Karim Teli is a quiet force behind some of Pakistan’s most recognizable consumer and tech ventures. A humble, calm, and disciplined entrepreneur, Karim is best known today as the driving force behind IGLOO Pakistan. But his journey—from Soldier Bazar, Karachi to boardrooms across the country—tells a bigger story: one of resilience, vision, and relentless dedication to building with purpose.
Early Life & Entrepreneurial Roots
Here’s what you need to know:
Growing up in Soldier Bazar, Karachi, Karim was surrounded by the rhythm of commerce. From a young age, he immersed himself in the informal business knowledge shared by his family and community. He wasn’t taught entrepreneurship in the classroom—it was learned through observation, initiative, and instinct.
At just 16, he formed his own company—Teli Technologies—and later Big Shot Technologies, a platform that has helped launch numerous ventures. Even then, he was obsessed with technology and wanted to build something real and useful. He soon went on to launch projects like HamaraKarachi.com, World Radio FM Network, and CitiFriends.com—ventures ahead of their time in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
His greatest early influence came from his grandfather, Haji Ebrahim Haji Karim, a respected figure in the textile industry despite only studying through grade four. His values—discipline, humility, respect—remain core to Karim’s personal and professional life.
Business Strategy & IGLOO Leadership
Before IGLOO, Karim worked with Orient Textile Mills, Imran Crown Cork, and Ebrahim Textile Mills. These early roles gave him exposure to structured industries, refining his approach to leadership, operations, and strategic transformation.
Joining IGLOO in 2011 and becoming Managing Director in 2022, Karim brought innovation and relevance to a legacy brand. He introduced new brands like Dip Shop, Homemade, The Chocolate Factory, and Fresh Field, while repositioning IGLOO as ‘The Ice Cream Full of Fun.’
Product Innovation & Market Strategy
Karim’s strategy has focused on innovation grounded in local consumer behavior. He introduced regional flavors like falsa, imli, and lychee, and launched premium formats such as Moments and chocolate-coated sticks. He led expansion beyond Karachi, optimizing supply chains and retail reach while maintaining affordability for a growing middle class.
Shark Tank Pakistan & Mentoring the Next Generation
In December 2024, Karim joined the panel of Shark Tank Pakistan. Known for his calm demeanor and sharp strategic questions, he emphasized scalability, sustainability, and social impact. His role on the show reflects his larger mission—to democratize access to funding and uplift Pakistan’s startup ecosystem.
Leadership, Resilience & Giving Back
Karim’s leadership style is marked by integrity, empathy, and hands-on support. He mentors founders not just through capital, but through questions and accountability. He believes in failure as a learning tool, and often reminds teams: ‘If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain.’
Through Big Shot Technologies and his public engagements, he supports youth entrepreneurship, women-led businesses, and underserved innovators across Pakistan.
Expanding Into Media & Storytelling
Karim is also active in creative production. In 2021, he co-produced ‘Anjam-e-Wafa’ on Express Entertainment, and in 2024 co-produced ‘Dil Ka Kya Karein’ for Green Entertainment—earning him a reputation as a thoughtful, impact-driven producer.
Looking Ahead: Purpose-Driven Growth
Karim’s mission goes beyond business metrics. He wants to build systems—educational, entrepreneurial, and social—that uplift lives. Whether it’s IGLOO or a rural startup, the goal is the same: create long-term value that outlasts him.
He once said, ‘Legacy isn’t what you leave behind when you die. It’s what others are empowered to build because you lived.’ This belief continues to shape his leadership, influence, and everything he sets out to build next.