SBK Tech Ventures launches the KIDPRENEURS Network

SBK Tech Ventures launches the KIDPRENEURS Network in partnership with JAAGO Foundation. This programme is in association with The Daily Star and powered by Torun Digital Limited, held on May 29, 2023.

SBK Tech Ventures, the 1st women-led Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission (BSEC) licensed  Venture Capital (VC) fund in Bangladesh, with a portfolio of 40 startups has been investing in the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem since 2019.

As the startup scene in Bangladesh is still in a nascent stage, SBK has also been very proactive in building the startup ecosystem. They were:

1) 1st  in the country  to introduce  "Excelerate Her" a 6 month accelerator for 6 women entrepreneurs in each cohort, with guaranteed funding and incubation

2) 1st in the country to introduce "Net Positive", a 4 month accelerator for 3  climate tech entrepreneurs in each cohort with guaranteed funding

3) 1st in the country to introduce "Women Tech  Investors Network" an accelerator for women tech investors.  As of today, SBK has 18 professional women investors who have till date invested  over BDT 10 crores in SBK Tech portfolio companies).

Managing Director of SBK Tech Ventures, Sonia Bashir Bashir said " I am super excited to launch the KIDPRENEURS Network in partnership with JAAGO Foundation". This program will be in association with The Daily Star and powered by Torun Digital Limited. The SBK  Kidpreneur network aims to inculcate a sense of curiosity among young minds with innovative ideas. They will be taught to identify not only the unmet but also the unarticulated problems they have faced and embraced, accepting it as a part of life which need not be. They will be encouraged to think analytically and find creative solutions."

The SBK team will handpick 12 young children from grades 9 & 10  of JAAGO Foundation and 3 teams of 4 will be formed for the KIDPRENEUR network.  Funding will be guaranteed for those teams who choose to continue their journey as entrepreneurs.

Korvi Rakshand, Founder and Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation said "I am incredibly excited about our partnership with SBK Tech Ventures in launching the KIDPRENEURS Network. This program embodies our shared vision of empowering children to become change-makers by introducing them to the world of entrepreneurship.

By nurturing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and business acumen, we aim to cultivate a generation of young leaders who will not only address community challenges but also create sustainable solutions. Together, we believe in unlocking the potential of every child, paving the way for a brighter future."

Anisa Ali, CFA, Director of Investments at SBK Tech Ventures, Farhan Rahman Director of Operations at SBK Tech Ventures, Md. Tajdin Hasan, Chief Business Officer at The Daily Star, and Nabila Karim, CEO and Cofounder of TORUN Digital Limited were also present at the occasion.

"Programs like this enable young minds to think outside of the box, and go the extra mile. The upcoming generations are quite fortunate that they will have a shot at getting exposed to opportunities as such. I am very excited to watch the creative journey" said Md Tajdin Hassan, Chief Business Officer, The Daily Star.

TORUN "Your Story Telling Partner " Torun empowers founders with their businesses through impactful storytelling, a trusted partner in building market identity using diverse communication channels.