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ICT Division is hosting Youth Startup Summit 2025 which is being organized by Startup Bangladesh Ltd. to inspire and empower young entrepreneurs across Bangladesh. Scheduled to be held all throughout the month of February 2025, the Summit will take place in five segments throughout all divisions. 

The event will consist of three core components, Youth Innovation Challenge, sessions to Spread knowledge and awareness and Exhibition for startups to showcase their innovations and recruit talents. 

The Youth Startup Summit 2025 has launched Youth Innovation Challenge 2025, discussion sessions and exhibition at the central auditorium of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), ICT Tower, Agargaon, Dhaka. premises on February 26, 2025 to inspire and engage young innovators. The competition is designed to encourage young innovators and entrepreneurs to develop creative and impactful solutions to address some of Bangladesh’s most pressing challenges allowing students to present their ideas, prototypes, or MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), focusing on key areas such as financial inclusion, urban mobility, healthcare access, energy solutions, education, climate change, and food security. The primary goal is to foster entrepreneurship, enhance problem-solving skills, and encourage social and environmental impact through sustainable business models. 

Out of a vast pool of applications, 8 teams were selected to pitch their startup concepts to the panel of judges. The teams are Northrim Labs, Swaccha, PinkLifeLine, Sound Vision, Denim Revive, Agronova, Agri Udyog and Nirbhoya. The judge panel was represented by key professionals from relevant sectors. 

Shish Haider Chowdhury, NDC, Secretary, ICT Division & Chairman, Board of Directors, Startup Bangladesh Limited was present. Other special guests were Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Policy Adviser (ICT Coordination & Reform), ICT Division and Sami Ahmed, Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh. 

The competition ended with the winner announcement at the prize giving ceremony where the winning team Northrim Labs gets the prize money of 3,00,000 BDT. Team Nothrim Lab presented the idea of Remote Sensing and AI to Allow Cities Optimize Tree Selection, Tree Spatial Planning and Maintenance Strategies.

Team Swaccha receives 2,00,000 BDT for being first runner-up for presenting the idea of biodegradable and affordable premium toothbrushes. The team Pinklife Line receives 1,00,000 BDT for being the second runner-up presenting the idea about the one-stop solution for breast cancer patients. 

The event highlighted pitching competition among local, university student startups, showcasing & recruitment in the exhibition zone as opportunities for students. The event also inspired spreading knowledge, strengthening connectivity, showcasing homegrown innovations and fostering opportunities. It is a groundbreaking event for students, fresh graduates, aspiring founders and entrepreneurs. Through engaging seminars, competitions, and networking opportunities, the summit was designed to educate, empower, and connect young talent with the tools and resources needed to launch a successful venture.

The summit offered exceptional networking opportunities to the attendees. They had the chance to engage with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs fostering collaboration and mentorship that can guide the young enthusiasts. 

The competition had some criteria to be met by the participants to be eligible for application. Each team consisted of 3 young aspiring members who were students. Besides, the solution addressed one of the critical challenges outlined in the Case Bundle i.e. financial inclusion, urban mobility, healthcare access, energy solutions, education, climate change, or food security. The participating teams also had to ensure that the ideas submitted must be original, and not a direct copy of existing solutions. 

For more information, please visit http://www.yss.startupbangladesh.gov.bd

প্রথম পর্ব দেখতে লিংকে ক্লিক করুন: https://tu.bongobd.com/SharkTankBD

Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/bd.sharktank/videos/1412303019655132

The highly anticipated premiere of the globally renowned business reality show “Shark Tank Bangladesh” is scheduled to take place on April 26th. The episodes will be available for streaming every Friday at 10 PM on Bongo and will also be broadcast on Deepto TV. This announcement was made yesterday through a press conference held at the Holiday Inn in Dhaka.

The esteemed panel of judges, known as Sharks, were present at the event along with the honorable partners of Shark Tank Bangladesh. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Kazi Mahboob Hassan, CEO of rVentures PLC, Mr. Sami Ahmed, MD & CEO of Startup Bangladesh, Mr. Fahim Mashroor, Managing Director of Bdjobs, Mrs. Navin Ahmed,  the Founder and Managing Partner, Gala Makeover Studio and Salon, Mr. Nazim Farhan Chowdhury, Managing Director of Adcomm Holding Group, Mrs. Sausan Khan Moyeen, CEO and Founder of Enchanted Events & Prints, Mr. Golam Murshed, Managing Director of Maestro Solutions Limited, and Mr. Samuel Brietzfield, CEO of bGlobal. Also in attendance were Mr. Ahad Mohammad Bhai, CEO of Bongo, and COO Mr. Fayaz Taher, along with all the partners of Shark Tank Bangladesh.

Shark Tank Bangladesh Season 1 was thoroughly discussed during this day-long event. The show offers aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, known as “Sharks”. When the Sharks identified promising businesses, they didn’t just nod in approval; they asked many questions about the business to understand the opportunity and the character of the entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs were required to convince five Sharks to invest in them, whether it involved a new product prototype, an existing product/service, or plans for business expansion.

Since its inception in Japan in 2001 as “Money Tigers” on Nippon TV, the format has garnered global success. Adapted on every continent under various titles, including “Dragon’s Den” and “Lion’s Den”, Shark Tank has seen highly successful entrepreneurs, referred to as Dragons, Lions, or Sharks, collectively invest nearly $1 billion. This investment has facilitated significant growth for numerous companies. Entrepreneurs entering the Shark ecosystem have witnessed remarkable growth, generating billions of dollars in sales post-deals and show appearances.

After a meticulous selection process involving over 2000 companies, the much-awaited show will be aired simultaneously on Bongo and Deepto TV every Friday, starting April 26th at 10 PM.

In this regard, Mr. Ahad Mohammad Bhai, CEO of Bongo, expressed his excitement, stating, “Shark Tank has been my favorite show for more than a decade. Bangladesh is an entrepreneur-oriented and resourceful country, and as a proud Bangladeshi, I believe this show offers a valuable platform for entertainment and socioeconomic advancement. We are immensely proud and excited for the world to see what Bangladesh offers.”

Shamim Uz Zaman, Head of Marketing and Communications, Robi Axiata Ltd. said “To our aspiring entrepreneurs, I urge you to embrace the mantra of belief embodied in Robi’s tagline, “Believe, you can.” Your unwavering faith in your ideas coupled with relentless determination will undoubtedly pave the way for your success.”

Hasan A. Arif, Head Of Portfolio Investment, Startup Bangladesh said “Shark Tank Bangladesh can be a transformative platform for the local startup ecosystem, providing not just financial support but also creating an environment that nurtures business innovation and growth.”

Jayati Singh, Chief Marketing Officer of Tally Solutions expressed his enthusiasm stating, “Tally is delighted to partner with Shark Tank Bangladesh and we are eager to witness the phenomenal business pitches and inspirational entrepreneurial journeys. At Tally, we have always been focused on supporting SMEs and celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship. This collaboration is yet another testament to our long-standing commitment to Bangladesh entrepreneurs and the startup community.”

Nazeem A. Choudhury, Deputy Managing Director- Consumer Banking Division of Prime Bank said “We are excited to be a part of this journey with Shark Tank. With innovation at the core of our banking system, at Prime Bank, we have always believed in enabling and empowering entrepreneurs and helping them realize their dreams and potential.”

Shark Tank Bangladesh has Robi as the “Title Sponsor”, Startup Bangladesh as “Powered by Sponsor”, Prime Bank as “Banking Partner”, Tally Solutions as “Co-Sponsor”, Olympic Foodie Instant Noodles as “Snacks Partner”, Sunquick as “Beverage Partner”, Yellow by Beximco as “Wardrobe Partner”, Kloth Studio as “Style Partner”, Miniso as “Gift Partner”, Holiday Inn as “Hospitality Partner”, Euro Vigil Security Service as “Security Partner”, Raw Exposure as “Photography Partner”, Live2web as “Backstory Partner”, Chows as “Restaurant Partner” and Concito as “PR Partner”. The production of the program was supported by Red Dot Communications.

Bongo BD, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, has announced the lineup of judges, referred to as “#Sharks,” for the much-anticipated debut of “Shark Tank Bangladesh.”

The Sharks panel features prominent business leaders including Sami Ahmed of Startup Bangladesh, Nazim Farhan Chowdhury of Adcomm, Golam Murshed of Majesto Ltd, Kazi Mahbub Hassan of R Ventures, Samanzar Khan of AKS Khan Holdings, Fahim Mashroor of Bdjobs, and Ahmed Ali of TISTA.

This distinguished group of Sharks possesses a wide range of expertise and backgrounds, poised to assess and potentially invest in innovative business propositions presented by entrepreneurs from Bangladesh. The inaugural season promises to motivate and bolster the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Robi is the title sponsor, Startup Bangladesh is “Powered By Sponsor,” Tally is the co-sponsor, Prime Bank is the banking partner & the show is brought to you by Bongo BD with the support of many other partners.

#SharkTankBangladesh #startupbangladesh

Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital company of the ICT Division, invested in Apon Bazaar. Apon, a visionary enterprise in Bangladesh, has been steadfast in its mission to uplift low-income communities with pioneering financial solutions.

The investment was announcement of BDT 1 crore from Startup Bangladesh was made on 7^th February in Dhaka. In this seed round Apan received USD 1.5million investments from Startup Bangladesh, US venture capital Village Capital, and several undisclosed angel investors.

Honourable State Minister of Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology have graced as the Chief Guest to launch the event, while Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA & Sami Ahmed, Managing Director Startup Bangladesh Ltd. joined as  Special Guests. Saif Rashid, Founder and CEO of Apon, Neela Hosna Ara, Director BGMEA & Co-Founder, Yasir Arafat, Co-Founder of Apon and many other important stakeholders of the industry were present at the event. A vibrant panel discussion was also held with prominent industry leaders titled “Financial Inclusion for Low-Income in Bangladesh”.

Apon, a visionary enterprise in Bangladesh, has been steadfast in its mission to uplift low-income communities with pioneering financial solutions. The company is committed to enhancing the health and economic well-being of industrial workers, predominantly women, in low-income brackets. By 2025, Apon aims to establish a sustainable platform to benefit 1 million industrial workers, generating a cumulative savings of USD 1 million for them. The company has already made significant strides in this direction, offering grocery credit, promoting financial inclusion, and improving healthcare access for millions.

“Apon’s achievements are a beacon of innovation and social responsibility in the startup landscape. Their focus on empowering the underserved is not just commendable but sets a new standard for how businesses can contribute to societal progress. I am eager to witness their continued growth and impact.” expressed Honorable State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication & ICT on the occasion.

” Apon’s dedication to revolutionizing financial inclusion and improving worker’s wellbeing is truly commendable. As Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh Ltd, I am deeply inspired by Apon’s innovative approach and its impact on society. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration and innovation are key drivers of progress, and AponTech exemplifies these values in every aspect of its work. I am confident that their visionary initiatives will continue to empower communities and drive positive change in Bangladesh,” remarked Sami Ahmed, Managing Director, Startup Bangladesh Limited.

Saif Rashid, CEO of Apon shared, “Our journey to this point has been one of passion and perseverance. This investment not only validates our vision but also strengthens our resolve to revolutionize financial inclusion for Bangladesh’s industrial workers. We are excited for the next chapter in our story, where technology meets social impact. We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone with our partners, stakeholders, and supporters. This investment is a testament to the power of technology in driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem in Bangladesh.”

Sources:

Exitstack: https://www.exitstack.co/posts/apon-secures-us-1-5mn-from-village-capital-fmo-and-sbl-for-rmg-worker-services

digibanglatech: https://digibanglatech.news/news24x7/event/123195/

Kalbela: https://www.kalbela.com/business-news/64050

BSS: https://www.bssnews.net/news/172364

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwImX_rAGC4

orthosongbad: https://orthosongbad.com/

When facing a severe fund crisis, tech startups in Bangladesh that are heavily reliant on foreign funding are usually sold off at throwaway prices if not compelled to shut down entirely.

But despite facing a similar situation, Sheba has demonstrated resilience by securing funds from local conglomerates and now performing with robust promise.

“We are stronger than ever, retaining most of our employees,” Adnan Imtiaz Halim, founder and CEO of Sheba, told The Daily Star in an interview.

“Our service delivery numbers are rapidly increasing, we’ve secured a payment service provider license, and all our verticals are projecting strength,” he said.

Sheba.xyz, the largest digital marketplace for household services in Bangladesh, underwent an existential crisis in May 2022.

Missing a round of foreign investment at the time, the local startup’s leadership confronted a moment of truth: they had to lay off a majority of their employees and downsize operations for survival.

“For a year, we focused on sustaining, relying on Sheba’s strength and resilience,” Adnan said.

“We plan to reinitiate operations with full vigour between May 2022-2023. Our objective is to formulate a robust comeback strategy, leveraging a minimal workforce dedicated to this venture,” he added.

However, the crisis did not solely stem from the missed round of investment.

After launching in 2016, Sheba quickly captured the attention of urbanites by offering comprehensive solutions to common challenges associated with city living, such as cleaning, plumbing and more.

Operating as an online connecting platform, Sheba.xyz facilitates service solutions for both users seeking services and the service providers themselves.

In 2019, the company launched Sheba Manager, a business app for managing offline and online shops.

The app offers a suite of tools to efficiently manage businesses, encompassing daily sales tracking, balance calculations, and detailed reports on business income growth, among other essential features.

Having gained popularity soon after its release, Sheba Manager currently has about one million users.

Sheba has since experienced remarkable growth, with the demand for its household services soaring to more than 1,000 orders per day.

From 50 employees based in a small house in Dhaka’s Mirpur DOHS in 2016, the company’s workforce expanded to 480 employees in the five years before the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, the onslaught of the pandemic on its operations was hard.

“The initial setback to our business came from the pandemic. We were compelled to suspend our household service entirely for several months,” Adnan said.

“But the bright side of that gloomy time was that we provided 50,000 small business with food and financial assistance while Sheba Manager emerged as a very useful tool for them as well,” he added.

The crisis escalated when an almost secured investment fell through as Sheba is not registered as a company of Singapore.

“We could not obtain legal clearance for the funds because of this,” Adnan said.

As a result, Sheba was blindsided by a significant investment shortfall, which was like a “sudden storm” hitting its operations.

“We convened a town hall meeting to transparently address this crisis with our team. It was a time of great uncertainty, but we were committed to facing these challenges as a united family,” he added.

Adnan candidly recalled the struggle inside the startup at the time.

A colleague struggled to pay his child’s school fees and another was on the brink of defaulting on a loan.

“We also had regular service providers on our platform who were struggling to make ends meet. We faced these challenges head-on, prioritising the needs of our people within limited funds,” he said.

“Our efforts were directed towards ensuring that each individual received the support they needed,” Adnan added.

After one year of struggle, Sheba once again got backing from some top local conglomerates and started over again.

“We are resolute in our determination to bounce back, even in the face of a powerful storm. We have not faltered, and the 60 individuals who stood by us are just as determined as I am,” Adnan said.

He also said Sheba has already disbursed Tk 7 crore in outstanding salaries and payments to vendors, bringing the company close to settling all pending payments.

“We firmly believe in the future of this company. Witnessing Sheba’s profound impact on people’s lives and the positive changes it has brought reinforces our confidence. Experiencing a single financial setback does not necessarily imply a dire situation,” Adnan added.

He credited Sheba’s board and shareholders for the comeback.

“Their unwavering confidence and consistent support during challenging times have played a pivotal role in our turnaround,” he said.

According to him, Sheba is a completely locally funded company unlike most other startups.

It raised about Tk 70 core from local backers as of May 2022. Since May 2023, it has secured funding of Tk 32 crore from some local backers in a series A round, taking its total funding to Tk 102.

It plans to raise another Tk 18 core from other local backers in the coming weeks, taking its overall series A round investment to Tk 50 crore.

“In the latest round, BSRM Group, a leading steel manufacturer and one of the largest conglomerates of the country, entrusted their confidence in the impact that Sheba is creating for small merchants and the economy by becoming the latest investors,” he said.

“Besides, Startup Bangladesh Limited is again investing in this round, showing their faith on the concept that is Sheba,” Adnan added.

As the operations of the company is expanding, it started hiring since May this year and now has more than 350 employees.

In August this year, it secured a Payment Service Provider (PSP) license from the central bank to launch Sheba Pay.

The Sheba platform is now working on creating an ecosystem for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“Already, 35,000 SMEs have used our payment platform,” he said.

Adnan also said the landscape of SMEs, including micro businesses, in Bangladesh is brimming with potential.

“Over the past 10 years, we’ve seen the number of SMEs grow to 10 million. These businesses are more than just numbers; they’re the lifeblood of our economy, with a projected contribution of $500 billion by 2041,” he said.

With Sheba Pay and the Sheba Ecosystem, the company is positioned to help these SMEs flourish and grow, creating a more inclusive financial environment in the process, he added.

Apart from simply doing business, Sheba’s dream is to enhance consumer experiences with innovative products and services.

Adnan said Sheba is more than just a service delivery platform for users.

“A child got trapped in a bathroom when the door malfunctioned. The mother then contacted us, and we successfully rescued the child within 30 minutes,” he said.

Similarly, a newlywed couple faced car trouble at night in the outskirts of Dhaka, and Sheba’s technicians promptly resolved the issue.

“So, Sheba is cherished by people for problem-solving,” Adnan added.

Adnan also said that Sheba has had an impact beyond its customers.

“I know a plumber that would earn just Tk 12,000 monthly. Using Sheba, he built a team and uplifted his earnings tremendously,” he added.

Now, the plumber owns two sanitaryware shops, and resides in a comfortable flat.

“Besides, it is an immense pleasure for me to witness that he now sends his child to a good school,” Adnan said.

“At Sheba, we not only aim to solve problems, but also support lives and livelihoods,” he added.

Full Article Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/shebas-comeback-story-demonstration-resilience-3493811

Startup Bangladesh Limited’s Board of Directors explores the innovative strides of our investee company, 10 Minute School – the largest EdTech startup in Bangladesh. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of education technology on our journey toward a knowledge-driven future