Startups can change the world and make it a better place to live, according to Bill Gross, co-founder of Pacific Investment Management. The demand for startups has been growing for a while as new technologies and industries emerge each year. In turn, more solutions like group health insurance for startups are available, there are more advisors for startup hopefuls, and there are a lot more success stories.
To celebrate the contribution of people at the heart of these changes, Future Startup featured its debut FS 15 under 35 list. Potential candidates were evaluated on the basis of their contribution to the society, whether their work is sustainable and shows promise of being bigger and better in the future. The people of Bangladesh submitted their nominations of personalities whom they think is here to create a ripple of change in the society. This entire process lasted for months after which the jury hand picked fifteen individuals, all of whom are younger than 35 on October 1, 2015.
To stand a chance of being selected, the startups considered had to compose a winning startup pitch. Are you in the process of launching your very own startup? If so, it is vital that you spend time working on your startup pitch. You can learn more about the essential components for an excellent startup pitch by checking out some of the useful resources on the Early Growth website. Future Startup initially wanted to make the list consisting of 150 people from 10 different sectors. However, not enough candidates were present who meet the criteria. Thus, the following are inspiring, creative people who will make you feel hopeful and optimistic about this beautiful country and about its potential, and will push you to be courageous and make that leap of faith that you always wanted to make.
Anyone with a desire to become a sucessful entrepreneur will need to understand the importance of productivity. Using a platform as a service will ensure your business strives to be as productive as possible, which will place you in an excellent position to be successful.That said, if you are in the early stages of setting up your company, you may want to take advantage of a startup accelerator program by enrolling in it. This can give you a wider view of the startup ecosystem and provide you with a toolbox of resources, knowledge, and connections to help your business flourish.
Rubayat Khan, co-founder of mPower Social Enterprises and CEO of mDoc LLC, is a social entrepreneur, tech and data geek. He is working in the technology and social entrepreneurship sector, striving to bridge gaps in essential services in remote areas of Bangladesh and other countries using mobile tech and data. Mr. Khan is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute and the Unreasonable Institute, passionate about building companies with exemplary culture and exceptional values.
Bijon Islam, Zahedul Amin, and Ivdad Ahmed Khan Mojlish are the co-founders of LightCastle Partners, a research firm working at the intersection of data and technology in Bangladesh. They are present in the Financial sector, working hard to make data the key to making better decisions.
Mohd Fahad Ifaz is the co-founder of Edge Consulting Ltd, AmarCV in the agriculture, development and technology sector. Mr. Ifaz has 5 years of professional experience in working in the development sector, more precisely developing markets for the poor. He started EDGE Consulting ltd. in 2013 with 4 people which currently is a team of 35 now. EDGE thrive to provide research, management and market based solutions for development projects, NGOs, INGOs, private and public sector to fight against poverty and for economic growth for the people of the countries facing the need for good governance, economic and social change.
Ovick Alam is the co-founder of Webable, a digital marketing agency based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Alam was awarded “Asia’s Most Influential Digital Media Professional” citation by World Brand Congress. Besides helping his clients with digital strategy and execution, he also facilitates corporate trainings for marketing professionals and speaks at Digital Marketing events.
Muhammad Nazimuddaula is the co-founder and CEO, G&R, working in the web, advertising and internet sector. He has co-founded country’s first and largest ad network; Mr. Nazimuddaula, one of the brightest minds in the Bangladesh technology space focuses on advertising technology and Bangla language computing.
Mahmudul Hasan Sohag is the founder and Chairman of Onnorokom Group, a contributor in the technology and internet sector. Onnorokom Group is one of the fastest growing new generation companies in Bangladesh. There are around seven entities under Onnorokom umbrella. Mr. Mahmudul is renowned for his visionary thinking and for distinct approach to doing business.
A.M.Ishtiaque Sarwar is the CEO of Amarpay, nestled in the technology and internet sector. Mr. Sarwar is an IT Entrepreneur working for last 12 years to become next IT Enabled Service Giant of Bangladesh. He started with Web Solution Company Soft Tech Innovation Ltd’ At present he leads three separate companies in three separate domains with potential to go significantly big.
Waseem Alim is the co-founder and CEO of Chaldal, a startup in the internet and e commerce sector. Mr. Alim has left high paying job in Silicon Valley to start Chaldal, one of the fastest growing ecommerce startups in Dhaka, backed by Y Combinator and 500 Startups. Even though he went to Wharton Business School, Mr. Alim came back to Bangladesh to help build his motherland.
Tausif Ahmad is the co-founder and CEO, of HungryNaki, working to improve the internet and e commerce industry. HungryNaki is one of Dhaka’s fastest growing food delivery startups. Started back in 2013, HungryNaki is doing very good despite fierce competition from Rocket Internet rival Foodpanda in every way. The startup has already made a name for their distinct approach to customer services.
Anita Ghazi Rahman is a Barrister of the Lincoln’s Inn and an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. She is the founder of Legal Circle and co-editor and publisher of LCLR (Legal Circle Law Reports), a quarterly law report. She is also the editor of Think Legal Bangladesh – a comprehensive free legal resource website in the country.
Samira Zuberi Himika is the co-founder of Team Engine a social good company based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She is also the chairman of Inspira Advisory and Consulting and currently Director of (BASIS). She has been awarded as “Global Women Leader for Social Development” for her diversified initiatives as social entrepreneur.
Biplob G. Rahul is founder, eCourier who founded first eco-friendly bicycle based courier service in Dhaka. His company, eCourier is now one of the fastest growing logistics startups and is changing how courier works in Dhaka.
Elita Karim is a popular singer, journalist and actress. She is the editor of Star Weekend, a weekly supplement of the Daily Star. Elita released her first solo music album ‘Elita’ early this year.
Tareq Hasan, Founder of weDevs is a self-taught programmer with a background in Computer Science. Though he Initially started out on his own, later on founded weDevs and has built a huge company from scratch. Mr. Hasan loves programming, PHP and WordPress.
Sumdany Don is a Chief Inspirational Officer of Don Sumdany Facilitation and Consultancy, a training and consultancy firm based in Dhaka. Mr. Sumdany left his high paying corporate job to explore his career as motivational speaker and trainer and has become one of popular motivational speakers in the country within a very short period of time.
