In the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Class of 2023, seven Bangladeshis have earned a coveted spot. Forbes, the renowned business journal, inaugurated the ’30 under 30′ list in 2011, featuring thirty influential individuals under thirty years old. Between 2016 and 2022, a remarkable total of 25 Bangladeshis were honored on this list for their outstanding achievements spanning various fields. This year, seven exceptional Bangladeshis under thirty have been acknowledged for their contributions in three key areas: consumer technology, media, marketing, and advertising, as well as social impact. Here’s a brief overview of the individuals from Bangladesh who made it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 this year.
Aziz Arman
Aziz Arman, Founder of Jatri, has been recognized in the Consumer Technology category. Jatri, the startup he co-founded, leverages technology to streamline mass mobility amidst Bangladesh’s bustling transportation landscape. Notably, the Dhaka Bus Owners’ Association adopted Jatri’s e-ticketing system for 5,650 public buses last year, ensuring fair pricing for commuters. Additionally, the startup offers chartered and rental car services. In 2021, Jatri secured $1.2 million in funding during the pre-seed Series A round from investors like Reflect Ventures, Brain-Too-Free Ventures, and SBK Tech Venture, bringing its total funding to approximately $5.25 million.
Rubaiyat Farhan and Tasfia Tasbin
Rubaiyat Farhan and Tasfia Tasbin, Founders of Markopolo.ai, have been recognized in the Media, Marketing & Advertising category. Their startup, Markopolo.ai, specializes in providing digital marketing solutions tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Their platform enables businesses to swiftly generate ad content and seamlessly distribute it across multiple social media platforms. Powered by artificial intelligence, their subscription-based program predicts ad success and optimal posting times. Moreover, it offers a rich user dataset to help businesses automate and optimize their social media marketing efforts, create engaging content, and connect with responsive audiences. In a significant milestone, Markopolo.ai secured $700,000 in funding during a pre-Series A investment round led by Singapore VC firm Accelerating Asia last year.
Jahnnobi Rahman
Jahnnobi Rahman is a co-founder of Relaxy, a tech-driven wellness platform with a mission to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health services in Bangladesh. The platform aims to address the growing mental health challenges faced by young people by offering accessible digital solutions. Relaxy provides various free services such as mood checks and meditations, while generating revenue through affordable virtual therapy sessions. Notably, the platform was recognized as the second runners-up in Huawei’s ICT Incubator 2022. Currently, Relaxy boasts over 15,000 users, marking its significant impact in the mental health sector.
Diptha Saha
Agroshift Technologies is revolutionizing the agricultural supply chain with its innovative platform, facilitating direct sourcing from farmers to businesses. By cutting out intermediaries, Agroshift lowers consumer prices while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. Adopting a micro-fulfilment approach, the platform collaborates directly with farmers and dealers to provide everyday necessities, including fresh vegetables, to RMG workers at affordable prices. Moreover, Agroshift extends its services to nearby micro-retailers of these factories through the same infrastructure. The platform’s impact and potential were recognized when it emerged victorious in H&M’s STITCH for RMG Global Innovation Challenge. Additionally, Agroshift recently secured $1.8 million in funding during a pre-seed round, with investments led by Shorooq Partners and Anchorless Bangladesh, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in agricultural technology.
Anowar Sayef and Saraban Tahura
Founded by Saraban Tahura Turin and Anowar Sayef Anik, Turtle Venture Studio is pioneering as Bangladesh’s premier venture studio, dedicated to nurturing young startups. The studio provides essential resources including funding, mentorship, access to a global network, and strategic support, aiming to accelerate the growth of emerging ventures. Recently unveiling its inaugural cohort of local startups, Turtle Venture Studio has been instrumental in fostering entrepreneurial talent since its establishment in 2018. With a track record of supporting over 90 entrepreneurs, the studio has facilitated in raising more than $15 million in initial funding rounds. In addition to running accelerator programs tailored for women in technology, Turtle Venture Studio also runs ‘Young Turtle,’ a program aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students, contributing significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh.
