Pakistani entrepreneur Sualeh Asif has been featured on the Forbes 2026 billionaire list following the global success of his AI coding startup, Cursor, which he co-founded.
Cursor, an artificial intelligence-driven software development platform, is reportedly linked to a potential major acquisition deal involving SpaceX, valued at around $60 billion.
According to reports, SpaceX has secured the right to acquire Cursor later this year, while an alternative arrangement may include a $10 billion payment for collaborative projects if the acquisition does not proceed. The proposed partnership aims to integrate Cursor’s AI coding capabilities with SpaceX’s advanced computing systems.
The startup has rapidly emerged as a key player in the generative AI space, competing alongside leading firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic. Cursor’s tools are widely used to automate coding tasks and enhance developer productivity across global enterprises.
Originally from Karachi, Sualeh Asif pursued his studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he co-founded Cursor with fellow students. His journey from Pakistan’s local education system to global recognition has been widely highlighted as a strong example of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The company is reportedly generating over $1 billion in annualised revenue and serves millions of developers worldwide, positioning it among the fastest-growing AI startups globally.
Former IT minister Umar Saif praised Asif’s achievement, stating that he represents a new generation of role models for Pakistani youth-self-made innovators who have built impactful global companies through talent and hard work.
Last year, Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal bin Saqib, made Pakistan proud on the global front and named as one of the world’s most influential figures in cryptocurrency, A.I., and financial diplomacy by Wall Street Journal.
According to WSJ’s investigative report, “How a Billionaire Felon Boosted Trump’s Crypto Company en Route to a Pardon”, published on October 31, Mr. Saqib’s name was mentioned 11 times, highlighting his significant role at the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and finance. He is featured alongside global leaders such as Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, members of the Trump family, and prominent Emirati investors.
Under his leadership, Pakistan has rapidly developed into one of the fastest-growing crypto markets in the world, now ranked third globally. The country’s transparent and regulated environment has attracted international exchanges, institutional investors, and mining companies.
Earlier, Mr. Saqib represented Pakistan at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, engaging with top global leaders including the CEOs of J.P. Morgan and Ripple, Google’s former CEO, the founder of Reddit, and the Prime Minister of Albania. His presence showcased Pakistan as a forward-looking nation in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.
