In a landmark event for innovation and entrepreneurship, Turtle Venture hosted its much-anticipated Demo Day aboard the MV Bay One cruise in Chattogram. The event marked the culmination of a transformative three-month program designed to empower 16 startups from Cox’s Bazar. Supported by PULSE, the initiative aimed to foster local businesses, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic development in the region.

The Demo Day commenced at 12 PM and continued until 6 PM, offering an inspiring platform for startups to showcase their innovative business ideas to a distinguished audience of investors, partners, and industry leaders. Alongside their pitches, participants displayed their unique products and services, allowing guests and investors to experience firsthand the creativity and potential of these ventures.

The event featured notable attendees, including Saraban Tahura Turin, CEO of Turtle Venture and Deputy Project Head of PULSE, and Anowar Saif Anik, Chief Strategy Officer of Turtle Venture and Program Design Lead.

Representatives from Swisscontact also played a significant role, with Abu Sufian, Senior Manager, and Saira Nadneen, Manager, leading their Dhaka team alongside the Swisscontact Cox’s Bazar team. From Chattogram, key participants included Arafatul Islam Akib (CEO of Startup Chattogram) and Abdur Rashid Sohag (CEO of Pupils School Bus Limited), who brought valuable insights to the gathering.

The Demo Day was further enriched by the presence of esteemed investors and partners from organizations such as the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce, Meridien Group, Startup Chattogram, Fashol, Wegrow, Pump Rivera Group, and Mamata Foundation. Several angel investors also joined the event, exploring the potential of the emerging ventures presented during the program.

Throughout the event, 16 startups from Cox’s Bazar showcased their business ideas, which had been developed and refined during the rigorous three-month program. The pitches, coupled with the product displays, demonstrated their potential to scale and make a significant impact on the region’s economy, capturing the interest of investors. Many of these interactions are expected to lead to promising deals that will further support the growth of these startups.

In a remarkable announcement, Turtle Venture committed seed investments of BDT 1,00,000 each to three standout businesses—Polyjute, Fish & More, and Coconut. This initial funding, provided under the PULSE initiative, aims to serve as a stepping stone for these startups to expand their operations and attract larger investments in the future.
The Demo Day concluded on a high note, as participants and guests enjoyed a celebratory cruise on the Bay of Bengal aboard MV Bay One. This unique setting provided a memorable ending to an event that blended the vibrant energy of innovation with the scenic beauty of Chattogram.

The Demo Day exemplified Turtle Venture’s unwavering dedication to building an inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cox’s Bazar and beyond. By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for networking, the initiative is paving the way for sustainable growth and empowering local entrepreneurs to create meaningful economic and social impacts.