Representational Image.

DHAKA, May 12, 2026 (BSS)– A consortium of 39 commercial banks today launched a new venture capital platform with a committed capital base of TK 425 crore (approximately $35 million) to support the country’s growing startup ecosystem.

The platform, titled Bangladesh Startup Investment Company (BSIC) PLC, formally inaugurated its first fund, “Ankur Bangladesh Fund 1,” at a ceremony held in the capital.

According to BSIC officials, the participating banks will contribute one percent of their annual net profits, creating a sustainable and continuous capital structure instead of a one-time investment pool.

The fund has been designed to support startups across three major growth stages — seed, late-seed and Series A. The seed-stage financing will focus on product development and market research, while late-seed investments will help startups refine business models ahead of larger fundraising rounds. Series A financing will target businesses seeking to scale operations after establishing proven concepts.

Addressing the programme, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury acknowledged that the country’s financial sector is passing through a difficult period.

“Everyone knows what happened in the banking sector and stock market in the past. We are working to overcome those challenges,” he said.

Md Mostaqur Rahman said that the next phase of the country’s financial sector development would require institutions capable of supporting innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability and discipline.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring that marginalised communities benefit from the new investment initiatives.

“If marginalised communities remain outside this process, a large segment will remain deprived,” he said.

BSIC Chairman Mashrur Arefin said the initiative aimed to connect local entrepreneurial potential with international venture capital standards.

“We are creating a bridge between local confidence and global venture standards,” he said.

Arefin, who is also the Managing Director of The City Bank, said the initiative would help Bangladeshi startups strengthen governance, improve access to financing and attract credible foreign investment partnerships.