Business Stories

Top Crowdfunding Websites for Your Start-Up

In the last couple of years, crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have opened up whole new door of opportunity for budding entrepreneurs. Although they have been around for almost 10 years, only in the late 2012 did they start gaining substantial traction. With mega successful projects such as the “Pebble Time” and “Flow Hive” these websites have solidified themselves as a prominent and reliable source of funding for entrepreneurs with a dream.

So, let’s look into these sites individually to you can figure out suits you best for moving forward with your business.

1. Kickstarter:

After it’s inception in April 28, 2009 by Perry Chen, Yancey Strickler, and Charles Adler Kickstarter worked forward with the mission to, “help bring creative projects to life”. They are most notable for successfully funding the ” Pebble Time” smartwatch.

In Kickstarter, project creators have to categorize their products out of the 13 categories and 36 subcategories determined by the site. A specific goal and time limit has to by the creator. Only if the required funds are pledged by backers within the time limit, the entrepreneur is allowed to withdraw the money. But if the required funds could not be collected within that time, no funds are collected. Kickstarter themselves takes a 5% fee on the total amount raised while their payment processor shaves off another 3-5%.

2. Indiegogo:

Beginning in 2008, Indiegogo was run solely on a reward based system. That means donors and backers receive gifts or privileges for their contributions rather than equity stake at the company. Only recently after the 2016 changes in rules of Security and Exchange Commission, the company has started to offer equity-based campaigns by partnering with MicroVentures. ( Wikipedia )

Indiegogo differs from Kickstarter in quite a few ways. For starters, projects creators can keep the amount they raised even if was lower than their set goal ( something Kickstarter doesn’t allow ). Second, Indiegogo is a little more flexible with it’s categorization policy. While in Kickstarter you have to specify a product, there isn’t that much focus on it in Indiegogo.

Just like Kickstarter, Indiegogo takes a 5% fee as well as additional fees for processing payment.

3. iFundWomen:

iFundWomen – Just the name alone is enough to give you an idea what this website is all about. Yes, you guessed correctly, encouraging more female entrepreneurship.

While being similar to Kickstarter and Indiegogo in it’s reward based system, this company has a few quirks of it’s own. Like Indiegogo this platform also lets the project creator keep the amount they raised while taking a 5% fee. But what they do next sets them apart from the rest. 20% of all their earnings go back into supporting women entrepreneurs.

Also, they provide extra services such as startup coaching to make sure female entrepreneurs have all the fighting chance in the highly competitive startup game.

4. CircleUp:

This platform is a departure from the type of crowdfunding sites we saw previously. Mainly because it runs on a equity and credit based system rather than a reward based one.

CircleUp specializes in an early stage consumer products. They offer services ranging form access to credit, information from machine learning technology and connections with accredited investors.

The selection process for CircleUp is intensely rigorous. So, it’s more for startups that already found a footing and needs funds for scaling up.

5. SeedInvest:

SeedInvest is an equity-based funding company that focuses on technology startups.

It gives entrepreneurs access to accredited investors alongside non- accredited investors. With a 7.5% funding fee for successful projects, SeedInvest is certainly the most expensive of all the companies featured in this article. It also follows a “all or nothing” policy. As you can’t keep any fund raised if the goals are not met.

All these crowdfunding sites offer very different funding services from each other. It is up to entrepreneurs to decide what they need and choose the platform that is best suitable for their startups.

Contributor: Touseef Salam| Studying at Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University, Bangladesh.

Note: These are not Official Ranking From Any Established Authority. Business Haunt Picked Them Randomly and Placed on the Base of Popularity and Internet Source.

Business Stories

Future of IT in Bangladesh

Information Technology ( IT ) has changed the world in modern days. IT is the special use of computers to store, extract, transmit and manipulate data or information. IT is considered as a subset of Information And Communication Technology. Humans have been storing, extracting, transmitting and manipulating data or information as a written format since Mesopotamia. Modern day technologies have upgraded the system and made unlimited storage.

Over the last 7 years, the offshore IT market of Bangladesh has grown at a good rate. In fact Bangladesh has already become one of the best places for IT players in recent years. With the ability to operate at least 20-30% lower cost than any other countries of South Asia, Bangladesh gives a large entry-level workforce.

The IT industry in Bangladesh helps the national economy a lot. This industry not only helps the national economy but also creates a prestigious position in the global market. The domestic market size was US$ 0.9-1.1 billion in 2017. But in 2020 the size is US$ 2.3-2.6 billion and the income is increasing. As a result the government of Bangladesh has given their interest in this sector already. Bangladesh has a large population and they are really interested to work in this sector. On the other hand, the cost of working in Bangladesh is really less than other Asian countries like India, Philippines, Pakistan etc. So the present state of IT industry in Bangladesh is really good.

An IT based company wants a lot of things and Bangladesh is completing those wants. Supply of electricity is the first basic wants of a company. Bangladesh is producing as much as electricity. So there will be no load shedding in future. Then Bangladesh is connected with SEA-ME-WE 6 fibre cable. So the internet speed is good enough and increasing day by day. An IT company needs that type of internet speed.

Bangladesh is a country where anyone can build a business and carry on that. People easily get attached with those products. An IT company produces software, cloud computers, databases etc and people of Bangladesh always accept them properly. So the foreign investors are finding interest in investing in the IT sectors of Bangladesh. As we can see, the future is really bright for the IT sector.

Moreover the government will make 100% corporate tax exemption till 2024 and 80% VAT exemption on rentals and utilities. The Bangladesh government is setting up 25 high-tech parks and software parks across the country. The decision ‘50% personal income tax reduction for foreign employees for 3 years’ has given a wide range for the foreigners to work with this country’s people.

Every year a lot of students are completing their graduation, post-graduation degree and trying their best to get a job. Unfortunately there are not enough job opportunities in Bangladesh. In this case the IT sector is creating a big space. In an IT company an employer doesn’t need to be physically present. So he/she can work from a long distance.

Bangladesh is mainly focused in the USA and the UK based IT sectors. Now the situation is changing and other rich European countries are also beneficial for the future of Bangladesh. So Bangladeshi IT companies are searching for the future market for Bangladesh in those countries.

Bangladesh has limited liabilities but if the people utilizes these properly, the situation will improve. Bangladesh has the potential to play multiple roles in the service delivery portfolios of global companies. Bangladesh can be called a hub for the regional market. As the domestic market is poised with remarkable growth, the government as well as private sectors will invest a lot in the IT industry in future. So the future of this industry is really on top of the mark.

Bangladesh offers a compelling blend of quality talent at a lower cost with a risk profile much lower than commonly perceived. The proposition is further accentuated with sensible government support to boost foreign investments. Bangladesh has positioned herself as a strong contender for companies appraising locations for the next wave of cost arbitrage. There are certain challenges regarding infrastructure, talent adjustability and data protection. However the government and industry have adopted bold measures to assuage their impact and create a harmonious ecosystem for the growth of the IT sector. It is important for companies to consider Bangladesh to understand the nature of risks that exist and how they compare with other peer emerging locations in order to make an informed decision based on the ability to manage or mitigate such risks.

Written By

Md. Istiak Ahmed
Faculty Of Business Studies 10th Batch
Department Of Management
Session: 2019-2020
Mawlana Bhashani Science And Technology University, Santosh, Tangail.

Top 10 Global

Top 10 Tiles And Ceramics Companies in Bangladesh

top 10 tiles and ceremics companies in bangladesh

In Bangladesh, people use tiles and ceramics to decorate their houses, gardens, and office premises, and to add an extra layer of beauty to the buildings. Tiles and Ceramics Companies are silently booming in Bangladesh and there are a number of tiles and ceramics companies who are doing great over the years in Bangladesh. Under a trade body named Bangladesh Ceramic, Manufacture & Export Association (BCMEA), Bangladesh has international standard export-oriented companies of tiles and ceramics too. The tiles and ceramics of these companies are really good. All of these companies are showing their abilities to beat the competitive market. We have gathered here 10 Tiles and Ceramics Companies in Bangladesh.

List of Top 10 Tiles and Ceramics Company In Bangladesh

1. DBL Ceramics Limited

DBL Ceramics Limited is one of the leading ceramics tiles manufacturers in Bangladesh. At the end of 2016, DBL started its operations and in this short period of time using creativity and unique design, this company has come a long way. This company is passionate about continuously learning, growing, and serving and they always care for its customers, associations, stockholders. The products of this company are Polish, Porcelain, Wall Tiles, Technical Porcelain, Decor Tiles in various designs as well as shades.

Address: 2^nd Floor, House 10, Road 04, Gulshan-1, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh | Phone: +880-2-9127574

2. PORCELANOSA Tiles Bangladesh

Porcelanosa Grupo is a Spanish brand. In association with Nupami Bangladesh Ltd. Porcelanosa had launched its product in Bangladesh. This Spanish multinational brand offers a large range of products to the customers and their products are really world-class. The main products of this company Floor Tiles ( ceramic stone, ceramic parquet, porcelain tiles, anti-slip flooring ), Wall tiles, Kitchens( kitchen furniture, kitchen taps), Bathroom Equipment Solutions ( rain shower, shower rings, bathroom taps, bathroom accessories)

Address: Nupami BD Ltd. 40/7 North Avenue, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212. Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 01793 5677404 | Website: bd.nupami.com

3. BRAVAT Bangladesh

BRAVAT is a German multinational company and committed to building an elegant style with premium quality. This company always keeps its eye on their customers to know the customer’s tastes so that they can make the best product. This sanitary ware manufacturer company which produces luxurious, stylish, charming, brightening products like an electronic faucet, magic cube, square round, countertop basin, semi-recessed basin, under counter basin, intelligent toilet, bathtub, bath furniture, shower enclosure, etc are favorite to their customer.

Address: Dahmashi Trading Company Limited, House 34 (First Floor), Road 19/A, Block E, Banani, Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh | Phone: +880 2 9840545, 9820909 | Website: www.bravat.com.bd

4. MIR Ceramic Ltd

Mir Ceramic Ltd is a Bangladeshi company. This company is one of the leading ceramic and porcelain tiles manufacturer companies in Bangladesh. This company was established in 2001. In 2002, this company started commercial production. Italian brand SCAMPI has provided all the machinery for this company. This company produces porcelain tiles, ceramic wall tiles, granite floor tiles, homogenous stair tiles, industry tiles. Another special product of this company is Mir polished tiles.

Address: House # 13, Road # 12, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka – 1209, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 02 8110131

5. Great Wall Ceramic Industries Ltd

Great wall ceramic ltd is the largest tiles and ceramic manufacturer of Bangladesh. The world-renowned Thai brand name COTTO in association with Bangladeshi brand CHARU used to run this company. This company is enriched with various designs and technologies. This company serves the desire of the customers. Quality products and best service to the customers, employees working environment is good, profitable, and responsible growth are the vision of this company. Different sized ceramic wall tiles, rustic wall tiles, homogenous, homogeneous & porcellanato print, décor, and border are the product of this company.

Address: 28, Navana Zohura Square, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Bangla Motor, Dhaka – 1000, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 02-55168031| Factory Address: Gilarchala Sreepur, Gazipur, Bangladesh.

6. China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd

China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd also known as CBC Tiles is one of the top ceramic manufacturing companies. It was founded in 2001. It is a joint venture in private between Bangladesh and China. This company has sophisticated technology which helps them to produce quality products. This company is successfully producing a wide range of ceramic wall tiles, floor tiles, decor tiles, glazed porcelain tiles, border tiles, homogeneous tiles.

Address: National Plaza (4th & 5th floor), 109, Bir Uttam C. R. Dutta Road, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88-02-9668278-9 | Factory Address: Tarabo, Rupgonj, Narayanganj, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88-02-7453908 | Showroom Address: Noorjahan Bhaban (1st floor), 23, Poribag, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh. | Phone : +88-02-9612986

7. Akij Ceramics Limited

Akij Ceramics Ltd is a Bangladeshi company. It was established in 2012. Since the establishment, with hard work, innovation and patronage from the customer, this company is getting stronger. Nowadays, this company has become one of the strongest players in the tiles industry of Bangladesh. This company uses international standard machines to make products best from all. Wall tiles, homogenous floor tiles, ceramic floor tiles, porcelain printed floor tiles are the main product of this company. This company also produces a premium bathroom and kitchen tiles called VANITA.

Address: 4th floor, Akij House, 198, Bir Uttam Mir Shawkat Sarak, Gulshan Tejgaon Link Road, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. | Phone: +880 1755621492-3 | Factory Address: Trishal, Mymensingh

8. RAK Ceramics (BD) Ltd

RAK Ceramics is a multinational ceramics tiles manufacturer. This company is situated in the UAE. In 1998, UAE-Bangladesh joint venture project named RAK Ceramics (BD) Ltd started running under the rules of a private limited company act 1994. This company is one of the leading ceramic solution lifestyle providers. Using the experience, the product range of this company has enlarged a lot. Ceramic wall and floor tiles, décor and borders, junior tiles collection, rustic glazed tile, industrial tiles, grease porcelain tiles, sanitary ware are the main product of this company. Different types of accessories like paper holder, urinal bowl, towel rail, shelf, bidet, soap case are also made by this company.

Address: RAK Tower, Plot#1/A, Jashimuddin Avenue, Sector # 3, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka – 1230, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 02 8917393

9. Star Ceramics Bangladesh Limited

Star Ceramics Bangladesh Limited was founded in 2012. This is a Lebanese Bangladeshi joint venture ceramic tiles and sanitary ware manufacturing company. This company always keeps its focus on the quality of the products, customer satisfaction, and various innovative designs. This company makes world-class products by understanding the customers’ needs and requirements. Enriched with the latest technology and modern equipment, this company makes tiles and sanitary wares.

Address: Star Ceramics Limited. House # 44, Road # 10, Sector # 11, Uttara, Dhaka–1230, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 02 8950384

10. X Ceramics Ltd

X Monica is The Italian Brand Tiles. Established in 2008 in Bangladesh, this company has become one of the leading tiles manufacturers in Bangladesh. A large amount of research, customer interaction, and a good production line has helped this company to establish in Bangladesh. The main fact is that this company adopted cutting edge technology which helped this to overcome a large distance in the market. Wall tiles, floor tiles are the main product of this company.

Address: Index Point, Road 12, Plot 34, Baridhara Diplomatic Zone, Dhaka – 1212, Bangladesh. | Phone: +88 01755-555133

Sources: Wikipedia, Bangladesh Business Directory

Contributor: Md. Istiak Ahmed | From Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University

Note: These are not Official Ranking From Any Established Authority. Business Haunt Picked Them Randomly and Placed on the Base of Popularity and Internet Source.