Participants at the networking segment of the SouthXChange event
On Tuesday, Google Singapore played host to SouthXChange, a dynamic event jointly organised by Google Cloud, nVentures, and Aspire.
These organisations brought together a diverse array of startups from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, showcasing the rich entrepreneurial landscape of South Asia. The event not only highlighted the innovative prowess of emerging businesses but also provided a unique investment opportunity for those looking to tap into the region’s potential.
Google Cloud, known for its support of emerging businesses, collaborated with nVentures, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and Aspire, a comprehensive finance software provider serving over 15,000 startups and SMBs in Southeast Asia. Together, they curated a lineup of startups spanning fintech, proptech, e-commerce, social commerce, agri fintech, and SaaS services, offering investors a comprehensive view of the diverse opportunities in the region.
From Pakistan, startups such as Krave Mart and Graana stole the spotlight. Krave Mart, a Y Combinator-backed venture, and Graana, Pakistan’s first online real estate marketplace, showcased the country’s versatility in entrepreneurship.
Unity Retail and Dealcart added to the mix, demonstrating innovation in e-commerce and social commerce, respectively. Bookme.pk and ADA AI Spark brought their unique offerings, ranging from travel and e-ticketing platforms to AI-driven mini-tutorials and masterclasses.
Also Read: Accelerating Asia, South Asia Tech invest in Bangladesh startup Shuttle
Sri Lanka, too, demonstrated its embrace of cutting-edge technologies with startups such as mintpay and Kaijulabs. Notable among them was Smart COOP, transforming traditional cooperative banks into fully digital entities within just two weeks.
Simplebooks, an innovative SaaS solution, held a market leadership position in Sri Lanka, streamlining business formation and compliance for over 4,500 companies.
Startups presented their business in a two-minute pitch
Bangladesh showcased its startup vitality through platforms such as Hishabee, a vertical SaaS transforming traditional businesses into digital entities.
Hishabee’s 200,000 registered small businesses exemplified the shift towards digital record-keeping, fostering e-commerce and digital lending. Other startups such as WeGro, PriyoShop, SupplyLine, and Pickaboo further showcased the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit of Bangladesh.
With a combined population of over 430 million people and a median age of 27, these three countries – Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka – present a formidable market.
Bangladesh alone boasts 125 million mobile subscribers, while Pakistan holds the title of the world’s fifth most populous country. Sri Lanka, often overlooked, ranks globally at #4 and leads Asia in affordable talent according to Startup Genome.
Also Read: Accelerating Asia launches US$20M Fund II, targets pre-Series A deals in South Asia, SEA
The youthfulness of the population, coupled with thriving startup ecosystems, positions this region as a goldmine for investors and an untapped market for startups.
The post Exploring the startup ecosystems of South Asia at SouthXChange appeared first on e27.