She Loves Tech Bangladesh (2019-2024)

1. Introduction: Empowering Women in Technology

1.1 Overview of She Loves Tech 

She Loves Tech wasn’t just a competition; it became the world’s largest platform focused on empowering women in technology. Its mission stretched far beyond merely providing funding; it is about to build a global ecosystem that will enhance visibility, create robust networks, and offer vital funding opportunities for women in tech. By the time 2024 rolled around, She Loves Tech had made substantial progress toward its ambitious goal of USD 1 billion in funding by 2030.

Some of its key accomplishments included:

• Over USD 350M+ raised to support women-led startups 
• 13,000 businesses empowered across more than 70 countries 
• A staggering 1B+ media impressions achieved globally, helping shine a spotlight on women innovators. 

1.2 She Loves Tech in Bangladesh 

In Bangladesh, She Loves Tech quickly proved to be a game-changer. Initially, there was skepticism around the ability of women to thrive in the country’s male-dominated tech industry. However, She Loves Tech defied those odds and became a beacon of hope for female tech founders. Women-led startups, once struggling to find a place in the tech world, were not only surviving but thriving in Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Through She Loves Tech Bangladesh, women entrepreneurs were leading innovations, breaking long-held stereotypes, and igniting a movement of social and economic change. These founders, once overlooked, were now at the forefront of the country’s tech revolution.

2. The Evolution and Growth of She Loves Tech (2019-2024) 

2.1 The Global Impact and Reach

She Loves Tech began as a global movement, and by 2024, it had touched every corner of the world, including Bangladesh. From its modest beginnings, the program grew exponentially, helping hundreds of startups gain not just local but also global exposure. Its primary focus on gender inclusion ensured that women’s voices in the tech world were no longer overlooked. Instead, She Loves Tech provided women with platforms to shine, giving them the recognition they deserved on the global stage. As the program expanded, it created a ripple effect, empowering women across different industries and sectors, shaping the future of global tech innovation with female leadership at the helm. 

2.2 The She Loves Tech Bangladesh Story 

What started as a spark of innovation in Bangladesh evolved into a full-fledged movement. The partnership between Turtle Venture and She Loves Tech proved to be instrumental in nurturing local talent. Together, they created a supportive ecosystem that was both inclusive and empowering for female entrepreneurs. From local rounds and campus activations to partner engagements, each step of the program was designed to build momentum. The national pitching rounds that followed showcased Bangladesh’s tech potential, putting its female innovators in the spotlight. This not only amplified their voices but also drove attention to the untapped potential within the country, propelling Bangladesh’s startups to the global stage.

3. The Program Framework: A Platform for Innovation

3.1 Role of Turtle Venture

As the exclusive local partner, Turtle Venture played a pivotal role in driving the success of She Loves Tech Bangladesh. Their deep-rooted belief in the potential of women founders made them an ideal ally to help She Loves Tech fulfill its mission in the country. Through their support, over 150 startups were empowered, and visionary women were provided with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to lead, succeed, and disrupt industries. Turtle Venture’s commitment to creating a thriving ecosystem for women entrepreneurs laid the foundation for the continued growth and success of She Loves Tech in Bangladesh.

3.2 She Loves Tech Bangladesh: National Rounds and Global Finals

The program’s structure was designed to provide visibility and opportunities for women-led startups. She Loves Tech Bangladesh held local pitching rounds where participants had the chance to showcase their innovative solutions to real-world problems. The winners of these national rounds were then propelled to the global finals in Singapore, where they competed for invaluable investment, mentorship, and global recognition. As the years progressed, the program saw significant growth, attracting an increasing number of partners, sponsors, and game-changing ideas, ensuring that She Loves Tech remained a key player in shaping the future of women-led innovation. 

4. Impact on Women Entrepreneurs and Startups

4.1 Success Stories: From Bangladesh to the Global Stage

Through She Loves Tech, several groundbreaking startups in Bangladesh not only received recognition but also funding, setting the stage for their future success:

• InsureCow: This innovative startup set out to revolutionize Bangladesh’s dairy industry using AI and biometric identification for smallholder farmers. By providing essential services like livestock insurance and health monitoring, InsureCow safeguarded over 3,500 cattle and impacted 1,225 farmers, demonstrating the immense potential of technology to transform traditional industries in Bangladesh. 

• LegalX: LegalX was a legal-tech startup on a mission to democratize access to legal services. By offering affordable, digital solutions, it answered over 10,000 legal queries and expanded to serve 150+ corporate clients. The platform became a critical resource, providing legal support to those in need, and it continues to grow as a beacon of access to justice in Bangladesh. 

• Onnow: Onnow, a food-tech startup, redefined the food delivery landscape by leveraging digitally enabled food systems. Serving 250,000 households, Onnow’s growth was a testament to the power of technology in scaling services. With a mission to align with Sustainable Development Goals, Onnow continues to expand its footprint, providing consistent and affordable food delivery while addressing global challenges. 

4.2 Achievements and Growth Metrics

She Loves Tech has consistently proven that empowered women entrepreneurs are capable of making an incredible impact. From gaining global exposure to securing significant funding, the women-led startups supported by She Loves Tech have reached impressive milestones. One notable example is Onnow, which raised USD 700K in funding. 

These achievements underscore how She Loves Tech has become more than just a competition; it’s a springboard for the next generation of women leaders in the tech space. Through its support, She Loves Tech has helped these startups grow, attract investment, and scale, proving that women entrepreneurs are essential to solving the world’s most pressing challenges. 

5. Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships: Building a Supportive Ecosystem

5.1 Key Partnerships and Sponsors

Strategic partnerships have been a cornerstone of She Loves Tech’s success. Over the years, prominent organizations such as Microsoft, ADB Ventures, and PVC have played a vital role in supporting the program. Their contributions went beyond just funding; these partners also offered mentorship, media exposure, and access to corporate networks, which proved to be invaluable for the women-led startups. This support helped elevate the program’s visibility, facilitated connections to a global network of industry leaders, and provided the resources necessary for startups to thrive in a competitive environment. 

5.2 The Power of Collaboration

The impact of these partnerships extended far beyond financial backing. They significantly amplified the reach and credibility of She Loves Tech, helping it gain the trust and attention of investors, media outlets, and potential customers. For women founders, these collaborations provided not just financial capital but also strategic guidance and access to a larger ecosystem of opportunities. By connecting women entrepreneurs with powerful global players and resources, She Loves Tech ensured that they had the tools to succeed and scale their businesses in the international tech landscape. The power of collaboration, therefore, proved to be a game-changer, empowering women to lead, innovate, and succeed. 

6. Financial Overview: Prize Pools and Investment Opportunities

6.1 She Loves Tech Bangladesh Financial Overview

She Loves Tech Bangladesh’s program, valued at USD 215,000, went beyond simply offering a platform for women-led startups. The initiative was designed to equip these startups with the financial resources, investment opportunities, and media exposure necessary to propel their growth. By providing financial backing and access to global networks, She Loves Tech ensured that the startups weren’t just participants; they were poised for success and sustainability. 

6.2 Prizes and Opportunities

For the 2024 competition, She Loves Tech Bangladesh presented exciting prizes and opportunities for the winning startups, including: 

• Cash Prizes worth USD 20K, providing immediate financial support to scale operations. 

• Priority Investment of USD 150K for the winning startups, ensuring they had the financial resources to grow further and attract more investors. 

• Global Exposure through She Loves Tech’s expansive network of investors, media outlets, and corporate partners, offering winners a platform to showcase their innovations on a global stage. This exposure not only attracts further investment but also increases the visibility of the startups in international markets. 

7. Closing the Gender Funding Gap: The Importance of Women in Tech

7.1 Why Women’s Participation is Key

Despite significant advancements in many industries, women have remained underrepresented in the tech world. She Loves Tech has been a critical pathway for women to gain visibility, secure funding, and build the networks essential for success. By focusing specifically on women-led tech startups, She Loves Tech has become the driving force in bridging the gender funding gap, ensuring that women have the opportunity to lead innovation and be recognized for their contributions in the tech space. The program has helped shift the narrative, showing that the future of tech is not just male-dominated but equally led by women who bring unique perspectives and solutions.

7.2 Tackling the Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs

The journey for women entrepreneurs is often riddled with barriers, including challenges around accessing capital, finding mentors, and breaking into male-dominated industries. She Loves Tech has directly addressed these obstacles, creating an environment where women can thrive and lead in the tech world. Through funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and global exposure, the platform has empowered women to overcome barriers, ultimately leveling the playing field. By providing a supportive ecosystem, She Loves Tech ensures that women entrepreneurs are equipped not only to survive but to excel, lead, and shape the future of technology. 

8. Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

She Loves Tech Bangladesh is poised for continued growth, with the ambitious goal of reaching USD 1 billion in funding by 2030. As it progresses into 2024 and beyond, the program is transforming the tech ecosystem, positioning Bangladesh at the forefront of this change. By empowering women entrepreneurs, She Loves Tech is not only changing lives but also reshaping the future of technology and innovation for women globally. With each success, the program continues to break barriers, providing visibility, funding, and mentorship, creating a world where women are leading and driving positive, lasting change in the tech industry.