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Exciting Opportunity for Women Tech Entrepreneurs

Exciting Opportunity for Women Tech Entrepreneurs!
SBK Tech Ventures, in partnership with Startup Bangladesh, is thrilled to announce SBK EXCELERATE HER for the Bangladesh Startup Summit – a unique accelerator and incubator program designed specifically by SBK for aspiring women tech entrepreneurs!
Are you a woman with a groundbreaking startup idea? This is your chance to turn that idea into reality!
 Program Details:
1. Three Months Accelerator:
○ Top 10 teams will be selected from all applicants and announced on Day 1 of the Startup Summit.
○ Both founder and co-founder must be women holding majority shares.
2. Three Months Incubator:
○ Top 3 teams from the accelerator will be chosen for the incubator.
○ Each of the top 3 teams will receive guaranteed funding of BDT 50 lacs after successfully completing the incubator and ready with a minimal viable product (MVP) to launch a startup.
Benefits:
● Mentorship from industry experts
● Access to a vast network of investors
● Hands-on training and workshops
● Resources and support to scale your startup
🗓 Apply Now: Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! Submit your application by July 21, 2024.
Empower your entrepreneurial journey with SBK EXCELERATE HER and make a mark in the tech industry!

দুর্দান্ত সব সম্ভাবনাময় উদ্যোক্তাদের নিয়ে শুরু হচ্ছে দেশের সবচেয়ে বড় বিজনেস রিয়ালিটি শো ‘Shark Tank Bangladesh’। দেখুন আজ ১ম পর্ব ঠিক রাত ১০টায় Bongo ও দীপ্ত টিভি-তে।

সম্পূর্ণ শো দেখতে চোখ রাখুন Bongo-তে: https://tu.bongobd.com/SharkTankBD

Shark Tank Bangladesh Makes Waves: Premiere Set for April 26th

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.

Wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to all!!!

Celebrating the Power of Women! Happy International Women’s Day

At Startup Bangladesh Limited, we recognize the indispensable role that women play in shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. As we celebrate this special day, join us in applauding the women who break barriers, challenge norms, and lead with passion.

Happy International Women’s Day

আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবসে সকল ভাষা শহীদদের প্রতি বিনম্র শ্রদ্ধা ।

Shark Tank Bangladesh: Meet the Sharks

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 Invests in Apan – impact driven Fintech Startup

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 7th 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/

 

 

Happy Holidays

🎉✨ Happy Holidays from Startup Bangladesh! 🌟 As the year comes to a close, we extend warm wishes to our esteemed partners around the globe. 🌍🚀 Your unwavering support has fueled innovation and empowered countless startups on their journey.