The government has invested around Tk1.09 billion in 36 technology-based startups under its flagship initiative Startup Bangladesh, Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam told Parliament on Tuesday.
Responding to a starred question from ruling party MP Md Ashraf Uddin, the minister said the programme is designed to support innovation-driven enterprises and strengthen Bangladesh’s emerging startup ecosystem.
He added that Startup Bangladesh is currently operating with a structured financing model that includes a proposed Tk4 billion Fund of Funds and a Tk3 billion Co-Investment Fund. The government is also working on gradually expanding the total fund size to Tk10 billion in phases to enhance startup financing capacity and attract private and foreign investment.
According to the minister, 55 startups were initially selected for investment consideration, but 19 were later dropped during due diligence and negotiation stages due to inconsistencies and disagreements over investment terms. Ultimately, 36 startups received funding.
The portfolio includes companies operating in sectors such as ride-sharing, education technology, financial technology, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce. Notable startups include Pathao, Chaldal, 10 Minute School, Shohoz, Shikho, and MedEasy.
Officials said the funded startups have helped generate more than 7,000 direct jobs and achieved an average revenue growth of around five times. They also contributed over Tk1.8 billion in tax payments, exceeding the total investment made by Startup Bangladesh.
The minister noted that about 80 per cent of the portfolio companies have shown positive performance and continue to expand both domestically and internationally.
He clarified that Startup Bangladesh does not offer loans but instead focuses on equity and equity-linked investments. The government is also exploring new funding instruments to address early-stage financing gaps in the startup sector.
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