STARTUPS
Sam Altman's new AI chip startup awaiting US approval: reports
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, is awaiting approval from the US government for his new AI chips startup, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News. The report suggests that this emerging venture has the potential to trigger concerns related to national security and antitrust issues.
Six intl. startups working towards fashion recycling solutions
The fashion industry's significant issue of excessive waste is prompting governments worldwide, especially the EU, to set ambitious recycling goals. Here are some international startups that are working towards the ambitious goal of effective textile recycling solutions.
Shark Tank Bangladesh unveils their lineup of 'Sharks'
The internationally acclaimed business reality show 'Shark Tank' has officially announced the judges, also referred to as 'Sharks', for their first-ever Bangladeshi adaptation. The show, which has aired in over 40 countries, is being produced in Bangladesh by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Bongo BD.
Press Release / Apon Bazaar raises USD 1.5 mil in investment
Apon Bazaar, a local ecommerce marketplace, has recently raised an investment of USD 1.5 million in a pre-seed round. As per Apon Bazaar, this investment came from several local and foreign investors, including Startup Bangladesh and the US-based venture capital firm Village Capital.
PRESS RELEASE / Shothik AI gets selected for Google for AI Startup Cloud Program
Shothik AI, a Bangladeshi AI-based startup has recently received USD 350,000 from Google for AI Startup Cloud program and USD 100,000 from Amazon.
Press Release / Visa Accelerator Program's 4th edition announced
Visa has today announced the fourth edition of the Visa Accelerator Program, with an open call for applications. As per the company, the initiative aims to enable Bangladeshi startups to unlock growth potential by collaborating with Visa’s payments experts.
How Bangladeshi startups fared in 2023
In 2023, amidst a landscape of global economic instability largely influenced by geopolitical tensions, Bangladesh's startup ecosystem has showcased a notable degree of resilience and adaptability, with pivotal shifts in the realms of investment and strategic approaches within the startup sector.
CrackPlatoon launches EV charging station in Cumilla
CrackPlatoon Charging Solution Limited, a Bangladeshi EV charging startup, has recently launched an electric vehicle (EV) charging station at "MIAMI Leisure Spot" on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Kalakachua, Burichang, Cumilla.
ShareTrip introduces seat selection feature
ShareTrip, an online travel agency in Bangladesh, has recently introduced a seat selection feature, in which travellers can pick their preferred choice of seats.
Magna Water: What even is it?
Recently, certain locally-based 'free water' startups have been making waves on Facebook. These initiatives promise to provide free, clean drinking water to the general public by integrating ads on the plastic bottles the water would come in. But how do these initiatives work and where is this bottled water coming from? We recently caught up with one of these initiatives, ‘Magna Water’—literally meaning free water—to talk about their plans, goals, and details regarding this project.
How does 'FreeWater' work?
What is FreeWater, and how does it operate? Let's take a look at this Texas-based beverage company and how it created a unique business model that is currently inspiring new Bangladeshi startups to adopt something similar.
Foodpanda fined Tk10 lakh for unfair market practices
The Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) has levied a Tk10 lakh fine on Foodpanda, an online food and grocery delivery platform, for violations of the Competition Act. This decision was made on Monday, following an investigation into allegations of unfair market practices.
'Tech for Palestine' initiative launched to support Palestinians
A coalition of over 40 founders, investors, engineers, and other tech industry professionals has recently launched a new initiative called 'Tech for Palestine'. The goal of this coalition is to build open-source projects, tools, and data that can aid the tech industry in advocating for the Palestinian people.
AI startup Hishab gets BDT 2cr investment from Startup Bangladesh
Hishab Technologies Limited, a startup focusing on telephony-driven conversational engines powered by generative AI has received an investment of BDT 2 crore from Startup Bangladesh Limited.
Bangladeshi blue-tech startup Seaqua raises USD six-figure investment
Seaqua, a Bangladeshi blue-tech startup, has raised USD six-figure foreign direct investment (FDI) from investors from the Middle East. Founded in 2022, Seaqua is a startup that aims to digitise Bangladesh's fisheries and aquaculture industry.
Most talked about startup stories in 2023
In 2023, the country's startup sector, known for its agility and forward-thinking approach, has seen remarkable growth and diversification. Here are the biggest startup headlines from 2023:
Startup Bangladesh invests BDT 1 crore in Alice Labs
Startup Bangladesh Limited, the government-backed venture capital firm, has recently invested BDT 1 crore in Alice Labs, an AI-based sales and support platform for online businesses.
OpenAI in plans to raise $100 bln funding
OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is planning on raising a new round of funding worth at least $100 billion, as per a recent report by Bloomberg News.
