In the fast-evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship, one platform has consistently stood out as a beacon of support, investment, and growth for startups in Bangladesh. R-Ventures, the brainchild of Robi, has emerged as the go-to destination for budding entrepreneurs seeking the resources, mentorship, and funding required to transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses.

A Glimpse into r-ventures

At its core, r-ventures is Robi's flagship digital entrepreneurship platform, designed to foster and invest in digital startups within Bangladesh that hold the potential to revolutionize the future. Going beyond mere financial support, r-ventures provides a holistic ecosystem that encompasses grooming, mentorship, networking, and opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders.

A significant milestone was achieved in 2022 when the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) approved r-ventures as an Alternative Investment Fund. Operating under the name "r-ventures Private Equity Fund," the fund has SBK Tech Ventures as its appointed Fund Manager and RedDot Digital, Robi’s wholly owned ICT focused subsidiary, as the sponsor.

Inception and Evolution

r-ventures marked its beginning with r-ventures 1.0 in 2017, a groundbreaking ideation competition open exclusively to Robi's internal employees. This initiative ignited the entrepreneurial spirit within the workforce and resulted in the selection of pioneering concepts that received both investment and year-long incubation support.

The Journey of Innovation

The timeline of r-ventures stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to fostering innovation. In 2017, r-ventures 1.0 inaugurated an internal employee competition that resulted in the selection of five exceptional concepts. The following year, in 2018- winners of r-ventures 1.0 experienced a year-long incubation period, coupled with essential training and investment support.

In 2019, r-ventures 2.0 embarked on a nationwide journey, attracting over 2,000 submissions. This endeavor culminated in investment agreements with eight promising companies, reflecting the platform's commitment to nurturing emerging talents.

A pivotal moment arrived in 2022 when r-ventures achieved the formal approval of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) as an Alternative Investment Fund. This acknowledgment solidified r-ventures' status as a driving force for digital entrepreneurship.

In 2023, r-ventures 3.0 broadened its horizons, receiving over 1,200 submissions across the nation. This iteration not only facilitated investment agreements for four startups but also expanded its impact by providing a platform for external investors, including Startup Bangladesh, SBK Tech Ventures, and angel investor- Kaniz Almas Khan. The total funds raised on the r-ventures 3.0 platform amounted to a significant eight crore taka, which was collectively shared by eight dynamic companies.

Fueling Startups: The Investment Impact

r-ventures has played a pivotal role in realizing the aspirations of numerous startups, extending its support to a total of 17 ventures. This inclusive approach has been manifested across various editions, with r-ventures 1.0 fostering the growth of 5 startups, followed by r-ventures 2.0 propelling 8 ventures to new heights, and finally, r-ventures 3.0 catalyzing the progress of 4 promising startups.

The dedication of r-ventures towards nurturing innovation finds tangible expression in its investment metrics, underlining its substantial contributions:

In total, r-ventures has invested an impressive amount of 13.5 crore taka across its various editions. Notably, r-ventures 1.0 channeled a significant investment of 10.5 crore taka, while r-ventures 2.0 allocated one crore taka towards empowering startups. Building on this momentum, r-ventures 3.0 continued its commitment with an investment of two crore taka, further reinforcing its role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth.

The Role of SBK Tech Ventures

SBK Tech Ventures plays a pivotal role as the fund manager of r-ventures. Their responsibilities encompass the seamless operation of the fund, from investment execution and management guidance for startups to adhering to BSEC policies while ensuring profitable portfolio returns.

The Gateway to Investment: Selection Criteria

r-ventures welcomes startups at an early or growth stage, primarily with a strong digital foundation. To be eligible for investment, these startups must be registered in Bangladesh. r-ventures also places a special emphasis on gender diversity, with r-ventures 3.0 featuring a lineup of 40% female-led startups.

Paving the Way for Success: Notable Achievements

Several startups funded by r-ventures are rewriting the entrepreneurial landscape in Bangladesh. Two standout examples include:

Shuttle:

This transport-tech startup began by providing secure transportation for female students and officegoers. It has since evolved to offer affordable unisex transportation, revolutionizing the ride-sharing industry. Recently, Shuttle secured a substantial USD 1.5 million funding led by South Asia Tech.

MedEasy:

A healthcare-focused startup, MedEasy connects users to over 100 doctors for consultations and offers nationwide delivery of medicines and essentials. With over 70,000 orders fulfilled and 100,000 doctor consultations conducted, MedEasy is making a remarkable impact on healthcare accessibility.

r-ventures by Robi is a transformative force driving digital entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Its journey from ideation competitions to a full-fledged Alternative Investment Fund reflects its dedication to fostering innovation, supporting startups, and paving the way for a brighter digital future. With a track record of nurturing startups that redefine industries, r-ventures continues to be the guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.