Startup Funding Drops by 42%

Bangladesh Bank has announced a Tk 9.0 billion startup fund aimed at accelerating economic growth by providing capital to new enterprises. The fund will be distributed through commercial banks and is part of the government's initiative to foster innovation and investment in the startup sector.

Bangladesh has unveiled a series of bold reforms and financial initiatives aimed at easing business operations and energizing the startup ecosystem. At the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, the central bank announced a Tk900 crore equity fund dedicated to startups, alongside an additional Tk500 crore fund combining equity and lending support.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed regulations, allowing start-ups to invest up to $10,000 abroad by establishing legal entities. This move aims to support start-ups in Bangladesh and promote innovation. Start-ups, which are in their initial stages, can now submit applications to authorized dealer (AD) banks for remittances up to $10,000 and must report the registration/incorporation of such entities within six months.

TRANSFORM, an impact accelerator led by Unilever, the UK Government, and EY, announced grants of up to BDT 10 million each for two Bangladeshi SMEs focused on climate resilience.

Bank Asia and Chaldal Pay have partnered to offer a 5% discount on online orders from Chaldal.com for Bank Asia debit and credit card holders (VISA & Mastercard). The agreement was signed by Mr. Zishan Ahammad, Head of Cards, ADC & Internet Banking at Bank Asia, and Mr. Iftekharul Alam Ayan, Chief Operating Officer of Chaldal Pay, at Bank Asia's Cards Department Office in Dhaka on December 18, 2024.

Midland Bank PLC (MDB) has partnered with Chaldal.com, Bangladesh’s largest online grocery retailer, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under this agreement, MDB Visa Debit, Credit, and Prepaid cardholders can enjoy a 5% discount on orders of Tk 1,999 or more, applicable twice a month.