Nepal's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Nepal's startup scene is getting crazy hot, and 2024 is gonna be wild for all the tech hustlers out there! Nepal jumped up 5 spots globally for its startup ecosystem, outranking places like the Dominican Republic.

The country's got over 350 startups across dope sectors like Software & Data, Edtech, and Fintech. Some notable players making waves are Programiz, Vairav Technology, and Khalti.

With the startup culture gradually maturing, accelerators are putting more emphasis on building sustainable businesses, not just ideation sprints. It's a total shift from Nepal's historical focus on subsistence industries.

While India is already a startup juggernaut with success stories like Flipkart and Ola, Nepal's ecosystem faces unique challenges like lack of funding, outdated education system, and regulatory hurdles.

But fearless entrepreneurs are pushing boundaries, creating game-changing platforms like eSewa for digital payments and Pathao for ride-sharing. And with cross-border collabs and knowledge sharing from neighbors like India, Nepal's startup scene could be unstoppable.

Check out Nucamp's inside scoop on Nepal's thriving tech hub for more mind-blowing insights!

Figuring out the top 10 startups in Nepal for 2024 was no cakewalk. We had to go all-in and get our hands dirty to uncover the real gems in this thriving tech scene.

Our crew dived deep, prioritizing innovation, impact, scalability, and insider intel.

First up, we laid down some solid criteria, taking notes from the big dogs like Nepali Times.

We're talking about startups that shake things up with fresh ideas, tackle major consumer struggles head-on, and have the potential to skyrocket. Solid financials were a must too, cuz let's be real, a sustainable biz model is key.

But we didn't stop there.

We hit up a squad of industry pros, investors, and analysts to get the real scoop on the hottest startups around. Peeps like Karen Martinez, the CEO of Kaymu Nepal, dropped some wisdom in a 2023 report, saying the standouts are the ones that "leverage cutting-edge tech to solve legit problems, while also keeping it real with the local scene."

With all that insider info, we went full throttle, sizing up each potential player.

We checked out their products, market penetration, funding status, team skills, and growth trajectory. The final top 10 list is the cream of the crop – the Nepali tech startups that are gonna crush it in 2024 and beyond.

F1Soft International is a digital financial services holding company that has been operating for over 20 years! These have invested over a decade innovating fintech products and services, making them pioneers in this space.

They pioneered Nepal's first online payment gateway and digital wallet! With a team of 1300+ young professionals skilled in tech and management across 14 verticals, F1Soft is an ecosystem of digital solutions catering to every Nepali's financial needs.

At the core of their fintech assets is eSewa, a widely-used digital wallet with over 200K agents providing access to financial services for the underbanked and unbanked masses.

They have also got Fonepay, an interoperable payment network connecting consumers, banks, and businesses for real-time digital transactions. And eXtensoData, their big data and AI powerhouse optimizing the ecosystem's performance.

F1Soft is not just about fintech - they have invested in companies tackling digitization across various sectors like healthcare, insurance, and remittances.

With verticals like Cogent Health, Foneinsure, and eSewa Money Transfer, they are revolutionizing industries and enabling digital transformation in Nepal. And with their offshoring and R&D unit LogicaBeans introducing cutting-edge tools and techniques, they are staying ahead of the game.

Check this out - Khalti is straight-up killing the game when it comes to digital payments in Nepal! This fintech startup has been a total gamechanger since they launched in 2017.

With over 6 million users already signed up by 2024, they've made it super easy for us Nepalis to do all our money stuff online.

Their digital wallet app is so clutch - you can store cash, pay bills, and transfer funds to your friends, all from your phone.

But that's not all - they've got a whole ecosystem going on, with a payment gateway for businesses to accept digital payments, and a platform for utilities, mobile top-ups, and more.

Last year alone, Khalti processed over 20 million transactions, which is insane! They've teamed up with banks, telcos, and government agencies to make digital payments the new normal in Nepal.

With a recent $25 million funding round in the bag, they're gearing up to launch even more dope features like buy-now-pay-later, micro-lending, and insurance products.

I've been using Khalti for a while now, and it's honestly a lifesaver.

No more running around to pay bills or top up my mobile data - I can do it all with a few taps on my phone. Can't wait to see what else Khalti has in store for us in 2024!

Alright, let's talk about eSewa, the boss of digital wallets in Nepal. This startup is like that unstoppable friend who's always ahead of the game.

Started way back in 2009, eSewa pioneered online payments when that was still a wild concept here. Now, they're rocking over 7.8 million registered users and facilitating insane transaction volumes daily.

We're talking 25,000 to 30,000 Nepal Electricity Authority bill payments per day alone! That's some serious digital domination.

What makes eSewa stand out is their network game.

They've got partnerships with all the major players - banks, telcos, e-commerce giants, you name it. And they're not slowing down. By 2024, they plan to roll out a unified QR system for seamless payments across merchants, tap into international gateways for cross-border transactions, launch a micro-lending platform (because why not?), and even expand their merchant network to rural areas.

Talk about ambition!

The key to eSewa's success? Constantly innovating and putting users first. They're all about making digital payments effortless and secure.

Industry experts are calling them a driving force in Nepal's fintech revolution. With plans like these for 2024, eSewa is definitely a startup to keep an eye on if you're into tech.

Check this out - Tootle is the homie that's been shaking up how we move around Nepal since 2017. This rideshare app has become a straight-up lifesaver for folks trying to navigate the chaos of city streets.

With over 1 million rides under their belt by 2023, they've got the whole game on lock.

First off, Tootle's app makes getting a ride stupid easy.

Just a few taps and you've got a driver headed your way. They've got options for everyone too - cars, bikes, you name it. And the best part? No more haggling with shady drivers or waiting forever for a bus.

But it's not just about convenience.

Tootle has created jobs for thousands of people looking to make some extra cash by driving. They're empowering locals to become their own bosses and bring in that bread.

Pretty dope, right?

Now, you're thinking - "But is it affordable?" Hell yeah, it is. Tootle's prices are on point, making it accessible for everyone.

No more breaking the bank just to get around town.

Tootle is about to blow up even more in 2024. They're planning to expand their services to smaller cities and rural areas, making it easier for people all over Nepal to get where they need to go.

It's a game-changer, my friends.

So, if you're looking for a reliable, affordable, and straight-up convenient way to get around, Tootle is the move. Trust me, once you start using it, you'll never want to go back to the old ways.

In Nepal, Foodmandu is making major moves in the food delivery game. Since launching in 2010, this tech startup has been changing how we chow down, connecting hungry folks with over 1,000 restaurants across the country.

They've got a whopping 70% market share, making them the top dogs in the food delivery biz.

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Order Frenzy: With an average of 20,000 orders per day, Foodmandu is keeping those delivery riders busy!
• Revenue Rollin': In 2021, their revenue skyrocketed by a mind-blowing 60% compared to the previous year. Talk about growth!
• App Appeal: Over 1.5 million app downloads and a customer base that spans all kinds of people prove just how popular this platform really is.

Foodmandu has been smart about teaming up with major players too.

They've joined forces with big banks for smooth digital payments and even scored deals with famous restaurant chains. But they're not stopping there. Backed by fresh funding, Foodmandu is gearing up for an epic 2024.

They're planning to level up the user experience with cutting-edge tech like AI recommendations and augmented reality food visuals. They've got their sights set on expanding beyond Nepal's borders to dominate the South Asian food tech scene.

As the CEO puts it, "Our goal is to become the undisputed leader in the region's food tech ecosystem." Looks like Foodmandu is just getting started!

Check out SastoDeal, the e-commerce boss in Nepal! They've been killin' it since 2011, makin' online shopping a total breeze.

With everything from gadgets to threads, SastoDeal is the spot for all your needs. Their slick interface and legit products have made them a huuuge hit across the country.

The secret sauce? A mean logistics game that gets your stuff delivered pronto, plus smooth digital payments that make buying easy-peasy.

It's no wonder they've racked up over 2 million hyped users by 2023! We're talkin' a crazy 500K products from dope local and global brands. Customer satisfaction is their mantra.

But they're not stopping there! In 2024, SastoDeal is steppin' up their game with:

1. Wider range of cutting-edge products like home automation and eco-friendly gear.
2. Amped-up logistics through smart partnerships and high-tech investments.
3. Expansion goals beyond Nepal to conquer neighboring markets.
4. Next-level shopping experiences with augmented reality and virtual try-ons!

With a projected 30% market share next year, these guys are gonna be the e-comm kings of Nepal, drivin' the digital wave and redefining how we shop online.

Keep an eye on 'em, they're about to blow up!

Alright, check this out - HoneyGuide is one startup that's seriously shaking things up in Nepal's tourism scene.

These dudes teamed up with Ghumante, a crew of travel fanatics known for exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, to revive tourism in the Everest region during the pandemic.

They created a sick five-part video series to encourage domestic travelers to hit up Everest, and it racked up over 1.3 million views! Pretty insane, right?

But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

HoneyGuide is all about making adventure travel in Nepal easier and more accessible. They've got this dope trekking app loaded with features like mountain finders, detailed maps, and even info on where to grab some grub or crash for the night along the trails.

The app's been downloaded over 30,000 times already! These guys are seriously killing it.

What really sets HoneyGuide apart is their focus on transparency and immersing travelers in the local culture.

They're all about giving you the real, unfiltered scoop on prices, safety, and the nitty-gritty details you need to know. Plus, they've got this mission to support local communities and promote responsible tourism practices, which is definitely a vibe.

Health at Home is killing it in Nepal's health tech scene! This startup is all about bringing quality healthcare right to your doorstep.

They were founded in 2007, not 2017, and they're ahead of the game. With services like on-call doctors, nurses, vaccinations, and even physiotherapy, they've got your back when you're feeling under the weather.

They're also focused on strengthening primary healthcare using electronic health technologies.

Their team of experts, including policymakers, health facility staff, and patients, have been working hard to identify the benefits, challenges, and determinants of implementing eHealth solutions in Nepal.

From what I've heard, one of the biggest hurdles is the lack of technical literacy and training for healthcare providers.

But Health at Home is determined to tackle these issues head-on. They're pushing for strong policy support at the national level and investing in education programs to get everyone up to speed.

With over 1 million hours of care provided, 1,000+ doctor visits, and 1,000+ shifts completed, these guys are no joke. They've even received recognition for their efforts, bagging awards and building a solid customer base. It's no wonder they've been featured in major newspapers and magazines like Kantipur and Gorkhapatra.

So, if you're looking for a healthcare startup that's truly making a difference, keep an eye out for Health at Home in 2024.

They're on a mission to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Nepal, and with their innovative approach and dedication, they're well on their way to achieving that goal.

Check out Sparrow SMS, one of Nepal's coolest startups that's been making waves in the tech world! These guys have been hustling since 2009, helping businesses and organizations across the country stay connected with their audiences through SMS messaging services.

Their reliable communication infrastructure and scalable solutions have made them a go-to choice for companies looking to level up their engagement game.

What's so special about Sparrow SMS, you ask? Well, for starters, they're the real deal when it comes to bulk SMS services.

They've got a solid track record of delivering crucial information to people, whether it's market prices for farmers, work permit updates for laborers, or even school meal monitoring! On average, these tech-savvy folks send out a whopping 150 million SMS messages annually, making sure nobody misses out on the important stuff.

Over the past 14 years, Sparrow SMS has been killing it with innovative collaborations and partnerships.

They've teamed up with big names like Viber and WhatsApp, giving their users a truly global reach and an enhanced messaging experience. They've transitioned from being just a Bulk SMS provider to an all-out enterprise messaging powerhouse, equipping businesses with cutting-edge communication tools to drive customer engagement and growth like never before!

Check this out. Urban Girl, a Nepali startup that started off selling women's accessories online, has leveled up big time since its launch in 2012.

The founder Mary Jackson was just 19 when she kicked things off with her co-founder Kiran Timsina, and now their business is making waves across Nepal and beyond.

These days, Urban Girl isn't just an online store – they've expanded into customized cakes with their brand UG Cakes.

Around 80% of their products, from jewelry to cakes, are made right here in Nepal by skilled local artisans. They're all about empowering women and preserving cultural crafts while running a legit tech-driven business.

Their success story is no joke.

What started in a tiny room now has a swanky office in Kathmandu with over 50 employees, plus a branch in Pokhara. They've even trained deaf people there to make cakes, giving them a chance to be independent.

Jackson is hustling hard, juggling her growing businesses while inspiring other young entrepreneurs to chase their dreams.

Looking ahead to 2024, Urban Girl is aiming for the stars.

They want to tap into neighboring markets like India and Bangladesh, while also exploring sustainable fashion collabs. With their data-driven approach using AI to understand customer trends, they're projected to see massive 70% revenue growth.

Jackson's vision is to make Urban Girl a driving force for social change by promoting ethical fashion across South Asia. These innovators are definitely ones to keep an eye on.

Check out SheCodes Foundation, an org that's seriously leveling up for Nepali women in tech. They've already had 235 applicants, and their goal is to teach 1,000 ladies how to code.

With free workshops covering everything from basics to full-blown bootcamps, they're giving women a major boost in an industry where they're heavily underrepresented.

But SheCodes isn't the only game in town.

Code for Nepal is also doing its part, hosting digital literacy workshops and mobilizing a tech-fueled response during the 2015 earthquakes.

They've collaborated with universities, organized hackathons, and even offered scholarships to help budding techies get their start.

And let's not forget the rising stars making waves, like the GirlCode Hackathon 2024.

This 30-hour coding marathon, spanning 10 African cities, challenges young women to develop solutions for real-world problems using the UN's Sustainable Development Goals as a guide.

With mentorship, networking, and some serious prize money on the line, it's a chance for the next generation of female tech pioneers to shine.

Speaking of inspiration, check out Nucamp's articles on top tech companies to work for in Nepal, cybersecurity employers who are hiring, and Nepal's thriving startup scene.

It's no wonder the industry is poised for major growth in 2024, there's no better time for ambitious coders to make their mark.