Startup Thinking School

Ecosystem

Bangladesh startup landscape

An insider look at the challenges founders face, and how STS connects the ecosystem.

Funding

  • Lack of local capital and few angel investors
  • No stable VC beyond Startup Bangladesh
  • Copycat models over innovative thinking
  • Lack of tech know-how and foundational thinking
  • Poor sales skills and investment readiness
  • Governance gaps and founder disagreements

Knowledge

  • Little content in Bengali
  • Lack of proper mentoring and IMM

Network

  • No global branding of the ecosystem
  • No central platform connecting stakeholders
  • Loosely coupled programs

Regulatory

  • Unclear exit pathways and repatriation rules
  • No agreed startup definition
  • Sandboxes not working effectively
  • Tax/VAT burden and unclear ESOP valuation

Talent & Culture

  • Brain drain and key-hire shortages
  • Few incubators, almost no local accelerators
  • Auxiliary firms not startup-friendly
  • Low family support for entrepreneurship

Ecosystem stakeholders

The platform connects individuals and organizations across the startup ecosystem.

Startups & foundersInvestors & angelsMentorsEnablers & agenciesAuxiliary support organizationsUniversities & academia