Ten years ago, if you told someone in Nepal you were building a startup, you might’ve gotten a polite nod — and a lot of confusion.
Today, it’s a different story.
The Nepal startup ecosystem is expanding faster than ever, with Nepal startups making their mark across industries from fintech to logistics. Cafes buzz with product demos. Coworking spaces are packed. New ideas are pitched every day. Nepal’s startup scene isn’t just growing — it’s waking up.
Startup growth in Nepal is no longer a quiet movement — it’s a wave, fueled by better access to funding, mentorship, and global markets.
And the next decade? It’s going to change everything.
The next decade will reshape the startup scene in Nepal — unlocking bigger opportunities, faster startup growth, and a future where entrepreneurship in Nepal is a serious force on the global stage.
Founders, dreamers, builders — this is your moment. As the future of startups in Nepal unfolds, the next decade promises to change everything for founders, investors, and the entrepreneurship scene in Nepal.
What Changed?
If you’re tracking the rise of startups in Nepal, these numbers speak volumes about the country’s growing startup ecosystem. Nepal may still be building its digital infrastructure, but it’s already earning global recognition.
Global Ecosystem Rank: 103rd
Nepal ranks 103rd in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, reflecting its growing presence in the international startup landscape — even as it builds core infrastructure and digital capacity.
Not bad for a country still building its digital infrastructure.
South Asia Rank: 5th (just behind India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka)
Nepal holds the 5th position in South Asia’s startup rankings, just behind India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — a strong indicator of its emerging role in the regional innovation space.
Kathmandu’s Rise:
The capital city jumped 55 spots in the 2024 Global Ecosystem Index — a massive nod to improvements in startup quality, deal flow, and digital visibility.
Total Number of Startups in Nepal: 3,330+
Nepal is now home to over 3,330 active startups, showing clear momentum in innovation and entrepreneurship—despite limited infrastructure and funding support.
Nepal Startup Funding: $225+ Million Raised
Collectively, Nepali startups have raised more than $225 million in funding so far.
While this may seem modest compared to global startup hubs, it marks a major milestone for a developing nation carving its space in the tech and business world.
Average Startup Funding in Nepal: $142,573
Most startups in Nepal are still in the early-stage funding phase, relying on seed rounds or bootstrapping. This suggests huge investment opportunities in Nepal’s startup ecosystem, especially for VCs and angel investors looking for untapped markets.
Three major shifts have cracked the ground open:
- Mindset Shift:
Founders are thinking bigger. Not just Kathmandu-big — global-big.
It’s not about “copy-paste” business models anymore. It’s about solving real problems with local insight and global ambition. - Access to Resources:
Coworking spaces, startup accelerators, incubators, and mentorship platforms (like MentorWho, Nepal Communitere, and others) are finally accessible — even outside of the capital. - Funding Momentum:
Local investors are paying attention. International VCs are starting to peek in. Even if early-stage funding is still tough, the doors are open wider than ever before.
Nepal’s startup story is still being written. Funding is growing. Support is expanding. Challenges are real — but so are the opportunities.
Why This Decade is Different?
The 2020s are not just another slow climb. They’re a launchpad.
Here’s a quick dive into Nepal’s startup ecosystem, and why the next 5 years matter more than ever:
Talent is Staying and Building:
More Nepalis are choosing to build here instead of leaving. Remote work and global markets make it possible.
The Market is Ready:
Internet penetration, mobile usage, digital payment systems — they’ve all exploded. The infrastructure to support startups is no longer a dream. It’s real.
Problems = Opportunities:
Healthcare, education, logistics, finance, agriculture — Nepal still has huge gaps. Gaps that smart founders can — and will — fill.
Support Systems are Maturing:
It’s not just about “great ideas” anymore. It’s about execution, funding, branding, legal structures, and scaling — and the ecosystem is learning fast.
What Founders Need to Remember?
Yes, opportunities are bigger. But so is the competition.
- Having an idea isn’t enough.
- Raising money isn’t the finish line.
- Building a sustainable, resilient business — that’s the real game.
Startups that survive and thrive in Nepal’s next decade will be the ones who:
- Solve real problems (not vanity problems)
- Move fast, learn faster
- Build strong brands, not just cheap copies
- Stay patient through slow growth phases
Final Thoughts: The Moment is Now
The world is changing. Nepal is changing. And the window of opportunity?
It’s wide open — but not forever. If you’re building something in Nepal today, you’re not ahead of your time. You’re right on time.
The next decade will create the next wave of Nepali success stories.
Will yours be one of them?
Ready to build your startup the smart way?
MentorWho is here to support you — from idea to execution.
