The Bangladesh startup ecosystem is thriving, with over 1,200 active startups and an additional 200+ new startups emerging each year. These startups play a crucial role in the country’s economy by generating significant employment opportunities, with over 1.5 Mn jobs created by the sector.
To provide valuable insights and real-time tracking of startup funding in Bangladesh, LightCastle Partners introduces its interactive dashboard, Bangladesh Startup Ecosystem: Funding Landscape. The dashboard is presented in collaboration with Startup Bangladesh Limited, Anchorless Bangladesh, Bangladesh Angels Network, and BD Startup Founders. The aim is to offer stakeholders, including investors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, a comprehensive overview of the Bangladesh startup ecosystem funding landscape and foster collaboration within the ecosystem.
Key highlights from the dashboard include:
- Startups in Bangladesh have raised more than USD 900 Mn since 2010 – a testament to the growing interest and confidence in the country’s entrepreneurial potential. Notably, bKash, a prominent fintech startup, secured a significant investment of USD 250 million from SoftBank in 2021, reflecting the attractiveness of the market.
- Around 400 deals have been secured since 2010 by 151 unique startups. While global investors contribute the most in terms of investment volume, local investors have been increasingly active in securing deals, showcasing their growing confidence in the local startup ecosystem.
- The financial services sector, particularly embedded finance and fintech, has received the lion’s share of funding, indicating the demand for innovative financial solutions in Bangladesh. Additionally, the e-commerce and retail, software and technology, and logistics and mobility sectors have witnessed a substantial number of deals, highlighting the diversification and expansion of the startup landscape.
- Seed and pre-seed rounds dominate the funding landscape, highlighting the early-stage nature of many startups in Bangladesh. This presents an opportunity for investors looking to support promising ventures and actively contribute to their growth and success.
For more analytical insights on the startup ecosystem in Bangladesh, check out the latest LightCastle Partners’ quarterly report on Bangladesh Startup Funding trends.
