A fresh initiative aimed at venture capital in Bangladesh emerged prominently when BD Venture Limited held a public discourse named “Venture Capital in Bangladesh and Its Future Journey,” and the event sent a clear message: startups need patient, equity-based funding and practical support to grow. Bankers, regulators, mobile finance providers and entrepreneurs said the country must move beyond short-term bank loans because those loans do not match the long timeline and high risk of young firms. The session stressed that venture capital brings more than money — it offers mentorship, risk-sharing and clear exit options through the capital market. BD Venture leaders said they have learned from local success stories such as bKash, ShopUp, Chaldal.com and Pathao, and they plan to expand their capital base to help more startups find steady backing. Organisers noted that BD Venture will seek approval from the securities regulator and add independent directors with startup experience to build trust. Bangladesh Bank officials said the central bank has already revised its startup policy and is preparing a joint venture company with 52 commercial banks to bridge entrepreneurs and bankers, using a portion of bank profits as seed capital. Senior bankers explained that about one per cent of bank profits over recent years — roughly Tk 6.5 billion — has been set aside to back the new company, and they want strong governance and professional management to handle risks wisely. Speakers asked for simple steps that can help the market grow: clearer rules, better training for bankers and entrepreneurs, more space for pilot investments, and guidance from international partners like development banks. They said failures are part of the process and that a few strong successes can cover many small losses if governance and learning improve. The meeting also highlighted how venture funds can support women-led businesses and tech ideas that serve rural customers. Local investors and startup founders welcomed the plan, saying easier access to equity and clearer exit options would encourage more people to launch and scale new services. Panelists added that a healthier venture ecosystem can help the whole economy by creating jobs, boosting exports and drawing foreign partners who bring know-how as well as capital. Organisers promised practical next steps: apply for regulatory approval, recruit experienced directors, start small pilots, and run outreach so banks, startups and the stock market can work together. If these steps move ahead, people at the meeting said, Bangladesh could grow a stronger startup scene where young firms get honest support, banks learn new roles, and communities win from new jobs and services. Stakeholders hope the plan will speed investment, lift more start-ups to scale, and help bright teams turn ideas into steady businesses that create jobs soon.
