Orbit August '24 Newsletter
Orbit Startups
Orbit Startups is a venture capital firm investing in high growth technology startups in emerging and frontier markets.
Friends of Orbit,?
In this edition of our newsletter, we’re particularly proud to spotlight two of our portfolio companies,?PriyoShop (Orbit 2022) and BusCaro (Orbit 2023) and the impact they are having on their communities. We introduce you to our latest investments in the Middle East region. Plus, tune into Managing General Partner William Bao Bean on the VNTR Capital podcast, where he shares how Orbit is redefining the business of VC.?
Until next time!
Orbit Startups
New Investments
We’re excited to welcome new companies MRHB and Fincart into the Orbit ecosystem.
MRHB (Fintech) -?There is a gap in the decentralized finance (DeFi) market for Sharia-compliant products. MRHB’s pioneering "super app" is tailored to the financial needs of the global Islamic population offering services such as a digital wallet, crypto trading, and commodity trading, all in accordance with Islamic principles. MRHB focuses exclusively on bridging the gap in Sharia-compliant financial solutions, serving a significant and underserved market with innovative, ethical financial products.
Fincart (Logistics) - Managing shipping operations in Egypt and the Middle East can be challenging for online business owners due to the complexity and hassle of choosing and coordinating with couriers. Fincart’s innovative logistics aggregation and automation SaaS platform is a seamless solution for merchants to compare shipping options, rates, and timing from multiple providers with real-time tracking capabilities. Fincart’s courier recommendation engine helps businesses select the best courier for each order, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
“Empowering Communities Amid Crisis”: How PriyoShop is transforming supply chains in Bangladesh
Small shops and neighborhood merchants in Bangladesh are the backbone of their communities, ensuring access to food, daily essentials, and supplies. These small businesses account for 97% of the country’s consumption and are often the only source for daily needs, especially during times of crisis.
These merchants are more than just points of transaction — they represent trust, familiarity, and support in their communities, offering credit options and driving local employment and economic growth.
The ongoing political crisis has highlighted the growing challenges in Bangladesh's retail sector. Fragmented supply chains have created inefficiencies, disrupting the distribution of essentials — especially when people had limited hours to shop.
领英推荐
PriyoShop (Orbit 2022), a B2B marketplace empowering MSMEs by connecting them directly to suppliers- stepped up to address this gap. By leveraging technology, they’re solving problems in traditional industries and maintaining a seamless supply chain for these vital shops.?
PriyoShop’s efforts ensured the availability of essential items like rice, lentils, flour, salt, sugar, and cooking oil, all while prioritizing safety to protect the community.Orbit is proud to back companies like PriyoShop that empower small businesses and maintain community stability.?
Driving change: BusCaro introduces their first female fleet captain
BusCaro (Orbit 2023) proudly introduces Sana, its first female fleet captain, trailblazing a path for women in traditionally male roles.
BusCaro, a Pakistan-based ride-sharing service, is committed to providing safe and affordable transportation to its customers, with a strong focus on passenger safety, especially for women who often face harassment on public transport in Pakistan.
The company is not only ensuring a safer environment for women passengers but also fostering women in leadership roles.?
The Orbit Ecosystem is redefining VC
Listen to Orbit Managing General Partner, William Bao Bean, on the VNTR Capital podcast as he shares how 27 years of tech investing have led him to redefine what it means to be a VC and to create a new model for the business of venture capital.?
We feel honoured to be spotlighted on your platform. Thanks a lot!