Alongside our regular updates, Spotlight is an occasional series that dives into inspiring stories of Nepalis making a global impact.
This post is more of a test of how an ideal post would look like while looking at an inspiring story
In this first edition of Spotlight, we feature a story of resilience, ambition, and reinvention that spans continents. Meet Pukar Hamal, a Nepali-born founder who went from a childhood in rural Nepal to building a venture-backed tech startup in Silicon Valley—with a global team anchored in Kathmandu. This is not just a startup story—it’s a testament to what’s possible when global vision meets local roots.
Nepali Roots, Global Vision
From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the rolling hills of rural western Nepal, the journey of entrepreneur Pukar Hamal has become an inspirational narrative echoing throughout the Nepali diaspora. Born in a modest village, Hamal emigrated with his family to New York City amid Nepal’s political unrest in the late 1990s, a familiar story for countless Nepali families seeking stability and opportunity abroad (Business Insider). His unique upbringing, split between Nepal and the United States, cultivated an enduring connection to his homeland and fueled his ambition to redefine its global image.
A standout student from a young age, Hamal studied at Columbia University during his high school years, later graduating from Stanford University with a degree in international relations. His time at Stanford, spent among global tech luminaries, deeply shaped his entrepreneurial dreams. Hamal often emphasizes the power of education and opportunity, sharing, “My journey taught me the importance of creating pathways, not just for myself, but for others—especially those in Nepal.” (Forbes).
Challenging Perceptions – Transforming Nepal's Tech Narrative
Historically, Nepal has been perceived internationally as a source of diligent migrant labor rather than a hub for technological innovation. Companies such as CloudFactory, Deerwalk, and Leapfrog have positively contributed to shifting this perception by successfully establishing Nepal as a reliable destination for IT outsourcing. Recognizing this, Hamal envisioned going even further by positioning Nepali professionals not merely as support providers but as global leaders and innovators in technology. Thus, SecurityPal was born, designed specifically to highlight Nepali ingenuity on the international stage.
Pioneering a New Model – Silicon Peaks
Founded in 2020, SecurityPal rapidly emerged as a specialized solution addressing a critical yet often overlooked challenge—streamlining complex security questionnaires required by global tech enterprises (Kathmandu Post). Distinctively, Hamal chose Kathmandu as the heart of SecurityPal’s global operations, leveraging the deep pool of Nepali talent. Nearly 200 skilled Nepali professionals now power the company, offering meticulous and adaptive solutions that merge artificial intelligence with human expertise (Business Wire).
Rejecting traditional outsourcing approaches, Hamal branded the Kathmandu hub as "Silicon Peaks," reflecting his aspiration to elevate Nepal into a globally recognized technological powerhouse (Business Insider). His strategic collaboration with seasoned local tech entrepreneur Laxman Basnet further anchored the company's roots in local expertise and global standards. Basnet's prior success with major tech ventures in Nepal provided invaluable insights and a solid foundation for SecurityPal’s early growth.
Overcoming Challenges, Inspiring Change
The path to success for SecurityPal was far from straightforward. Early skepticism from potential clients about Nepal's ability to deliver sophisticated tech solutions presented significant challenges. Hamal vividly recalls numerous nights spent tirelessly with early customers, meticulously handling critical security documentation—a demanding yet essential experience that solidified the company's reputation for precision and dependability.
SecurityPal's perseverance quickly translated into remarkable growth. Within four years, the company surpassed $10 million in annual revenue, earning a valuation exceeding $105 million, supported by top-tier investors including Craft Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz (FinSMEs). Its achievements have been widely celebrated within Nepal’s major media outlets, affirming its influential role in redefining Nepal’s global narrative (Kathmandu Post).
More significantly, SecurityPal has created hundreds of high-quality jobs in Kathmandu, offering salaries substantially higher than local market rates and extensive employee benefits, including health coverage, professional training, and career development (Republica). The company's impact resonates deeply among the Nepali diaspora, instilling pride and proving that global excellence can originate from Nepal.
Future Vision – Leading Together
Looking ahead, Hamal plans to expand SecurityPal’s Kathmandu operations and establish additional offices in Southeast Asia. He is actively collaborating with Nepali academic institutions to cultivate future generations equipped to lead globally (Republica).
Committed to social responsibility, SecurityPal recently funded the construction of a primary school in Nepal's rural Terai region, underscoring Hamal’s dedication to giving back (Business Wire). Hamal emphasizes, “Our ultimate success will be measured by the opportunities we create for others, particularly within Nepal.”
SecurityPal’s inspiring journey under Hamal’s visionary leadership vividly demonstrates how innovation, determination, and a profound sense of community can propel Nepal and its people onto the global technology stage.
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