Yoshlar Ventures Doubles Fund to US$20M to Support Startups

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s state-backed venture fund, Yoshlar Ventures, has announced an expansion of its capital from US$10 million to US$20 million, with plans to reach US$30 million by 2027.

The increase is aimed at significantly enhancing the fund’s capacity to support founders in Uzbekistan who are building innovative companies for global markets. Yoshlar Ventures focuses on early-stage startups at pre-seed and seed levels, where private investors are traditionally cautious.

Since its inception, the fund has supported seven founders, investing in companies across EdTech, FinTech, AdTech, and other sectors. These investments demonstrate the effectiveness of combining state support with access to global markets for accelerated startup growth.

“At every developing market, there comes a moment when capital infrastructure catches up with talent. For Uzbekistan, that moment has arrived. We aim to support 30 companies by the end of 2026,” said Yoshlar Ventures CEO Abdulaziz Yakubov.

With the fund’s expansion, investment checks in Uzbek startups will increase up to US$400,000, while the fund will strengthen its presence in the US, UK, and MENA markets. The portfolio is expected to reach 30 companies by the end of 2026, with a focus on corporate governance and long-term support to build a sustainable startup ecosystem.

Yoshlar Ventures aims to create an institutional framework that will shape the development of Central Asian startups over the next decade, providing young founders with direct access to capital, global networks, and international markets. The fund supports entrepreneurs regardless of where they establish their companies, offering the resources needed for successful international growth.