UN released startup ecosystem assessment report for Bangladesh

The United Nations has released the Startup Ecosystem Assessment Report (SEAR) for Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority was instrumental in compiling the report with the Asia-Pacific Economic and Social Commission. The report provides in-depth analysis and comprehensive insights into the economic foundations of Bangladesh, the current situation and start-up culture-friendly policies in the country, and the possible future direction of Bangladesh's digital future. The report is based on multiple dialogues with public and private stakeholders in Bangladesh's start-up ecosystem. ESCAP has conducted this comprehensive assessment of Bangladesh start-up ecosystem. Relevant capacity building requirements are assessed in this report by analyzing the gaps that exist in the existing situation. The report is based on extensive data review, interviews and discussions with key stakeholders in the start-up economy in Bangladesh. According to the report, over the last five years, startups in Bangladesh have received over $459 million in investment as a normal result. It also includes a special inquiry into Gender Lens Investment (GLI). Emphasis has been placed on the need for inclusive policies and business practices for women start-up founders and entrepreneurs to highlight the challenges. It is expected that this report will serve as an instrument to establish a fast-changing sector in the future when the government formulates relevant start-up policies. At a press conference in Bangkok on May 23, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary Miss Armida Salsiah Alisjahabana said startups are an important source of innovation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As the startup community in Bangladesh is experiencing unprecedented growth in various sectors, now is the time to strengthen the overall ecosystem to support this growth sustainably and equitably. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology of Bangladesh Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that the implementation of Digital Bangladesh Vision is unforgettable. To implement this vision, we are building a vibrant startup ecosystem in Bangladesh. Hopefully, by 2041, the vision of smart Bangladesh will be realized by building a high income and prosperous country. In this case, our entrepreneurial ecosystem will create thousands of startups in the country to provide innovative solutions and services. They will transform people's lives. As a result, we hope to see at least five unicorns by 2025.” Coordinating data from the UN Disaster Management Agency, UNCTAD, UN DESA and five UN regional commissions, the UN project provides advisory and capacity-building assistance to governments to better enable small, medium and medium-sized enterprises to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the general framework of this global project, ESCAP is working for technology start-up organizations to assist Bangladesh through conducting research and discussion and promotion sessions on Bangladesh's environment. The report relates to ESCAP's Catalyzing Women Entrepreneurship (CWE) program, funded by Global Affairs Canada; Financial support has reached more than 40,000 women entrepreneurs and more than $64 million has been provided to promote women-led initiatives in Asia.