You’ve got a startup idea. Maybe you’ve already built something.
But now you’re asking the question every founder in Nepal asks sooner or later:
How do I get funding to grow my starup?
The truth? There’s no magic formula. But there is a process.
This blog breaks down real, practical ways to get startup funding in Nepal, including grants, investors, competitions, and more.
Whether you’re bootstrapping or preparing your first pitch, here’s what you need to know.
Make Sure Your Startup Is Fundable First
Before you go after any form of funding, ask yourself the hard questions:
Are you solving a real problem? Do you have any proof that people want what you’re building? Can you explain, in one sentence, where the money will go?
If the answer is no, don’t pitch yet. Keep building. Keep talking to users. Keep iterating.
Funding doesn’t come from having the perfect deck—it comes from having clarity.
Before asking for funding, ask yourself:
- Do I solve a real problem?
- Do I have proof of demand?
- Can I explain clearly where the money will go?
- Investors don’t fund potential. They fund progress.
Even a small number of users or revenue helps you stand out.
Use Your Own Resources First Before Seeking Startup Funding
If you haven’t invested in your own idea yet, you’re not ready to raise money. That doesn’t mean you need to pour your entire savings into your startup. But it does mean you should be the first one to believe in it enough to take action.
Build something. Even a basic version of your product. Try to get a few users. Show traction, even if it’s small. When you do that, your credibility increases. You’re showing—not just saying—that your idea has value. That’s what early-stage investors look for in Nepal. They don’t invest in ideas. They invest in commitment.
Friends and Family: The First Source of Startup Capital
Funding from friends and family is common in Nepal. Most early-stage Nepali founders start here. And that’s okay.
But don’t approach your friends and family casually. Don’t say, “Please invest.” Treat it like a real funding round. Share your business plan. Tell them clearly how you’ll use the money. Make sure they understand the risks. Let them decide whether it’s a loan or equity—and document everything.
When done right, this step gives you your first financial backing and helps you build the confidence to approach formal investors later. Keep it professional, even with close people.
Apply for Business Grants in Nepal
Yes, Nepal has startup grants. Not many—but a few that matter.
IDEA Studio Nepal offers support for early-stage ideas with social impact. The National Youth Council occasionally rolls out funding programs for youth-led startups. And UKAID’s Samarth program has previously supported innovations in agriculture and enterprise development.
Follow these programs closely on social media and websites. Grant windows don’t stay open for long, and they often require detailed applications. Tailor your pitch to each grant provider’s goals—don’t use the same deck or proposal everywhere.
Track their announcements. These grant calls open briefly and fill fast.
Join Startup Pitch Competitions in Nepal
Startup pitch competitions are a great way to get: Seed money, Feedback on your idea, Media exposure and investor interest. If you’re not entering startup competitions in Nepal, you’re missing more than just prize money.
These events bring you exposure, feedback, and access to people who can open doors—mentors, partners, even investors. Some popular ones include Youth Co:Lab by UNDP, Hult Prize Nepal, Startup World Cup Nepal, and competitions hosted by National Innovation Center.
Even if you don’t win, being shortlisted gives your startup visibility. And trust me, you learn a lot about how to pitch when you’re on that stage.
Approach Angel Investors in Nepal with a Clear Pitch
Nepal has a growing network of angel investors for startups—but they won’t respond well to cold emails or random DMs.
Instead, build visibility. Attend startup events like Mentorwho Startup Workshop, Udhyami Yatra. Engage with the local startup community on LinkedIn. Share your progress publicly—updates, wins, lessons learned. Build credibility over time, not in a single message. Then ask for warm intros through mentors or accelerator programs.
When you do reach out, don’t just ask for money. Share what you’ve achieved. Invite them to a conversation. People invest in progress—not potential.
Join a Startup Incubator or Accelerator in Nepal
Incubators and accelerators can be a game changer for early-stage startups in Nepal. They offer mentorship, help you build a solid business model, connect you with networks, and sometimes even provide seed funding or help you raise it.
Some trusted names include Idea Studio Nepal, Mentorwho. These programs are selective, but if you get in, the value goes beyond just funding. They help you become fundable.
Incubators provide more than mentorship—they open doors to funding. Some offer small capital, others help you prepare for funding rounds.
Check their application cycles. Many open annually.
Consider Crowdfunding for Product-Based Startups
Crowdfunding is still new in Nepal, but it’s worth exploring if you’re building a product or something with global appeal. Platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, can be effective—if you do it right.
You’ll need a compelling story, a clear reward structure, and professional visuals. But most importantly, you need to drive your own traffic. Your campaign won’t go viral unless you hustle for it.
Crowdfunding isn’t free money. It’s marketing + storytelling + proof of interest.
Apply for Startup Loans from Banks in Nepal
Getting a loan for a startup in Nepal isn’t easy—but it’s possible. Traditional banks aren’t startup-friendly. But some have started youth business loan programs in Nepal. Banks like NMB, Global IME Bank’s SME loans, and Nabil Bank’s Women Entrepreneur loans have started offering SME loans and youth-focused startup schemes. These loans typically require business registration, a PAN or VAT number, and in most cases, collateral or a personal guarantee.
Start by walking into your local branch and asking directly: Who should I talk to about youth or startup loans? You’ll often need to follow up multiple times, but persistence matters.
Track Government Startup Funds and Updates
Yes, startup grants in Nepal exist—if you know where to look. The Government of Nepal has talked about startup funds, drafted policies, and proposed schemes.
Execution? It’s slow.
Still, stay informed. Follow updates from the Ministry of Industry, Startup Policy Nepal (still in draft), and Digital Nepal Framework programs. These initiatives are gaining momentum, and when funding windows open, they go unnoticed by many.
Your edge is in staying alert. They might not be consistent—but when it opens, you’ll want to be first.
Conclusion: What’s Your Next Move to Get Funded in Nepal?
There’s no single path to funding in Nepal. But you don’t need to wait for a “perfect” pitch deck or investor to get started.
Focus on building. Keep showing traction. Apply. Pitch. Improve.
Got a Business Idea but Not Sure How to Start?
That’s exactly why MentorWho exists. If you have a business idea but feel stuck, lost, or unsure where to begin—we’re here to support you.
Our incubation and accelerator programs are designed to guide you step by step.
You’ll get access to:
- Experienced mentors
- Practical training
- Real startup-building support
- And when you’re ready—investment opportunities
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Join MentorWho and turn your idea into a real, fundable business.
What are you waiting for?
