In today’s hyper-connected digital economy, where millions are chasing freelance gigs and startup dreams, very few manage to break through the noise and build something truly enduring. Waleed Najam is one of those rare exceptions. What began in 2014 as a side hustle, juggling freelance web development projects late into the night, gradually evolved into a mission-driven career that would impact thousands. Over the years, Waleed transformed his grind into a business empire, founding Rankistan in 2018, one of Pakistan’s top-rated digital agencies known for its performance-first approach to marketing and eCommerce growth.
His rise wasn’t overnight. It was built on discipline, experimentation, and a deep understanding of how to scale brands in a digital-first world. And that journey, from independent freelancer to a global entrepreneur leading multiple ventures, didn’t go unnoticed.
A Grit-Fueled Start
Waleed Najam’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin with investment funding or a modern office setup. It started with a secondhand laptop, long hours, and an unshakable determination to build a life on his own terms and have freedom in everything. So, when others were focused on career stability in 2014, Waleed was balancing a full-time tech job during the day with freelance work late into the night. For over a year, he consistently put in 18-hour days, not out of obligation but from a desire to create something meaningful.
He began offering services on platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer, competing in a crowded marketplace where low prices and tight deadlines were the norm. It was unpredictable, full of challenges, and often thankless. But Waleed wasn’t there just to make ends meet. He was there to grow and to lay the groundwork for something greater.
That mindset set him apart. While many viewed freelancing as a short-term solution, Waleed treated it as a launchpad. Each client, each revision, and each project became part of a larger strategy to master his craft and eventually build a scalable business of his own.
What began as a way to earn extra income became the foundation for what would grow into one of Pakistan’s most respected digital agencies and more.
From Freelancing to Founding: The Birth of Rankistan
By 2018, Waleed decided to turn years of experience into a full-scale venture. He launched Rankistan, a digital marketing and e-commerce growth agency focused on helping brands achieve measurable results. With a strategy grounded in SEO, paid advertising, and automation, the agency quickly made its mark.
Rankistan wasn’t built to be just another agency. It was positioned as a growth partner, helping clients go from modest sales to tens of thousands of dollars in daily revenue. Through data analysis, creative experimentation, and performance-first execution, Waleed delivered results that spoke for themselves.
Within a few short years, Rankistan received national recognition:
- 2022 – Best SEO Agency, for its proven success in organic growth
- 2023 – Best Digital Marketing Company, for consistently delivering scalable results
These milestones weren’t just accolades. They marked the transformation of Rankistan into a trusted digital powerhouse. But for Waleed, this wasn’t the final destination.
Evolving the Vision: From Services to Product-Based Growth
As Rankistan grew and helped countless brands scale, Waleed came to a realization. While he had spent years building success for others, he hadn’t created lasting assets for his own company.
That sparked a shift in focus from services to product-based ventures.
Starting with just $2,000, he launched his first product line and, over the following years, built a portfolio of eight-figure eCommerce brands. These ventures now generate millions in annual recurring revenue, all powered by a lean, customer-first approach. His formula is clear: launch fast, test early, and let real market feedback guide the product evolution.
This new phase of his journey is rooted in long-term thinking, creating brands that last, drive exports, and redefine how Pakistani products are perceived worldwide.
The Power of Payoneer: More Than Just Payments
From the earliest freelance days to now, managing international product brands, Payoneer has played a pivotal role in Waleed’s growth. Initially a simple solution for receiving payments from clients, it quickly became the financial backbone of his businesses.
Whether it was handling international transactions, managing ad spends, or simplifying global payouts, Payoneer enabled Waleed to operate without friction. It offered the infrastructure he needed to scale his operations globally, all from his base in Pakistan.
In 2024, this partnership came full circle when Payoneer featured Waleed in its Global Success Stories series, highlighting his journey as a standout entrepreneur whose innovation and growth reflect the spirit of cross-border success.
More Than a CEO: A Mentor and Movement Builder
Waleed’s success is not just measured in numbers but in the impact he’s had on others. As his ventures scaled, so did his role as a thought leader and mentor. Today, he’s a recognized member of the Forbes Business Council, frequently invited to speak on industry podcasts, and actively mentors emerging freelancers and founders across Pakistan.
With companies like Rankistan, NEO Innovations, and Roplar with a growing team of over 40+ professionals, Waleed continues to create more than just jobs. He’s building a pipeline for local talent to reach international markets.
By combining smart strategy, AI-powered tools, and deep local insight, Waleed has become a bridge between potential and possibility, showing that success is no longer limited by geography.
Recognizing the Journey: The 2025 Outstanding Achievement Award
In 2025, Waleed became only Pakistani to be recognized by payoneer and was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing his sustained contributions to Pakistan’s tech and digital economy. It was a milestone not just for his businesses but for the ecosystem he helped shape.
More than an award, it symbolized the lives he’s impacted, the brands he’s scaled, the people he’s mentored, and the mindset shift he’s sparked in a region long underestimated in the global innovation conversation.
As he looks ahead, Waleed’s goals remain ambitious. He plans to expand into new markets, launch educational platforms for digital professionals, and deepen partnerships with local innovators and manufacturers.
A Blueprint for Modern Entrepreneurship
Waleed Najam’s story reminds us that the path from freelancer to founder isn’t always linear. It’s messy, uncertain, and often exhausting. But with clarity of purpose, relentless execution, and platforms like Payoneer supporting the journey, it’s a path that can lead to global recognition and real impact.
His rise is more than a personal success story. It’s a roadmap showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose and when entrepreneurs choose to build, lead, and uplift others along the way.
Source: From Freelancer to Award-Winning Founder: Waleed Najam got Recognized
