Once seen as a quiet corner of South Asia, Nepal is now buzzing with entrepreneurial energy, innovative ventures, and increasing global attention. With over 3,330 active startups and growing interest from global investors, the country is making waves in the startup world—without Silicon Valley perks.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or startup enthusiast, here’s a 2025 update you don’t want to miss.
Key Startup Statistics in Nepal (2025)
If you’re tracking the rise of startups in Nepal, these numbers speak volumes about the country’s growing startup ecosystem.
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.
Nepal on the Global Startup Map
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.
Why This Matters?
Nepal may not yet be a top destination for VCs, but its youthful population, rising internet access, and government-led startup policies are laying down fertile ground.
Sectors Powering Nepal’s Startup Boom
From digital wallets to drones, Nepal’s startup ecosystem is no longer one-dimensional—it’s bold, diverse, and solving real-world problems across industries.
Fintech in Nepal
Startups like Khalti and eSewa are transforming how people in Nepal pay, save, and access financial services—paving the way for financial inclusion and a cashless economy.
EdTech Startups in Nepal
With platforms like Programiz, learning is going online, interactive, and accessible—especially for students in rural regions. A true game-changer for education and skills in Nepal.
AgriTech
Innovators like Smart Krishi are transforming Nepal’s agriculture sector by connecting farmers with real-time market prices, expert advice, and modern farming techniques—bridging the gap between tradition and technology.
AI & Robotics
From building humanoid robots to smart automation tools, companies like Paaila Technology are putting Nepal on the map for AI innovation and robotics.
Roadblocks Facing Startups in Nepal
Let’s keep it real—Nepal’s startup growth story is impressive, but it’s not without its challenges. Founders are moving fast, but a few roadblocks continue to slow things down:
Limited Access to Late-Stage Capital
While seed funding is picking up, most startups in Nepal struggle to scale due to a lack of Series A and beyond investors ready to fuel growth.
Infrastructure Gaps
From logistics to digital payments, fragmented infrastructure makes it harder for startups to deliver seamless customer experiences—especially outside urban areas.
Bureaucratic Hurdles
Startup registration and compliance processes in Nepal are still slow and outdated, draining founders’ energy and slowing down momentum when it’s needed most.
But with a young population, growing digital literacy, and supportive government policies, these challenges are being tackled—one startup at a time.
So, Is Nepal the Next Big Startup Hub?
Not yet. But it’s building the runway.
Nepal isn’t competing to be the next Silicon Valley. It’s carving its own identity—rooted in community, creativity, and resilience. And if the last few years are any indication, the next wave of breakout startups might just come from a small, mountainous country ready to leap forward.
What do you think Nepal’s startup ecosystem needs most right now—more capital, mentorship, or global partnerships? And if you’re building something bold in Nepal—we’re cheering for you.
Over to you: Are You Building Something Bold?
Whether you’re at the idea stage, scaling your startup, or stuck in-between—you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Join MentorWho’s Startup Acceleration & Mentorship Program—designed for first-time founders, early-stage teams, and bold dreamers who are serious about building Nepal’s next big thing.
💡 Hands-on mentoring
📈 Real startup challenges
🤝 Peer-to-peer growth
🌐 Global network access
Apply now and take your startup journey to the next level. Because the future of Nepal’s startup scene needs YOU in it.
