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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, Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP, 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/