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YY Ventures is a social business incubator and investment organization founded in February 2016 and established as YY Ventures Limited in March 2019. Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the organization focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs who are addressing social and environmental challenges, particularly in the areas of carbon emissions, poverty, and unemployment. Since its inception, YY Ventures has positively impacted over 1 million lives through its support of 131 enterprises, with a significant focus on women-led businesses.
The organization operates with a mission to empower entrepreneurs in overlooked communities, providing them with the necessary resources to launch their ventures. YY Ventures has developed a strong reputation for its commitment to social impact, particularly in Bangladesh, where it has established itself as a key player in the incubation space. The firm has also engaged with various stakeholders, including family foundations, impact funds, and government agencies, to advance their social impact agendas.
YY Ventures invests in early-stage, cause-driven businesses primarily in Bangladesh, with a particular emphasis on addressing social and environmental issues. The organization targets sectors such as climate and healthcare, focusing on overlooked communities that face significant challenges. Their investment strategy includes providing pre-seed funding ranging from BDT 1.0-1.5M (approximately $9K-$14K) to help entrepreneurs launch their minimum viable products and secure seed capital.
In addition to financial support, YY Ventures offers comprehensive incubation services, including training, consultation, co-working space, and access to a network of investors. The organization actively seeks partnerships with entrepreneurship support organizations in several African countries, expanding its reach and impact. YY Ventures emphasizes social impact in its investment decisions, particularly in areas such as carbon emissions, poverty alleviation, and unemployment reduction.
YY Ventures has supported over 131 enterprises, contributing to the creation of more than 2,000 jobs. Notable portfolio companies include:
YY Ventures has a diverse portfolio that reflects its commitment to social impact and support for women-led businesses. The organization continues to engage with entrepreneurs to foster growth and innovation in Bangladesh.
Shazeeb M Khairul Islam: Founder & Managing Director. Shazeeb has a background in social entrepreneurship and has led various initiatives aimed at empowering communities in Bangladesh.
Sadia Hossain: Chief Operating Officer. Sadia brings extensive experience in operations and management, focusing on optimizing the incubation process for entrepreneurs.
Abdullah Al Muhaimin: Deputy Manager, Creative Design. Abdullah specializes in creative solutions and branding for startups.
Abir Dey: Deputy Manager, MEAL. Abir focuses on monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within the organization.
Akkie Okma: Technical Advisor. Akkie provides technical expertise and guidance to portfolio companies.
Ankita Shohel: Manager, 3Z Global Centre. Ankita manages initiatives aimed at fostering global partnerships.
Fairana Afsana: Associate, Programs. Fairana supports program development and execution for entrepreneurs.
Farhia Tabassum Hoque: Senior Manager, Programs. Farhia oversees program operations and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
Ilma Chowdhury: Manager, Finance & Accounts. Ilma manages financial operations and reporting for YY Ventures.
Mohammad Ragib Rakesh: Partnerships Manager. Ragib focuses on building relationships with stakeholders and partners.
Tazin Shadid: Chairman. Tazin provides strategic oversight and governance for the organization.
To pitch YY Ventures, entrepreneurs should send an email to info@yy.ventures. It is important to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, social impact, and market analysis. YY Ventures prefers pitches that demonstrate a clear understanding of the social issues being addressed and the potential for scalability.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. YY Ventures encourages warm introductions through mutual connections, which can enhance the chances of securing a meeting.
YY Ventures runs several programs aimed at supporting social entrepreneurs, including:
These programs are integral to YY Ventures' mission of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering social impact in Bangladesh.
In recent months, YY Ventures has continued to expand its impact by supporting social entrepreneurs through various initiatives. The organization has actively engaged with the community, providing updates on their activities and achievements through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
YY Ventures has also been involved in hosting events such as alumni receptions and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs. These events foster networking opportunities and provide valuable resources for participants.
What are the investment criteria for YY Ventures?
YY Ventures focuses on early-stage, cause-driven businesses that address social and environmental challenges, particularly in Bangladesh. They prioritize ventures that have a clear social impact and are often led by women.
How can entrepreneurs apply or pitch to YY Ventures?
Entrepreneurs can reach out to YY Ventures via email at info@yy.ventures to inquire about the application process. It is advisable to provide a detailed overview of the business model and social impact during the initial outreach.
What makes YY Ventures different from traditional venture capital firms?
YY Ventures operates as a social business incubator, focusing on incubation services and support rather than solely financial investment. They provide training, consultation, and access to a network of investors, which is not typically offered by traditional VC firms.
What is the geographic scope of YY Ventures?
YY Ventures primarily invests in Bangladesh but also collaborates with entrepreneurship support organizations in several African countries, expanding its impact beyond South Asia.
What is the typical check size for investments?
YY Ventures provides pre-seed investments ranging from BDT 1.0-1.5M (approximately $9K-$14K) per company, aimed at helping entrepreneurs launch their minimum viable products.
What kind of post-investment involvement does YY Ventures have?
YY Ventures remains actively involved with its portfolio companies by providing ongoing support through training, consultation, and access to resources that help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
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