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Start First

Dedicated to empowering Nepal’s youth and local communities through entrepreneurship.

From idea to impact!

Welcome to Start First, a startup Incubation Center based in Kathmandu, dedicated to empowering Nepal’s youth and local communities through entrepreneurship. Our experienced team offers guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.

With a focus on impact-first initiatives and fostering creativity, we aim to drive economic growth and social progress in Nepal. Whether you’re starting from scratch with limited resources or seeking professional guidance to scale your business, Start First is here to empower your journey towards success. Let’s begin your entrepreneurial journey with Start First.

Our path to your success

What we strive for at Start First directly benefits out stake holders. Our entrepreneurs get the most out of our efforts directly measured towards their successes.

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PURPOSE

The purpose of establishing a startup incubation center in Nepal is to provide a supportive platform for young entrepreneurs. It aims to offer resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to empower budding innovators in turning their ideas into successful ventures. By fostering a conducive environment for collaboration, learning, and growth, the center endeavors to catalyze the startup ecosystem in Nepal and contribute to its economic development.

VISION

Our vision is to cultivate a thriving community of startups that drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress in Nepal. We envision the incubation center as a hub of creativity, where entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary tools, skills, and support to build sustainable businesses that make a meaningful impact locally and globally.

GOAL

The goal of the startup incubation center is to nurture and accelerate the growth of promising startups by providing them with essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to facilitate the creation of successful, high-impact ventures that contribute to Nepal’s prosperity and position the country as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Core Values of Start First

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Nurturing and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, guiding them from envisioning their ideas to executing successful businesses with mentorship and resources.

EMPOWER

Empowering individuals to take control of their entrepreneurial journey, fostering a sense of confidence, independence, and self-reliance.

INNOVATION

Fostering creativity and encouraging innovative thinking among entrepreneurs, driving the development of groundbreaking ideas and solutions that can disrupt industries and create value.

FUNDING

Facilitating crucial financial support and funding opportunities, while also connecting startups with vital investors for effective scaling and growth.

A startup is a newly established business driven by innovative ideas or technology, aiming for rapid growth and scalability.

The term "startup" originated in the 1970s and was initially used to describe a newly established company with innovative ideas and high growth potential. The first documented usage of the term in its modern sense dates back to a 1976(Forbes article), referring to investments in startups in the electronic data processing field. The term gained further traction in a 1977( Business Week article), which mentioned an incubator for startup companies, especially in high-technology fields. It became more widespread during the technology boom of the 1990s, particularly in relation to internet and software companies.

The concept of startups is rooted in entrepreneurship and innovation. Virtually every business ever started began as a startup. Startups are characterized by their entrepreneurial spirit, innovative ideas, and high growth potential. The world's first startup cannot be pinpointed to a specific company as the term is applied broadly to newly established ventures across various industries. However, startups often emerge in response to market opportunities or to address unmet needs, with the aim of developing a unique product or service and bringing it to market.

The world's first recognized startup incubation center is generally attributed to the Batavia Industrial Center, established in Batavia, New York, USA, in 1959. It was founded by Joseph Mancuso with the aim of providing affordable space and support services for small businesses and startups. Mancuso's model laid the foundation for what would later become a global phenomenon, with countless startup incubators and accelerators emerging worldwide to support entrepreneurial ventures.

In the late 20th century, startups emerged globally, characterized by innovation and rapid growth potential. In Nepal, the startup ecosystem has been gradually evolving, fueled by globalization and technological advancements. Despite challenges like limited funding and regulatory hurdles, entrepreneurial activity has surged since the mid-2010s, spanning sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, and agritech. Government initiatives to support startups are fostering optimism about their role in driving economic growth and innovation in Nepal.

Globally, startups are gaining popularity due to their innovative ideas, technology use, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. In Nepal, young people are increasingly drawn to startups as they seek new opportunities amidst challenges in traditional job markets. The rise of startups aligns with a growing appreciation for locally-made products and may reduce the trend of Nepalis seeking job opportunities abroad, contributing to the economy and job creation within the country.

Nepal needs more startups to foster innovation, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and address societal challenges. Startups bring fresh ideas, inject dynamism into the economy, and promote a culture of entrepreneurship. By providing opportunities for millennials and Generation Z to establish sustainable ventures locally, startups offer hope and encourage talent retention within Nepal, reducing the reliance on seeking opportunities abroad.

Key Challenges

Skills Shortage: Startups in Nepal often struggle to find skilled employees, particularly in specialized fields like technology and marketing. Even when talent is recruited, retaining them can be challenging due to competition from larger companies and opportunities abroad.
        
Financial Access: Securing funding remains a major hurdle for Nepali startups. Limited availability of venture capital, angel investors, and supportive financial institutions restricts startups’ ability to invest in product development, marketing, and expansion.
        
Support System Gap: The absence of robust business support systems, including mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and incubation facilities, hampers the growth of startups. Access to guidance, resources, and connections is crucial for navigating challenges and accelerating growth.
        
Cultural & Mindset Obstacles: Prevailing cultural norms and risk-averse mindsets may hinder entrepreneurial pursuits in Nepal. Societal pressures to pursue traditional career paths and prioritize stability over innovation can deter individuals from venturing into entrepreneurship.
        
Financial Strain on Operations: The cost of operating a startup in Nepal can be prohibitive, driven by factors such as high taxes, bureaucratic red tape, and infrastructure limitations. These overhead costs eat into startup budgets and make it challenging to operate efficiently and competitively.

Strategic Solutions

Skill Development and Education: Establish skill development programs tailored to startup needs, including vocational training and entrepreneurship courses. Integrate entrepreneurship education into school curriculums and offer workshops to nurture entrepreneurial skills among youth.

Startup Funding Initiatives: Establish dedicated funds and grants specifically for startups, providing financial support for innovative ventures. Encourage collaboration between government, private investors, and international organizations to increase funding opportunities.

Startup Incubation Centers: Set up incubation centers equipped with resources, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. These centers can provide guidance on business development, access to funding, and legal assistance.

Regulatory Simplification: Streamline regulatory processes for startups, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Simplify procedures for business registration, licensing, and taxation to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and operate businesses.

Cost Reduction Measures: Implement policies to reduce the cost of doing business, such as tax incentives and subsidies for infrastructure development. Provide access to affordable workspace to help startups allocate resources more efficiently.

Market Expansion Support: Facilitate market access for startups by promoting trade agreements and fostering collaboration with international partners. Provide support for export-oriented ventures to help startups expand globally.