Bangladesh Women Investors Network (BWIN)

Background

The Bangladesh Women Investors Network (BWIN) is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and investors in Bangladesh. Established as a sister chapter of the Bangladesh Angels Network (BAN), BWIN focuses on bridging the gender gap in the country's startup ecosystem by providing early-stage financing, mentorship, and strategic support to women-led and women-focused startups.

Key Strategic Focus

BWIN's strategic objectives include:

• Investment in Women-Led Startups: Targeting pre-seed to seed+ stage investments ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 across various sectors.

• Mentorship and Advisory Support: Offering high-quality mentoring and access to networks to assist portfolio companies in scaling their operations.

• Talent Development: Initiating programs like the Bloom Fellowship to prepare young women for leadership roles within the startup sector.

Financials and Funding

Since its inception, BWIN has facilitated investments into six women-led companies, totaling approximately $700,000. These funds are utilized to support early-stage financing gaps, provide advisory services, and develop programs aimed at fostering women entrepreneurs and investors.

Pipeline Development

BWIN's pipeline development efforts are highlighted by:

• Bloom Fellowship: A semester-long talent accelerator designed to equip Bangladeshi women aged 20 to 24 with essential competencies for startup environments. The program includes mentorship, training, and internships, aiming to place 300 to 500 young women into the startup ecosystem over the next five years.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BWIN leverages a comprehensive approach to support women entrepreneurs through:

• Proprietary Programs: Initiatives like the Bloom Fellowship and WeScale, a cross-regional digital accelerator supporting 100 women-led, digitally enabled companies in South Asia to raise their first funds and scale regionally.

• Scientific Methodologies: Application of gender-lens investing frameworks to assess and support startups, ensuring a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Leadership Team

BWIN's leadership comprises experienced professionals committed to advancing women's participation in the investment and startup sectors:

• Tina Jabeen: Former CEO & Founding Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh; Board Member at BWIN.

• Anita Ghazi Rahman: Founder & Managing Partner of The Legal Circle; Board Member at BWIN.

• Farzana Kashfi: Board Member at Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC); Board Member at BWIN.

• Sharawwat Islam, CFA: Managing Director at Truvalu Bangladesh; Board Member at BWIN.

• Nirjhor Rahman: CEO of Bangladesh Angels; Board Member at BWIN.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no significant recent changes or appointments within BWIN's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Bangladeshi startup ecosystem has shown immense promise, yet a significant gender disparity persists. Less than 3.4% of capital flows into startups led by women CEOs, and only 36% of the startup workforce comprises women.

Competitor Analysis

Key organizations addressing similar challenges include:

• Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI): Established in 2001, BWCCI focuses on promoting women entrepreneurs through policy advocacy, training, and market linkages.

• Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs (BFWE): Founded in 2006, BFWE offers networking opportunities and supports the growth of women-owned enterprises through research and information sharing.

• Joyeeta Foundation: A government foundation under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, providing financing and support to women entrepreneurs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BWIN collaborates with various organizations to strengthen its market position and innovation capacity:

• Bangladesh Angels Network (BAN): As a sister chapter, BWIN benefits from BAN's extensive network and resources.

• WeScale Program: A partnership aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in South Asia to scale their tech-focused businesses.

Operational Insights

BWIN's strategic considerations include:

• Addressing Early-Stage Financing Gaps: By focusing on pre-seed to seed+ stage investments, BWIN aims to fill critical funding voids for women-led startups.

• Developing Talent Pipelines: Programs like the Bloom Fellowship are designed to cultivate future women leaders in the startup ecosystem.

• Advocating for Gender-Lens Investing: Promoting frameworks that prioritize diversity and inclusion in investment decisions.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

BWIN's roadmap includes:

• Expansion of Fellowship Programs: Scaling initiatives like the Bloom Fellowship to reach more participants and create a robust talent pipeline.

• Enhancing Investment Portfolios: Increasing the number and diversity of women-led startups in its investment portfolio.

• Strengthening Ecosystem Collaborations: Building partnerships with local and international organizations to amplify impact and resources.

Contact Information

For more information, visit BWIN's official website.