ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 13. IFC Startup Catalyst is investing in seed funds, accelerators, and incubators in emerging markets and is soon planning to finalize its first investment in a venture fund focused on Central Asia, said investment officer and representative of the IFC Startup Catalyst global team, Alisher Abdrakhmanov, during a round table on the topic "The joint role of institutional investors in the development of the regional venture market," Trend reports.
He spoke about IFC's (International Finance Corporation) role and experience in developing technology ecosystems in developing countries, as well as the wide range of support tools that the organization provides.
Abdrakhmanov also provided information on a new venture investment platform that will invest $225 million over three years in technology startups in Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and Central Asia.
Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD's Director for Kazakhstan, spoke about the results of the Star Venture program, through which more than 550 high-potential early-stage companies in Kazakhstan and around the world were supported.
In turn, USAID Coordinator in Kazakhstan Stephen Orr noted that the implementation of the USAID entrepreneurship and business environment development project contributes to the growth of economic activity in Central Asia.
He added that it is necessary to stimulate the private market through improving the legislative framework, dialogue between the public and private sectors, and the analysis and application of the best global practices.
