Dhaka, Bangladesh – January 2025 – Startup Bangladesh Ltd., the government-backed venture capital company, has been working diligently towards the development of startup ecosystem. Over the past six months, the company has invested a total of BDT 11.10 Crore and disbursed BDT 9.025 Crore across a diverse range of innovative startups. With a strong focus on digital innovation, tech solutions, and entrepreneurial spirit, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Bangladesh’s startup scene.
Over the past six months, from September 2024 to January 2025, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. has made investments and follow-on funding into nine promising startups, further strengthening the local ecosystem. These investments span various industries keeping social and environmental impact in focus, from digital services and edtech to travel tech, robotics, and distribution management. Ten Minute School Ltd.: A pioneering EdTech platform, Sheba Platform Ltd.: A leading digital services platform and ShareTrip: Revolutionizing the travel tech space received follow on investments in the past 6 months.
Startup Bangladesh Ltd. made new investments in early stage startups including impact investments; ParentsCare Ltd.: Providing healthcare services for elderly parents, Dubotech Digital Ltd.: A growing underwater robotics company, Sokrio Technologies Ltd.: A distribution management system for retail brands in Bangladesh, English Champ Ltd., an EdTech platform focused on English language learning for children, Area71 Venture Ltd.: An authorized Amazon SPN partner offering courses on Amazon FBA and Booktionary Ltd.; an online book selling platform.
Startup Bangladesh Ltd.’s mission is not just about financial support but about creating a holistic ecosystem where startups can scale and succeed. A key focus is the establishment of the Fund of Funds, a transformative initiative that is set to accelerate investment into the local ecosystem. In the past few months Startup Bangladesh Ltd. has been actively exploring the opportunities with a development partner to set up this Fund of Funds, which is expected to unlock substantial additional capital, driving further growth and innovation within the ecosystem. This initiative will build on existing efforts, providing startups with enhanced opportunities to scale effectively while prioritizing funding for diverse and impactful projects in sectors like fintech, edtech, healthcare, and beyond. The launch of this initiative is expected to be announced in the coming months.
By catalyzing private and public sector partnerships, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. aims to significantly increase the capital available to early-stage companies, while also providing them with a broader range of support, including mentorship, strategic guidance, and global networking opportunities. This initiative aligns with the goal of ensuring that Bangladesh’s startups are not just competing locally but are equipped to thrive on the global stage.
A unique feature of Startup Bangladesh Ltd.’s investment approach is its commitment to social impact. While financial returns are important, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. also evaluates the social and environmental impact of the startups it invests in. The goal is to ensure that each investment not only drives economic value but also creates positive change in society. Startup Bangladesh Ltd. aims to continue supporting ventures that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create scalable solutions to pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and financial inclusion. By integrating impact alongside financial success, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. ensures that the startup ecosystem grows in a way that is both economically prosperous and socially responsible.
“At Startup Bangladesh Ltd., our commitment extends beyond just funding; we are focused on building a thriving startup ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to lead the way in innovation. By strategically investing in promising startups, ensuring sustainable development of the ecosystem and advocating for enabling policies, we aim to create an environment that nurtures sustainable growth and accelerates the country’s journey toward becoming a global hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The establishment of a Fund of Funds will be a game-changer for our ecosystem, further enhancing the flow of capital and resources to fuel innovation across Bangladesh.” said Shish Haider Chowdhury, NDC, Chairman, Board of Directors, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. and Secretary, ICT Division.
Sami Ahmed, Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh Ltd., shared his vision:
“Startup Bangladesh Limited is committed to empowering the nation’s youth to become tomorrow’s visionary startup leaders. While young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh possess innovative ideas, access to funding remains a significant hurdle. To address this, we are introducing a Fund of Funds to build a robust VC ecosystem.
In February, we will host the Divisional Youth Startup Summit to inspire the youth about startups, and soon, the Bangladesh Startup Summit will follow to attract international investors. These initiatives will provide startups with capital, mentorship, and global networking opportunities, enabling them to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions.
By fostering innovation in the startup sector, we aim to drive economic growth and inspire a new era of socially responsible entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, Startup Bangladesh is paving the way for a dynamic ecosystem, positioning Bangladesh as a global hub for digital innovation while empowering the youth to shape the future with transformative solutions.”
As Startup Bangladesh Ltd. continues to expand its support for high-potential startups, the focus remains on creating a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem. By continuing to invest in cutting-edge ventures and pushing forward initiatives like the Fund of Funds, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. is poised to help foster a thriving innovation landscape that will elevate Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in digital entrepreneurship.
With more investments and initiatives on the horizon, Startup Bangladesh Ltd. is excited to watch its portfolio companies scale new heights and contribute to Bangladesh’s growing prominence on the global stage.
For more information, visit https://www.startupbangladesh.vc/
