Biography of Rehan Arshad: Founder & CEO of LSM Pakistan- Entrepreneur

Biography of Rehan Arshad: Founder & CEO of LSM Pakistan- Entrepreneur

Biography of Rehan Arshad: Founder & CEO of LSM Pakistan- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/shark tank/LSM Pakistan story/Rehan Arshad story

Rehan Arshad: Founder of LSM Pakistan

Rehan Arshad, a dynamic entrepreneur from Faisalabad, Pakistan, is the Founder and CEO of LSM, also known as Life Stock Market. His journey into entrepreneurship began with a background in web development and graphic design. Rehan has consistently worked towards making technology accessible to businesses of all sizes through his company, AY Webtech, which provides services like web and app development, SEO, and internet marketing. However, his latest venture, LSM, takes his passion for innovation a step further into the pet industry.

Founding LSM: Pakistan's First Classified Pet Marketplace

In 2021, Rehan, alongside his co-founder Muhammad Abdullah, established LSM – Pakistan’s first classified pet marketplace app. LSM offers pet lovers a comprehensive platform where they can buy, sell, and trade pets such as birds, cats, and dogs, along with a variety of pet-related services, including delivery and food supplies. The idea behind LSM was to streamline the pet trading process and make it more accessible to a larger audience, addressing the needs of pet lovers across Pakistan. The platform’s success has been based on its ability to connect pet owners with sellers while ensuring payment security.

Seeking Investment to Scale Up

In 2023, Rehan and Abdullah pitched their startup on Shark Tank Pakistan, seeking a significant investment to fuel their expansion. They requested PKR 3 crore for 20% equity, placing the valuation of LSM at PKR 15 crore. They aimed to use the funds for several key areas: technology development, upgrading delivery services, and expanding their reach internationally, particularly into the Middle East, starting with Dubai. Their ambition to make LSM a global pet marketplace was clear, and they highlighted the growth potential of the platform.

Financial Breakdown of LSM’s Needs

The duo presented a detailed financial plan during their pitch, explaining how they would allocate the investment. Rehan outlined that PKR 8 million would be used for further tech development, while PKR 10 million would improve the delivery service infrastructure. The remaining PKR 12 million would be invested in expanding operations beyond Pakistan, specifically targeting the Middle Eastern market. With these funds, they hoped to scale up LSM’s services and meet the growing demand in both local and international markets.

LSM’s Early Successes: Pet Deliveries and Revenue Growth

In just 2.5 years of operation, LSM had already made significant strides in the pet marketplace. The company had facilitated the delivery of 350 pets, with a majority of these being birds (80%), followed by cats and dogs (20%). In addition to pet trading, LSM had also expanded into selling pet accessories, such as food and supplies. In 2023, the company generated around PKR 1 million in revenue from these accessory sales. Their gross margins ranged between 10% and 30%, depending on the specific products and services.

Biography of Rehan Arshad: Founder & CEO of LSM Pakistan- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/shark tank/LSM Pakistan story/Rehan Arshad story

Challenges Faced in the Pet Market

Despite its early success, LSM faced several challenges in scaling its operations. One of the biggest hurdles was establishing a reliable delivery network across Pakistan, ensuring pets were transported safely and efficiently. Another issue was expanding their reach to a larger customer base, which required increased marketing and promotional efforts. The duo acknowledged that they had yet to invest heavily in marketing, which likely limited their growth potential at the time of the pitch.

Ambitious Plans for Expansion

With a vision to transform the pet marketplace, Rehan and Abdullah planned to take LSM to the next level. Their primary goal was to expand internationally, starting with the UAE. They saw a growing demand for pets and pet-related services in the region, and Dubai’s pet-loving population seemed like the perfect target market for their services. Expanding into this new territory would require not only significant investment but also the right partnerships and local knowledge to navigate the Middle Eastern market.

Investors’ Hesitation on the Deal

While the sharks on Shark Tank Pakistan appreciated the uniqueness of LSM’s concept, they were hesitant to invest the requested amount. Their concerns centered around the scalability of the business and the substantial equity being offered. The sharks were skeptical about whether the business could generate enough revenue to justify the high valuation and whether it could grow at the pace Rehan and Abdullah envisioned. Despite these concerns, they praised the founders for their hard work and innovative approach.

Sharks Step Out of the Deal

After careful consideration, none of the sharks were willing to proceed with the deal. All of them decided to step out, citing various reasons such as the high valuation, the challenges in scaling the business, and concerns over the relatively low revenue figures for a business that had been operating for over two years. While the decision to not invest was disappointing, it provided Rehan and Abdullah with valuable feedback on their business strategy and the areas they needed to improve.

The Value of the Pitch Experience

Although they left Shark Tank without a deal, Rehan and Abdullah gained valuable exposure and insights from the experience. The pitch allowed them to showcase their startup to a wider audience, which could lead to future opportunities. It also gave them the chance to refine their business model and think critically about the next steps for LSM. Despite the setback, the duo remained confident in their ability to grow the business and continue to innovate in the pet industry.

Strengths and Weaknesses of LSM

LSM’s strengths were clear: it was the first platform of its kind in Pakistan, offering a unique and much-needed service to pet lovers. The founders were knowledgeable and passionate about their venture, and their tech-driven approach to pet trading set them apart from traditional methods. However, the business had its weaknesses, particularly in its scalability and revenue generation. The high valuation and lack of substantial marketing efforts contributed to the sharks’ decision to decline the investment.

Looking Ahead: Future of LSM

Rehan and Abdullah’s vision for LSM is far from over. Despite the rejection on Shark Tank, they remain committed to expanding the business and making it a household name in the pet industry. They plan to continue refining their platform, investing in technology, and growing their customer base through more targeted marketing efforts. They are optimistic that with time, persistence, and the right partnerships, LSM will thrive both in Pakistan and internationally.

The Journey Continues

As they move forward, Rehan and Abdullah are focused on learning from the experience and refining their approach. The feedback from the sharks has provided them with important insights into the challenges they face and the steps they need to take to overcome them. They are determined to continue growing LSM and achieving their vision of becoming the leading pet marketplace in the region. With their passion and dedication, the future of LSM looks promising, and they are poised to make their mark in the pet industry.

Timeline for story

2021 - Rehan Arshad and Muhammad Abdullah founded LSM, Pakistan’s first classified pet marketplace.

2023 - LSM pitched on Shark Tank Pakistan, seeking PKR 3 crore for 20% equity.

2023 - LSM generated PKR 1 million in revenue from pet accessories.

2023 - LSM successfully delivered 350 pets, predominantly birds (80%).

2023 - LSM faced challenges in scaling operations and marketing efforts.

2023 - Sharks on Shark Tank Pakistan declined to invest in LSM.

2025 - Rehan and Abdullah remain committed to expanding LSM, focusing on tech, marketing, and international growth, starting with Dubai.

Biography of Rehan Arshad: Founder & CEO of LSM Pakistan- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/startup/shark tank/LSM Pakistan story/Rehan Arshad story

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