Supported by the City of Perth and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Perth Landing Pad program is a gateway for international and interstate startups looking to broaden their reach. Nestled within one of the most sustainable cities on the planet, this program offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in Western Australia's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
We recently sat down with Fakhar, the founder of Kashmeta, to learn more about his journey as an entrepreneur. Drawing on his extensive background in tech, Fakhar has channelled his expertise into creating Kashmeta, an innovative startup focused on transforming education through immersive and interactive XR technology. By leveraging these cutting-edge tools, Kashmeta is set to revolutionise the learning experience, making it more accessible and engaging for students worldwide.
In reflecting on his business journey, Fakhar shared that he began his career in tech as a freelancer during his first year of pursuing a Bachelor's in Software Engineering. Starting with logo design services on Fiverr, Fakhar quickly expanded into brand identity designs, completing over 7,000 projects and earning Top Rated Seller status. His work was recognised when he was named Best Freelancer of the Year at the Connected Pakistan Conference and he also achieved the Prime Minister's National Innovation Award in Pakistan.
Fakhar’s entrepreneurial drive also led him to venture into e-commerce as an Amazon Seller in the UK, where he gained valuable insights into the digital marketplace. This experience fueled his ambition to make a broader impact, leading to the founding of Connect Kashmir in 2022, an IT incubator in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan, dedicated to training youth in digital skills.
When we asked Fakhar what he’s currently working on, he provided some exciting insights into his latest projects.
“At the moment I'm focusing on my startup, Kashmeta, which is developing a metaverse-based university campus. My work is now centred on expanding this venture in Australia, where I've been fortunate enough to become part of both the Perth Landing Pad program and the iAccelerate activate program by the University of Wollongong.”
When asked about his experience with the program, Fakhar’s highlights include the support, resources, and mentorship offered.
“The Perth Landing Pad program has been a game-changer for me and I'm grateful for the opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded innovators,” he shared.
Fakhar's journey with Spacecubed started at Riff in Perth, and he’s now working out of the Western Sydney Startup Hub. He shared that this move has been incredible for boosting both his productivity and creativity.
“Both spaces offer a unique atmosphere that inspires innovation in a collaborative environment. The community vibe is fantastic, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside so many talented individuals and teams,” he continued.
Fakhar’s ultimate goal for Kashmeta is to create a scalable model that can be implemented in universities worldwide and to establish itself as a leader in the metaverse and XR space.
Fakhar shared, “I aim to leverage the robust startup ecosystem in Australia to refine our product and scale it globally. By collaborating with international partners and tapping into global markets, I believe we can revolutionise how education is delivered in both physical and virtual environments.”
“I also plan to expand our services beyond Australia to other key markets. Additionally, I want to continue fostering digital skills in underrepresented regions, using the success of Kashmeta to inspire and support other initiatives similar to Connect Kashmir.”
“Being part of such an inspiring community has been instrumental in my journey, and I look forward to continuing to contribute and grow within this ecosystem,” he concluded.
If you're an international or interstate startup or scale-up looking to expand into Western Australia, discover how Perth Landing Pad can accelerate your growth. Learn more and apply today!
