The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has announced an initiative to launch a special fund of about Taka 800 crore to Taka 900 crore to support startups. BB Governor Ahsan H Mansur made the announcement while speaking at a panel discussion during the inaugural session of the ‘Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025’ at Hotel Intercontinental. “This fund will be distributed through commercial banks,” said Mansur.
He highlighted the potential growth of startups in Bangladesh, citing the example of bKash. “I want to see at least 10 unicorns like bKash in Bangladesh in the future,” he added. The event, organized by Startup Bangladesh Limited, ICT Division, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), spotlights the nation’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem and its significant role in global investment networks.
The inauguration ceremony included a keynote address from Tanveer Ali, Chairman of Constellation Asset Management Company Limited and Independent Director of Startup Bangladesh Limited, who discussed “Empowering Innovation, Connecting Opportunities.”
Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for ICT Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Executive Chairman of BIDA Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, and Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Limited Shish Haider Chowdhury also participated in the panel discussion, moderated by Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip. Shish Haider mentioned the preparation for a ‘Fund of Funds’, which the interim government is working on by accumulating various investments. This fund aims to provide critical support to early and growth-stage startups, empowering them with the resources needed for expansion, internationalization, and sustainability.
Bangladesh bank’s new startup fund
“This platform brings together the brightest minds and boldest ideas – from youth-led startups in rural districts to global venture capitalists seeking the next big opportunity. We are proud to showcase the depth, diversity, and ambition of our ecosystem to the world,” said Shish Haider.
The event includes startup pitches, policy roundtables, and sectoral sessions covering FinTech, SaaS, Logistics, Health Tech, AgriTech, EdTech, and AI. Broader themes such as gender lens investing, public-private partnerships, and impact-driven entrepreneurship complement the agenda. One of the marquee moments of the summit is the Youth Innovation Challenge 2025, hosted by Startup Bangladesh.
Featuring 15 youth-led ventures, this pitch segment offers a unique platform for young innovators to present their ideas directly to top investors and decision-makers, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to nurturing inclusive entrepreneurship from the grassroots to the global stage. Day two is tailored for investors seeking deeper exposure to the local innovation landscape. The agenda includes startup office tours, ecosystem immersions, and curated matchmaking sessions with high-growth ventures.
A headline feature is the Startup Speed Connect Program, a fast-paced investor-startup matchmaking platform offering one-on-one meetings, high-intent engagements, and funding opportunities. The success of Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025 reflects the strength of public-private synergy in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
