Community Bank launches 'Startup Nest'

In a landmark initiative for the country's startup ecosystem, Community Bank Bangladesh PLC has officially launched "Startup Nest", the country's first bank-led accelerator programme designed exclusively for startup companies.

The programme was inaugurated during the bank's sixth anniversary at Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, in the presence of the bank's Board of Directors.

Baharul Alam, BPM, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and Chairman of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC formally launched the programme.

Startup Nest aims to go beyond traditional financing by creating a supportive ecosystem where startups receive not only access to capital but also tailored banking solutions, expert mentorship, and valuable market connections.

Unlike conventional funding models, this accelerator embeds startups directly within the operational and institutional ecosystem of the bank. Participating ventures will be able to open accounts and integrate payment and collection systems quickly, with full access to the bank's digital APIs and fintech infrastructure.

In addition to these plug-and-play banking facilities, startups will receive training on financial management, corporate skills, regulatory compliance, and operational scaling-delivered by seasoned professionals and trainers of the bank.

KimiwaSaddat, Managing Director (Current Charge) of Community Bank Bangladesh, highlighted the bank's broader vision during his speech at the launch.

"Startup Nest is not just a financial initiative-it's a comprehensive platform to back the country's entrepreneurs with structure, guidance, and access. At Community Bank, we see our role as not just service providers but ecosystem enablers. Startups in Bangladesh need more than funding; they need mentorship, market access, and institutional trust. Startup Nest is our commitment to bridging that gap."

By launching Startup Nest, Community Bank positions itself as a pioneer in redefining the role of banking institutions in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The initiative marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh's startup journey, where financial institutions step up as active enablers of business innovation.