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The government has formally launched the Bangladesh Fund of Funds with an initial size of Tk 400 crore to boost financing for promising startups and innovative entrepreneurs.
The initiative aims to attract private and international investment, strengthen the domestic startup ecosystem and help Bangladeshi startups access global markets.
ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam highlighted the initiative on Sunday, August 16, at the inauguration ceremony organised by Startup Bangladesh Limited at ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Anam said Bangladesh has no shortage of talented entrepreneurs or innovative ideas. The government wants to create an investment-friendly environment where promising ventures do not have to shut down because of funding shortages.
He said the Fund of Funds would prioritise skills, good governance and professionalism. Startup Bangladesh has already invested around Tk 111 crore in 36 technology-based startups. However, he stressed that the private sector must also increase its participation rather than relying solely on government financing.
The minister said the initiative must move beyond plans on paper and deliver tangible results. Through the Fund of Funds, the government aims to bring more private and international capital into Bangladesh while helping local startups reach global markets.
He described the Bangladesh Fund of Funds as a game-changing initiative for the startup ecosystem, saying it would provide promising entrepreneurs with access to capital, skills and international networks while supporting employment, investment and future economic growth.
Speaking as a special guest, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad said venture capital and startups would play an important role in diversifying Bangladesh’s future economic growth.
He said startups need more than financing, including mentorship, skills, market linkages and technological support. These forms of assistance should be provided alongside investment through the Fund of Funds.
Asad also said the government is committed to protecting domestic and foreign investors and ensuring the easy repatriation of legally earned profits and capital. He added that a strong startup ecosystem could be developed through collective efforts.
In his presidential remarks, Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan said the government wants to establish an environment where venture capital and innovation can develop naturally. If successfully implemented, the Fund of Funds could increase startup investment and create stronger investment infrastructure for Bangladesh’s future economy.
At the event, Startup Bangladesh Limited Managing Director and CEO Nurul Hai presented details of the fund’s structure, investment strategy, fund manager selection process, co-investment mechanism and potential impact.
He said selected domestic and international venture capital funds with strong governance, professional management and credible investment strategies would receive investments under the proposed structure.
