Underrepresentation of women in technology is a global phenomenon. It is no different in Bangladesh either, more so because representation of women in overall business ecosystem is slim in Bangladesh. There might be many reasons but more plausible few are: culture and lack of role models.
As part of our effort to inspire more women to come and start tech companies, here are 4 tech startups founded by women and doing well.
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JeteChao
Jetechao.com is an event listing platform based in Dhaka. Launched in early this year, Jetechao aims to become a home to all happenings in Dhaka.
Founded by Mehnaz Tabassum and Reem Shamsuddoha, JeteChao aims to become a source of enjoyment, a guide to explore Dhaka, and something that helps one to get rid of boredom when also enriching life. While listing events, that are happening, about to happen, in Dhaka, JeteChao also plans to personalize events search on its platform and connect one with the events he/she is looking for. According to SimilarWeb data the site attracted around 2k desktop visitors in September.
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Maya.com.bd
Founded by Ivy Huq Russell, Maya is a Bangladesh based technology company dedicated to connecting women with the information they are looking for, when they are looking for it. Maya’s high quality health and social content along with on demand Q&A service, Maya Apa, helps break down barriers for women.
Ivy Huq Russell, a former investment banker, Founded Maya with a vision to empower women through giving them access to information and a shared community. After beta launch in September 2011, Maya is now a home to Bangladeshi women seeking community, advice, and support for a better life.
Maya has its ups and downs but it is solving a very critical problem in Bangladesh. There is a dearth of Bangla content online and there is not many support network out there for women in Bangladesh. Maya has become a home to many women in Bangladesh who could not find a place to seek advice and support otherwise. According to SimilarWeb Data, the site attracted around 9k desktop visitors in September.
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Shohoz.com is a premium online travel service provider offering bus tickets, hotel reservations, and launch tickets.
Maliha M Quadir is the founding managing director of Shohoz.com. Maliha has extensive experiences in digital services and investment banking industry. She recently ran Vistaprint’s digital business in global emerging markets out of Singapore. Prior to Shohoz, she worked at Morgan Stanley in New York, Standard Chartered Bank in Singapore, Vistaprint, and Nokia. Shohoz is already doing pretty well so far we know. However, this just the beginning and the startup has a long way to go. According to SimilarWeb, Shohoz website attracted around 70k desktop visitors in September.
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Meenu Apa
Founded by Sumbal Momen, Meenu Apa is a women focused startup that let women to create their period package online and delivers it to their doorsteps. Getting pad and other menstrual needs is embarrassing experience for many women. Furthermore, awareness regarding the importance of using hygienic menstrual materials is not a common thing in Bangladesh yet. Mennu Apa aims to intervene in this space. While taking pain out of getting pads and all period needs of women, the startup also aims to create awareness and support underprivileged women to become aware of their health issues.
This list is far from complete. Is there any startup founded by women founder you know doing amazing work? Please do mention in the comment.
