Investment Thesis
Our systematic approach to identifying and supporting exceptional early-stage startups in Nepal building for global markets.
Stage
Pre-seed & Seed
Early-stage startups with MVP or initial traction
Check Size
NPR 10L - 20L
₹10L - 20L typical first check
Geography
Nepal-based
Entrepreneurs in Nepal only
Our Core Belief
"Nepali founders should not build for Nepal; they should build from Nepal for the world."
We back Nepali entrepreneurs building global-first tools, services, and products with clear use cases in India, the US, or international markets. This isn't about copying playbooks or just outsourcing talent — it's about owning IP, solving real global problems, and leveraging Nepal's unique advantages.
3 Investment Pillars
Infrastructure, Tools & SaaS
(Core Focus)
Build global-first APIs, tools, platforms — own the tech, don't just outsource.
Examples:
- • AI ops / MLOps tools (LLM monitoring, vector DB management)
- • Dev productivity tools (test automation, CI/CD observability)
- • Vertical SaaS for logistics, construction, education, F&B
- • Fintech rails or APIs (cross-border payments, diaspora tooling)
- • Infrastructure-as-a-Service built on open-source
Go-to-Market:
Sell to US and global startups via GitHub, Slack, DevRel, API-first strategies
AgriTech & Manufacturing
(India-Centric Trade)
Modernize Nepal's deep agricultural roots with technology, then export to India.
Examples:
- • IoT hardware + computer vision for smart farming
- • Low-cost greenhouse automation kits built in Nepal
- • Drones for terrain-based spraying, seed dropping
- • Vertical integration with processing/manufacturing
- • Organic food products, herbal supply chains
Market Strategy:
Export devices and high-value goods via Nepal ↔ India trade corridor, using India as springboard
DeepTech & Robotics
(Emerging)
Nepal's hospitality/tourism sector is perfect for service robotics R&D.
Examples:
- • Service robots for hotels, bank counters, hospitals
- • Smart logistics bots for medicine delivery in mountains
- • Speech-based systems for hospitality or immigration
- • Eco-tourism automation and monitoring systems
Market Path:
Start with Nepal + India deployments, expand to SEA, Middle East, and Africa
Business Models We Favor
✅ Strong Fit
B2B SaaS/API
IP ownership + scale without large teams
Export-focused Agri-Manufacturing
Ties to India market + real-world use cases
⚠️ Hardware-enabled Software
Capital intensive but differentiating (long-term play)
❌ Poor Fit
Custom IT Services / Outsourcing
Low-margin, commoditized — not our focus
Gov Contracts / Local-only Solutions
Too slow, too small, not global-first
How We Support Portfolio Companies
Capital
- • Quick decision-making (14-day review cycle)
- • Founder-friendly terms
- • Follow-on investment for traction milestones
- • Help with international payment setup
Go-to-Market
- • Direct customer introductions in US/EU
- • Product-market fit validation
- • Pricing strategy & positioning
- • Sales process optimization
Network & Mentorship
- • 1:1 monthly mentorship calls
- • Access to global network of engineers/executives
- • Technical architecture reviews
- • Hiring & team building guidance
Compliance & Operations
- • International business setup guidance
- • Legal & regulatory compliance
- • Financial modeling & metrics tracking
- • Follow-on fundraising preparation
Our Unique Advantage
We're the first fund specifically designed to bridge Nepali technical talent with global markets and capital.
Global Market Access
Direct connections to customers and partners in US, EU, and APAC markets through our founder's network
Technical Expertise
Deep understanding of AI/ML, robotics, and developer tools from years of hands-on experience
Playbook for Nepal-Based Founders
Our philosophy and practical guidance for building global companies from Nepal:
🌍 Start lean, but start global
From day one, target India or US market. Don't wait to "prove it locally first."
🏔️ Use Nepal as your R&D base
Stay lean and capitalize on low cost + exceptional talent. Build here, sell everywhere.
🔧 Monetize tools, not time
Build platforms and products, not just consulting projects. Own IP, don't rent talent.
⭐ Show global users early
GitHub stars > local awards. International validation matters more than local recognition.
🏢 Use US-based entities
Delaware C-corp, Stripe, Vanta. Make it easy for global customers and investors.
🤝 Plug into the diaspora
Leverage international startup forums and Nepali networks for validation and partnerships.
Investment Process
Application Review
Initial screening within 48 hours
Upload pitch deck, complete application form
30-minute video call to discuss vision, market, team
Founder Interview
Deep dive into technical approach and go-to-market
Due Diligence
Technical review, market validation, reference checks
1-2 weeks for comprehensive evaluation
Term sheet, legal docs, wire transfer
Investment Decision
Final decision within 14 days of application
What This Means for Sthapit Capital
We are: Funding founders solving global problems with Nepal-based cost and talent advantage
We create: Tools, infrastructure, and exportable IP, not just more dev shops
We position: Sthapit Capital as the go-to backer of global-first builders from the Himalayas
Ready to Build Global from Nepal?
If you're building tools, infrastructure, or exportable products with global market potential, we'd love to hear from you.