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📆 1st cohort graduates from Orange Corners Bangladesh
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After an intensive 6-month journey, packed with 13 training sessions, 5 masterclasses, 4 rounds of personalized coaching calls, 13 out of 14 enterprises from the inaugural cohort graduated from the Incubation programme by Orange Corners Bangladesh on December 28, 2023. A huge congratulations to BD Recycle Technologies Limited (BRTL), Boichitro.shop, CarboBang, Countree Agro, DRIP Irrigation BD Limited, Ecolery, Hydrosense, MasterCourse, Science Bee, Shapla, ToguMogu, Toyo, and Vertical Innovations!
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The journey of our inaugural cohort was truly remarkable. A total of 14 enterprises spanning diverse sectors such as Health & Hygiene, Agriculture, Circularity, Climate-tech, STEM & AR-based educational kits, Waste Management, etc. started their journey in July 2023 after being selected from 230 applicants. They were shortlisted through two rounds of application reviews and a rigorous Selection Boot Camp in June 2023. Learn more about the selected enterprises here.
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An Alumni Reception was held at Impact Hub Dhaka on January 18, 2024, which was graced by Her Excellency Irma van Dueren, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh; Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Thijs Woudstra, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh; Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, and representatives from partner organisations. We wish our alumni continued success, especially as they apply for funding through the Post-Incubation phase!
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🌟 Shaping our 2nd Cohort of the Incubation programme
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After a 3 month recruitment campaign, applications for our 2nd Cohort closed on 16th December, and we're thrilled by the enthusiastic response from young entrepreneurs aiming to make a social impact. We received more than 200 applications for the 2nd Cohort, which have gone through two rounds of application reviews. The top 20% teams attended a two-day Selection Boot Camp on January 23 and 24, 2024, which was packed with orientations, capacity-building sessions, a final chance to pitch to a jury panel to showcase their entrepreneurial prowess and secure a spot in our 2nd Cohort. To learn more about Orange Corners programme in Bangladesh and explore opportunities to join as participants or partners, visit our website or reach out to us at orangecornersbangladesh@gmail.com
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YY Ventures hosts inaugural Board Meeting
for Orange Corners Bangladesh
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YY Ventures recently hosted the inaugural Board Meeting of Orange Corners Bangladesh on January 18, 2024. This gathering marked the first convening of the Board since the programme's launch in February 2023. Discussions centered around key updates and initiatives undertaken in 2023, highlighting achievements, challenges, and targeted milestones for 2024 across the Pre-Incubation, Incubation, and Post-Incubation phases.
Chaired by Her Excellency Irma van Dueren, Ambassador of
the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, the Board
Meeting brought together essential stakeholders from the
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center, SAJIDA Foundation,
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| Unilever Bangladesh Limited, Embassy of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands to Bangladesh, and the Netherlands
Enterprise Agency. With the success of this meeting, we anticipate a year of collaborative efforts, welcoming new
participants and partners to further fortify the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh! |
✨ Empowering Conversations for Entrepreneurs
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On November 15, 2023, we hosted a panel discussion on "Unlocking Capital: Fundraising Strategies for Early-Stage Startups" at the EMK Center as part of our series of masterclasses for Orange Corners Bangladesh. The discussion covered crucial aspects of fundraising, such as timing for seed capital, investor identification, fundraising implications, preparation strategies, and process duration. Emphasizing the pivotal role of incubation programs, we highlighted their support for young founders, fostering skills, relationships, and a funding pipeline for success. A heartfelt applause to our outstanding speakers: Mirza Salman Hossain Beg, Co-founder and COO at 10 Minute School; Tazin Shadid, Co-founder and CEO of AmarLab; and Sarah Iqbal, Investment Manager at SAJIDA Foundation, as well as, the moderator Sadia Hossain, Chief Operating Officer of YY Ventures, for a truly dynamic session!
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Similarly on November 23, 2023, our panel discussion on "Growth Unleashed: Strategies for Early-Stage Success" was a resounding success. A round of applause for our exceptional speakers: Sylvana Q. Sinha, Founder, Chair, & CEO of Praava Health; Dr. Sebastian Groh, Managing Director of SOLShare; and Fahad Ifaz, Co-founder and CEO of iFarmer, for creating an engaging environment among the audience. Also moderated by Sadia Hossain, Chief Operating Officer of YY Ventures, this session served as an excellent platform for new entrepreneurs to explore exciting opportunities!
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📢 Supporting WASH entrepreneurs
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On October 12, we hosted a community pitch event at Impact Hub Dhaka for participants of the Young Water Fellowship Springboard Bangladesh 2023. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury from Dreamwater Enterprises Limited, MD. Rohan Kamal from EasySense, Bushra E Anjum, Baishakhi Alam & Samiur Ahmed from Shapla Wellbeing, Mubasshir Tahmid & Farha Binte Firhoz from Tetra, and Md Irfan from Ecofertilizer took the stage to showcase their innovative products. Engaging with key stakeholders from the WASH ecosystem of Bangladesh, including Max Foundation, Water.org, and more, participants gained valuable insights. We extend our best wishes to these entrepreneurs as they progress through the springboard program, and are now gearing up to raise funding for their impactful enterprises!
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🌐 YY Ventures inspiring Innovation at East Delta University
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Our colleagues, Shazeeb M Khairul Islam and Mustain Karim Chowdhury, graced East Delta University's Foundry event on December 7, 2023. Shazeeb shared insights on his entrepreneurial journey, and his thoughts on the progress made by EDU’s of Foundry Cohort 1. Mustain also spoke about the Orange Corners programme in Bangladesh, calling for young entrepreneurs to apply for the 2nd Cohort. After the event, they explored opportunities for collaborations with EDU, envisioning an expanded impact for the Foundry in Chittagong.
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🏆 Meet the winner of Social Fiction Design Competition
We're thrilled to announce Amit Kumar Mishra from Nepal as the winner of our Social Fiction Design Competition! Amit's vision for 2050 captivated us, which he narrates beautifully through the story of Parth, a blind boy returning from Mars to a greener, eco-friendly world—a testament to humanity's collective drive for a brighter future. Learn more about the top social fiction here, which has been shortlisted from 656 submissions from 43 countries.
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🎉 Celebrating 3000+ 3ZERO Clubs Worldwide
We are thrilled to share the news of reaching 3000+ 3ZERO Clubs worldwide and uniting over 15,000 passionate young minds across 54 countries across 5 continents to tackle critical issues such as Environment and Climate Change, Employment, Health and Wellbeing, Agriculture, and Social Business - one community at a time!
This incredible journey wouldn't have been possible without the support of our 3Z Support Persons, 3Z Support Organizations, and Affiliating Institutes. Together, our mission is to shape a world of three zeros: zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty, and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in all. Follow our Facebook page to learn more about our global 3ZERO Club initiative!
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🇨🇫 Our mission in Central African Republic
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In collaboration with Welthungerhilfe, Concern Worldwide, and Tearfund, YY Ventures is actively engaged in the Integrated Support Project for Agro-pastoral Revival and Value Chain Development (PAIA-CVCAF) in the Central African Republic (CAR). Spanning nine prefectures, including Bimbo, Mbiki, Boali, Damara, and others, our joint efforts target the revitalization of the agricultural sector, impacting 14,500 rural households and around 87,000 beneficiaries. Our initiative includes a comprehensive feasibility study, field surveys, and a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Bangui, fostering collaboration among various organizations.
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🇺🇬 Updates from Bridging Gaps in Uganda
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In Uganda, Bridging Gaps has initiated a transformative project in the Bidibidi Refugee Settlement since October 2023. This project aims to empower 15 local entrepreneurs, with a focus on at least 50% women, through entrepreneurship training, microloans, mentors, and ongoing coaching. The innovative approach integrates training with local entrepreneurial initiatives, emphasizing proactive loan management and creating a positive ripple effect within the community. Successful entrepreneurs will be empowered to become trainers, extending the impact and fostering community-wide growth. We’re excited to back Bridging Gaps and support entrepreneurs in refugee settlements in Uganda!
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🌐 Representing Bangladesh at Obama Foundation's
Democracy Forum
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In November, our Founder and Managing Director Shazeeb M Khairul Islam, was invited to join the Obama Foundation's Democracy Forum in Chicago, USA, which brought together democracy experts, civil society, funders, policymakers, business and tech leaders, and young leaders for a deep dive into today’s increasingly challenging information environment. The Forum explored the intersection between technology and democracy, especially given the rapid rise of generative AI and the continued challenges of issues such as disinformation.
As a part of the foundation’s working group on inclusive
capitalism to strengthen democracy, Shazeeb shared
his ideas and thoughts within the group that has been
pivotal to driving
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| this conversation forward and shaping President Obama’s thinking on the issue. He believes that the road to inclusive capitalism is not without its challenges, but the forum reinforced for him the importance of our collective efforts to drive positive change. See more photos from the event here. |
Team Highlights
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Congratulations, Mahmudul!
We celebrate Mahmudul Haque Shawon as he takes on the role of Software Development Engineer from December 2023. Mahmudul has been an integral part of our journey this last year. In this role, he will continue to bring his exceptional skills and commitment to our team, steering us toward even greater heights!
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Welcome to the team, Iloera, Farhia, Amaya, Humaira & Tamara!
Join us in welcoming Iloera Muqtadir Era as a Creative Design Associate, Farhia Tabassum Hoque as Programs Coordinator, Amaya Vizmanos as an Intern for 3Z Global Centre, Humaira Adiba as Executive Business Partner, and Tamara Akram as Associate for 3Z Global Centre on our staff team. We are thrilled to have them on board, bringing their valuable skills, experiences, and innovative thinking to YY Ventures. Here's to new beginnings and shared success!
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🚀 Join Our Dynamic Team!
Join our vibrant team and embark on a journey of innovation and impact! Apply now by sending your resume and a one-page cover letter to careers@yy.ventures. Don't miss out – we're reviewing applications continuously. Your next big adventure starts here! Learn more about each role at https://yy.ventures/talents
Exciting opportunities wait for dynamic individuals ready to make a difference:
👉 Associate, Programs
👉 Senior Manager, Programs
👉 Associate, Communications
👉 Manager, Creative Design
👉 Director, Partnerships & Business Development
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Get in Touch
+8801329744861
9th floor, Grameen Telecom Bhaban, Mirpur 1, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
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