SBK Tech Ventures, Bangladesh’s only woman-led venture capital firm, has invested $7.1 million (approximately Tk85 crore) in six local startups during the second quarter of this year. This significant funding round highlights SBK’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting homegrown entrepreneurs.
The investment breakdown includes $1.5 million each for artificial intelligence startup Markopolo and mobility startup Jatri, $1.1 million for climate tech startup Solshare, and $1 million each for AgriTech startup Fashal, MedTech startup Arogga, and EdTech startup 10 Minute School.
Sonia Bashir Kabir, founder and managing general partner of SBK Tech Ventures, emphasized the untapped potential of Bangladeshi startup founders. “These investments reflect our confidence in the ability of these startups to solve real-world problems, leverage technology for scalability, and create transformative impacts,” she stated. Kabir highlighted SBK’s mission to support local entrepreneurs, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
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SBK Tech Ventures is unique in its approach, being the first and only venture capital firm in Bangladesh to operate in-house accelerators—”Net Positive” and “ExcelerateHer”—along with an incubator, “YES, She Can,” and a licensed VC fund. Since its inception four years ago, SBK has grown from angel investing and startup community building to managing a portfolio of 46 startups, including one exit that yielded a remarkable 1,700% return on investment.
Looking ahead, SBK plans to continue investing in more Bangladeshi startups, focusing on building enduring businesses and emphasizing gender lens investing and climate tech. Kabir expressed optimism about the future, saying, “We are ecstatic about partnering with these incredible founders who will be making history. With our investments, we aim to achieve our long-term vision of engaging with stellar founders who hit inflection and escape velocity.”
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This latest funding round is expected to rejuvenate the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem, which has faced challenges amid the funding winter since mid-2022. SBK’s investments in this quarter alone have surpassed the total disclosed startup investments in the country for the January-March period, signaling a positive momentum shift for the industry.
