manage digital contracts, and communicate through integrated live-chat features. By bringing greater efficiency, visibility, and trust to commodity trade, Saraaf is addressing longstanding challenges in one of the region’s most important economic sectors.
A significant milestone in the company's journey came in 2024 when Saraaf secured a deal on Shark Tank Pakistan, underscoring investor confidence in its vision and growth potential. Building on this momentum, the company is now preparing for a public listing as it continues to expand its impact across regional markets.
Syed Ismail’s inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list reflects the growing influence of young entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges and create meaningful economic opportunities.
The LUMS community celebrates this remarkable achievement and wishes Ismail continued success as he leads Saraaf’s mission to modernise commodity sourcing and trade across the region.
