Investors looking to invest in Bangladesh

The startup ecosystem in Bangladesh has seen significant growth in recent years, attracting more and more attention from local and international investors. Despite its challenges, Bangladesh has a large pool of young and educated entrepreneurs, as well as a rapidly growing economy and a large consumer market.

Figures:

According to a report by Venture Intelligence, the total amount of funding raised by startups in Bangladesh reached $126 million in 2020, with a majority of investment coming from local venture capital firms.

In terms of specific industries, fintech and e-commerce are among the fastest-growing sectors, with startups like bKash and Grameenphone leading the way.

Active Investors:

Some of the most active investors in the Bangladesh startup ecosystem include Grameen Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Leap Ventures. These investors provide both financial support and mentorship to help startups grow and succeed.

Popular Startups:

1. bKash - The largest mobile financial service provider in Bangladesh, offering a range of services including mobile banking, bill payments, and remittances.
2. Grameenphone - The largest telecommunications provider in Bangladesh, offering mobile and internet services to millions of customers.
3. Jagnnath - A fintech startup providing low-cost digital financial services to underserved communities in Bangladesh.
4. Upohar BD - A popular online platform for ordering and delivering food from local restaurants.
5. Shohoz - An online marketplace for booking transportation and event tickets in Bangladesh.

Government Initiatives:

The government of Bangladesh has taken several steps to promote the growth of the startup ecosystem in the country. These include tax incentives for investors, support for incubators and accelerators, and funding for startups through programs like the Bangladesh Venture Capital Fund.

Compared to the rest of the region, Bangladesh still has a long way to go in terms of developing its startup ecosystem. However, with its large and growing market, the potential for growth is substantial.