Under the theme “Smart Bangladesh: Endless Possibilities,” the “Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024” is set to take place for the second time on July 27-28 at Intercontinental Dhaka. This landmark event aims to elevate Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, positioning it among the fastest-growing and most promising markets in Asia.
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the flagship venture capital company of the Information and Communication Technology Division, will organise the two-day event. The summit will bring together local and international startups, enterprises, venture capitalists, angel investors, regulatory bodies, think tanks, and industry experts.
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak told the media at a press briefing held at Bangladesh Computer Council Auditorium at ICT Tower in Agargaon on Sunday, where Startup Bangladesh unveiled the plan for “Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024.”
Stating that startup or entrepreneurial culture can play a big role in a country's economy and internal development, the state minister said that since 2010, more than 2,500 successful startups have been created in Bangladesh. They have several billion dollar valuations and have created about 15 lakh jobs, in addition to contributing to the country's economy.
Palak emphasised that globally, investments in startups—from Intel to OpenAI in Silicon Valley and beyond—are driven by intellectual valuation. This investment culture was previously lacking in Bangladesh.
To address this gap, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, guided by the advice of her ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy founded “Startup Bangladesh Limited.” This initiative aims to provide opportunities for the young generation and has now become a unique model on the global stage.
ICT Division Secretary and Startup Bangladesh Limited Chairman Md Shamsul Arefin and others also addressed the briefing under the chairmanship of Startup Bangladesh Limited Managing Director Sami Ahmed.
The summit will feature an array of sessions covering crucial topics such as AI and technology, startup education, the art of fundraising, fintech, edtech, climate vulnerability, impact investment, logistics, mobility & e-commerce, RMG showcasing, and food and agritech.
The Bangladesh Startup Summit 2024, organised by Startup Bangladesh Limited, is supported by a range of partners, including Signature Sponsor Swiss Embassy, Communication Partner Mindshare, Event Partner Windmill, Ecosystem Enabler Partner Youth Co:Lab, Hospitality Partner Intercontinental, Knowledge Partner LightCastle, and Registration Partner Sahaj.
The two-day summit will feature participation from over 55 venture capital and investment firms, numerous angel investors, startup enthusiasts, and international startups.
With more than 100 eminent speakers from around the globe and over 30 engaging sessions, the event is poised to be pivotal for the regional startup ecosystem. Attendees will benefit from day-long showcases, training sessions, policy discussions, and networking opportunities.
