SBL, SAJIDA Foundation sign MoU to support startups

Startup Bangladesh Ltd (SBL), the government-owned venture capital company under the ICT Division, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAJIDA Foundation to strengthen support for entrepreneurs and impact-driven businesses.

Under the partnership, entrepreneurs supported by the Orange Corners Bangladesh Innovation Fund (OCBIF) will gain access to a series of joint programmes at Startup Bangladesh aimed at enhancing business capabilities, improving investment readiness and strengthening ecosystem connections.

The initiatives will include founder development and entrepreneurship training, investment readiness and capital-raising support, investor showcases, demo days, pitch events, mentorship and networking opportunities.

Speaking on the partnership, Startup Bangladesh Managing Director and CEO Nurul Hai said Bangladesh's startup ecosystem requires stronger collaboration among investors, development organisations, founders, mentors and ecosystem enablers.

He said the partnership with SAJIDA Foundation would create more structured opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs to strengthen their capabilities, improve investment readiness and connect with relevant stakeholders, contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven startup ecosystem.

Muhymin Chowdhury, Director of Impact Investment and Partnerships at SAJIDA Foundation, said the collaboration would expand the reach and impact of the Orange Corners Bangladesh Innovation Fund by providing founders with practical learning opportunities, stronger ecosystem connections and greater access to support networks needed to build resilient, investment-ready businesses.

Startup Bangladesh is a government-owned venture capital and fund management company under the ICT Division that provides capital, mentorship, operational support and strategic guidance to technology-driven startups to accelerate innovation, economic growth and employment generation.

The Orange Corners Bangladesh Innovation Fund, an initiative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands implemented by SAJIDA Foundation in partnership with YY Ventures, is an investment-readiness and financing facility designed to support early-stage, impact-driven businesses across Bangladesh.

The partnership aims to strengthen Bangladesh's entrepreneurial ecosystem by expanding opportunities for founder development, ecosystem collaboration and access to investment.