The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has organized a webinar titled "Funding Your Venture: The First Step". The webinar was held on the virtual platform on Thursday afternoon.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP participated in the webinar as the chief guest. Afeef Zaman, CEO of ShopUp, Asikul Alam Khan, CEO of Priyoshop.com, Shameem Ahsan, Former President of BASIS and President of VCPEAB, Sonia Bashir Kabir, President and General Partner of SBK Tech Ventures also participated in the webinar conducted by Syed Almas Kabir, President of BASIS. Light Castle Partners CEO Bijon Islam delivered the keynotes.
Speaking as the chief guest State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP said, “The government has allocated Tk 100 crore this year for startups. Of these, preparations are being made to fund more than 50 companies. Besides, our objective is to build a self-reliant digital Bangladesh; not self-centered.
He also highlighted the target of exporting 5 billion dollars from the IT sector in the next five years.
BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir said, “Local startup companies will support the government in building Digital Bangladesh. BASIS has more than 1,500 member companies; most of which are new and small. For them, we have created the Growth Ecosystem under BASIS.”
Sonia Bashir Kabir, President, and General Partner, SBK TechVenture, said, “In order to attract foreign investors, we need to brand our startups around their achievements. Only then investors will be keen on investing."
Afeef Zaman, CEO of ShopUp, said, “Success in fundraising revolves around successfully navigating around a number of variables entailing Finder Marketing, Big Opportunity, team, and research.
Asikul Alam Khan, CEO of Priyashop.com, said, "Before raising funds, one has to focus on the business model and acquire sound knowledge on the market."
