Debt Funding for Central Asian Startups: A Practical Guide for Founders

​Most Central Asian founders only think about raising equity, but that means giving up ownership every time you need capital. Debt lets you fund growth, extend runway, and scale without dilution - if you know how to use it. Understanding when and how to raise debt is fundamental to your fundraising strategy and strengthens your position with equity investors.

​Join Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86457969499?pwd=c0anePaDIaRqzHzLola7bbXMabmWT4.1

​Meeting ID: 864 5796 9499 Passcode: 054155

​This is your chance to speak directly with lenders who are looking at Central Asian deals right now. Helicap has deployed nearly $500m across Asia, and Quentin Vanoekel and his team are actively exploring Central Asia. Shirin Jamshidi from ALMA is based in Bishkek and backing startups in the region today.

​They'll answer what you need to know: What is private credit and venture debt? Which startups should raise it and which shouldn't? When are you ready, and what do lenders look for? How do you balance debt and equity? How do you manage FX risk? What does the process actually involve?

​Moderated by Robin Butler, Sturgeon Capital. Q&A included.

​Helicap

​Helicap Group is a Singapore-based FinTech firm connecting global investors to private credit opportunities across Asia. They aim to address a USD 500 billion financing gap left unserved by banks by enabling credit access for up to 300 million underbanked individuals and MSMEs through partnerships with more than 1,000 originators in the region.

​Since its inception, Helicap Group has raised over USD 15 million in paid-up capital and deployed nearly USD 500 million across the region through its regulated subsidiaries. Backed by leading investors including Kenanga Investment Bank, Credit Saison, and Tikehau Capital, Helicap leverages proprietary data analytics to support scalable, impact-driven lending. Learn more at www.helicap.com

​ALMA

​Shirin Jamshidi from ALMA is based in Bishkek and is backing startups in the region today. To date ALMA has deployed over $250 million globally including loans to two companies operating in Central Asia. ALMA has an active pipeline of opportunities in the region and intends to deploy $200 million in the next two years. Learn more at www.almavest.com.

​Sturgeon Capital

​Sturgeon is a London-headquartered investment firm that invests in teams building transformative businesses in emerging markets. Sturgeon manages over $300m in AUM across PE and VC strategies, with representatives in seven countries including London, Almaty, Astana, Tashkent, Tbilisi, Karachi and Dhaka.

​Sturgeon's VC funds back early-stage companies in Emerging Asia, including Central Asia, the Caucasus and South Asia (ex. India). Learn more at www.sturgeoncapital.com