SBK Tech Ventures invests $7.1 million in 6 startups

SBK Tech Ventures, Bangladesh’s only woman-led, and most active Venture Capital (VC) has unveiled the 6 startups which have received USD 7.1 million (BDT 85 crores). SBK funds Bangladeshi Tech startups only; their minimum ticket size for each startup is USD 1 million. SBK is also the first and only VC in Bangladesh to run in-house accelerators: “Net Positive” & “ExcelerateHer”, an in-house incubator; “YES, She Can”, plus a licensed VC fund.

Sonia Bashir Kabir, the Founder & Managing General Partner of SBK Tech said, “Bangladeshi startup founders have numerous opportunities for delivering impact through tech-enabled business models. Our total investment in this round reflects our confidence in the success of these startups which solve problems of the masses, leverage technology to scale, and create a transformative impact. We are passionate about supporting our local entrepreneurs to drive inclusion, empathy, and innovation.”

The start-ups that got funding include Markopolo.ai, Solshare, Fashol, Jatri, Arogga, and 10 Minute School, said a press release.

Of them, Markopolo.ai and Jatri bagged $1.5 million in investments each; Solshare got $1.1 million, while Fashol, Arogga and 10 Minute School received $1 million investments each. 

Markopolo.ai which provides AI-powered growth automation tools for small and medium-sized businesses where marketers seek AI-powered platforms and automation tools to grow their digital footprint while ensuring data security. Solshare has emerged as the trailblazer in the renewable energy sector, paving the way for advancements in smart energy storage and distribution through their in-house developed innovative patented technology. 

Fashol’s Marketplace provides innovative tech solutions for stakeholders in the agriculture supply chain, aiming to empower Farmers, agri entrepreneurs, and buyers. 

Jatri tech-enabled mobility solutions for the largely inefficient, traditional, and highly fragmented mass transit sector of Bangladesh. 

Arogga is a medicine delivery startup that facilitates access to authentic, affordable, and timely medication attributing to its innovative in-house logistics to foster inclusion and empathy at scale. 

10 Minute School (Kindergarten to 12th Standard)  is the leading K12 and skills development ed-tech platform in the country with a clear mission of building the education stack of Bangladesh.

SBK has evolved tremendously. When it was incorporated 4 years ago, it started with angel investing and startup ecosystem building. Currently, SBK has 46 startups in their portfolio and one exit from the first angel investment made in 2020 with a return of 1700% (annualized ROI of 105.98%).