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Occean Venture (OCVC) is a venture capital firm founded in 2022, headquartered in Bangladesh, with a regional office in Australia. The firm is dedicated to supporting early and growth-stage startups, particularly those originating from or operating in Bangladesh. OCVC operates as a General Partner of a purpose-driven VC fund, aiming to provide global access to capital, networks, and knowledge. The firm emphasizes sustainable economic development and innovation, leveraging its deep ties within the South Asian startup ecosystem.
As a relatively new player in the venture capital space, Occean Venture is positioned to tap into the burgeoning startup ecosystem in Bangladesh, which boasts over 1,000 active startups and sees more than 200 new ventures launched annually. The firm’s establishment coincides with a growing interest in venture capital investment in the region, which saw approximately $72 million invested across 45 deals in 2023. This context highlights OCVC's potential impact on the local market.
Occean Venture invests in startups at the pre-seed to Series A stages, primarily focusing on Bangladesh while also welcoming global opportunities. The firm adopts a sector-agnostic approach but has specific interests in AI, Fintech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, Sustainability, Cybersecurity, AgTech, and Immersive Tech (AR/VR). Investment amounts typically range from $20,000 to $2 million, allowing for flexibility in supporting various startup needs.
OCVC often engages in co-investment and syndication with angel investors, family offices, and institutional funds, enhancing its ability to support portfolio companies. The firm’s investment strategy is designed to bridge emerging markets with global capital, knowledge, and networks, providing hands-on support to founders. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of Bangladesh's unique market dynamics and the increasing demand for innovative solutions across multiple sectors.
Arafatul Islam Akib - Managing Director. Arafatul has extensive experience in venture capital and startup development, having worked with various firms prior to joining OCVC.
Mohammad Shahriar Hossain - Managing Partner. Shahriar brings a wealth of knowledge in investment strategies and has been instrumental in establishing OCVC's operational framework.
Shahdat Hossain Sikder - Program Partner. Shahdat focuses on program development and strategic partnerships, enhancing OCVC's offerings to portfolio companies.
Leo Wildeman - Consultant. Leo provides advisory services, leveraging his background in international business and investment.
Shahriar Islam Shojeb - Investment Associate. Shahriar is involved in deal sourcing and due diligence, contributing to OCVC's investment decisions.
Md. Shafayet Siddiquee - Investment Associate. Shafayet supports the investment team in evaluating potential opportunities and managing portfolio performance.
Faria Rahaman Sinthi - Investment Associate. Faria focuses on market research and analysis, helping to identify promising startups for investment.
Al Muksid Alvi - Senior Investment Analyst. Al Muksid plays a key role in financial modeling and analysis, providing insights that inform investment strategies.
Startups interested in pitching to Occean Venture should send their proposals via email to contact@occeanventure.com. It is recommended to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and team qualifications. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and while warm introductions can be beneficial, they are not strictly necessary.
Occean Venture offers a variety of programs designed to support startups in their growth journey. These include:
What are Occean Venture's investment criteria?
Occean Venture focuses on early and growth-stage startups, primarily in Bangladesh, but is open to global opportunities. They invest in sectors such as AI, Fintech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, Sustainability, Cybersecurity, AgTech, and Immersive Tech (AR/VR). Investment amounts range from $20,000 to $2 million.
How can startups apply or pitch to Occean Venture?
Startups can reach out to Occean Venture via email at contact@occeanventure.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and team background.
What makes Occean Venture different from other VC firms?
Occean Venture offers Shariah-compliant funding options, catering to the unique needs of the Muslim-majority market in Bangladesh. Additionally, they provide various programs including investment readiness, mentorship, and ESG compliance guidance.
What is the geographic scope of Occean Venture's investments?
While the primary focus is on Bangladesh, Occean Venture welcomes global investment opportunities, particularly those that align with their sector interests.
What kind of post-investment support does Occean Venture provide?
OCVC offers extensive support post-investment, including mentorship, market access assistance, and guidance on revenue scaling. They also help startups with ESG compliance and strategic advisory services.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Occean Venture typically invests between $20,000 and $2 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the stage and needs of the startup.
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