SBK Tech Ventures, in collaboration with Orbit Startups and Miaki Media Ltd, announced the launch of the 2nd cohort of SM², a transformative seed accelerator for high-potential Bangladeshi startups.
The program is set to nurture up to five early seed-stage startups, building on its successful debut in 2022.
SM² -- a collaboration of SBK Tech Ventures, Orbit Startups and Miaki Media Ltd, aims to propel Bangladesh's startup growth.
Combining SBK Tech Ventures' local presence, Orbit Startups’ global expertise, and Miaki's expertise in technology and innovation, the program is designed to empower startups to become industry leaders.
"Tech startups have the potential to redefine Bangladesh's economy and drive innovation. Through SM², we are committed to providing a platform that empowers these pioneers," said Sonia Bashir Kabir, founder of SBK Tech Ventures.
SBK Tech Ventures is one of the earliest and most active investors in the Bangladeshi tech startup ecosystem, with 40+ investments in early-stage Bangladeshi startups in sectors like healthtech, education, fintech and more.
SBK is a licensed Venture Capital Fund Manager by the Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission and is the fund manager for R-Ventures, the startup investment fund sponsored by RedDot Digital & Robi Axiata.
Orbit Startups helps scale breakthrough companies across emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Orbit invests through its fund SOSV, a US-based venture capital firm with $1.5 billion in assets under management.
Notable investments include VideoVerse, technology partner to the Olympics and the UK’s Premier League; fintech pioneer BitMEX; ELSA Speak, Google Gradient’s first investment in Asia; MarketForce, Africa’s leading merchant marketplace; and Dastgyr, Pakistan’s aspiring Alibaba Group.
"At our core, we believe in the power of startups to optimize traditional sectors and improve quality of life for people in emerging and frontier markets. We're thrilled to be part of this exciting journey in Bangladesh as members of SM2. Our experience working with local founders has been nothing short of inspiring, and we're excited to continue our support to scale innovative startups in Bangladesh and beyond" stated Oscar Ramos, managing director of Orbit Startups, General Partner at SOSV.
"For a startup's success apart from its own USP it's quite essential to have a right blend & support from the industry consisting of experienced VC’s Investors and institutions. SM2 is such a kind of platform where the startups can have all of them, specially having Orbit, SBK &Miaki under the same platform." said Taneem Islam, co-founder of Miaki Media Ltd.
Miaki is a tech company known for innovative digital solutions across Southeast Asia, driving transformation through technology.
It brings expertise in development, resource management & cross-border growth.
Miaki helped to launch & manage BDAPPS, declared the National App Store of Bangladesh in 2021, with the largest community of developers in the country.
The 2nd cohort of SM² will offer selected startups mentorship, investor connections, and financial support, enabling them to leverage extensive networks for expansion across Asia.