Biography of Sidra Qasim: Co-founder of Markhor Shoe Company-Entrepreneur
Biography of Sidra Qasim:
Early Life & Academic Foundations
Sidra Qasim grew up in Okara, Pakistan, where traditional
expectations often defined the trajectory of young women’s lives. Instead of
following the path suggested for her, she nurtured a vision of becoming an
entrepreneur. Despite external pressure—including from her own family—Sidra
remained committed to shaping her own future. During this time she cultivated a
passion for both engineering and design, setting the stage for her future
ventures.
Her academic journey took her beyond national borders. While
some sources suggest she studied at the University of California, Berkeley and
Stanford University, more consistent records indicate her earliest education
included economics studies at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Regardless
of exact institutions, Sidra cultivated both technical and design thinking
skills—an uncommon combination that later fueled her success in the footwear
industry.
Biography of Sidra Qasim: Co-founder of Markhor Shoe Company-Entrepreneur/co-founder and CEO of Atoms/Pakistan/ Investor/York-based footwear company
Building a Footwear Vision with Craftsmanship at Its Root
In partnership with Waqas Ali, whom she connected with over
shared curiosity and values, Sidra co-founded her first enterprise in Pakistan:
Markhor. The company was built on the idea of harnessing traditional artisan
skills—particularly from rural Pakistan—and combining them with global design
sensibilities. This venture focused on handcrafted leather shoes, empowering
local craftsmen and promoting high-quality workmanship.
Their approach resonated internationally: Markhor became one
of the first Pakistani startups accepted into the prestigious accelerator Y
Combinator in 2015, breaking ground for Pakistani founders in the fashion and
tech sectors.
Pivoting to Everyday Footwear & Founding Atoms
Recognising that consumers often seek more casual, everyday
footwear rather than strictly luxury handcrafted pieces, Sidra and Waqas
pivoted to launch Atoms, a direct-to-consumer shoe startup based in New York.
Atoms introduced minimalist designs with an emphasis on fit and comfort
(including quarter-sizing) and leveraged the founders’ global experience.
In August 2019, Atoms secured approximately US$8.1 million
in funding, reflecting investor confidence in the venture’s differentiated
value proposition and global ambition. On 26 September 2022, it was formally
announced that Sidra would become the CEO of Atoms—a significant milestone as
one of the few female CEOs of a founder-led footwear startup, and the first
Pakistani-born in that role.
Strategy, Innovation & Social Impact
Under Sidra’s leadership, Atoms has built a strong brand
based on thoughtful design, comfort, minimalism and inclusivity. Their creative
strategy has centred on redefining how shoes are designed and manufactured—and
challenging outdated norms in the footwear industry. Beyond product, Sidra’s
commitment extends to social impact: Atoms and Markhor both emphasised artisan
empowerment, ethical production, and bridging global manufacturing with local
talent in Pakistan.
Additionally, the brand’s global orientation reflects
Sidra’s ambition to merge her heritage with global market dynamics—bringing
Pakistan’s craftsmanship to a large-scale online and international audience.
Legacy & Future Vision
Sidra Qasim’s journey—from a small town in Pakistan to
leading a global footwear brand in New York—illustrates the power of combining
technical acumen, design sensibility and entrepreneurial courage. She stands as
a role model for women entrepreneurs—especially those from under-represented
geographies—demonstrating how local craftsmanship, thoughtful business models
and global platforms can align.
Looking ahead, her vision remains focused on scaling Atoms’ footprint, deepening the brand’s community, and reinforcing sustainable, inclusive production while maintaining design excellence. Sidra continues to challenge the norms in an industry rooted in tradition, proving that meaningful innovation can emerge from blending heritage with global ambition.
