This week’s update presents several compelling articles. It includes an interview with Raisul Kabir of Brain Station 23, key insights from Wahid Choudhury of Kaz Software, news on the latest Accelerating Asia cohort, and details regarding Khaas Food’s significant retail expansion.
1. The Quiet Transformation of Brain Station 23: A Conversation with Raisul Kabir, CEO, Brain Station 23 (Part One)
Raisul Kabir, founder and CEO of Brain Station 23, leads one of Dhaka’s prominent software services companies, serving a global client base. Since a 2019 interview when the company had 185 employees, Brain Station 23 has expanded significantly to nearly 1000 individuals, establishing itself as one of Dhaka’s largest and fastest-growing software service providers. This interview explores how Brain Station 23 has successfully managed growth and scale. Key factors contributing to its expansion include strategic partnerships, the appointment of a CFO, establishing effective organizational structures, fostering dedicated teams, mastering B2B sales, cultivating a shared vision, continuous investment in its workforce, and an unwavering commitment to customer service and execution.
2. 10 Takeaways from The Art of Enterprise Interview with Wahid Choudhury of Kaz Software
A recent interview with Wahid Choudhury, founder and CEO of Kaz Software, detailed his personal progression from a self-described “failtoosh” student to establishing a highly regarded software outsourcing company in Bangladesh. The discussion provides unique perspectives on the characteristics of impactful founders and organizations. Choudhury’s narrative illustrates how early life experiences, educational settings, and company culture contribute to fostering independent thought and successful enterprises. This article provides a concise summary, presenting 15 key takeaways from the extensive interview.
3. Accelerating Asia Backs 8 Startups in Cohort 12, Including Four Bangladeshi Companies
Singapore-based Accelerating Asia Ventures announced its investment in eight startups for its 12th cohort, with Bangladesh claiming half the spots. This matches Cohort 10’s four Bangladeshi companies and trails only Cohort 2, which included five startups from Bangladesh. The four Bangladeshi startups—Chamak, biniyog.io, InsureCow Ltd., and Wellspring Global—represent diverse sectors from trade finance and SME lending to livestock insurance and consumer health products. They join companies from Singapore, Indonesia, and India in a cohort averaging $37,881 in monthly revenue, significantly higher than typical early-stage accelerator participants.
4. Khaas Food Launches Tk 10 Honey Sachet, Signals Ambitious Retail Push
Khaas Food, the Dhaka-based safe food company, officially launched its honey sachet at Tk 10 on November 17 in an event at Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort, marking what the company describes as a pivotal moment in its retail expansion strategy.
The move represents a significant strategic shift for a company that has, until now, built its reputation primarily through direct-to-consumer channels—starting as a Facebook page in 2015, then expanding to its own e-commerce platform, mobile app, branded outlets, partnerships with modern trade channels and e-commerce platforms like Rokomari and Arogga, and export. This brings to the fore the company’s steady retail expansion that it has been working on quietly for a while.
Reading recommendations
1. The Math of Why You Can’t Focus at Work
Focus is a perpetual struggle for modern knowledge workers. This piece offers a fascinating analysis on how days are wasted and how to deal with it.
Paul Graham’s one of the most famous essays on the kind of founders who eventually succeed.
3. The Shape of The Game We Play
One of the more interesting and useful articles to understand the current state of tech and business and why it is important to understand the shape of the game being played. Highly recommended.
