IT Park Ventures provides opportunities for startups by accepting investment applications. To support teams in successfully securing funding, the fund’s CEO, Azamat Karamatov, has outlined five key recommendations based on his professional experience. These guidelines will enable startups to effectively prepare for investment pitches and present their projects to potential investors in a compelling manner.

 

1. Development of a Scalable and Sustainable Business Model

 

 

In today’s world, business growth necessitates regular financial investment, and investors seek projects with a well-defined growth strategy and a stable monetization framework. To achievethis, it is crucial to:  

 

• Formulate a business model: Define the revenue generation mechanism of your product(e.g., subscription, commission, advertising, licensing) and highlight its competitive advantages.

• Identify the target audience: Ensure that the selected monetization approach aligns with customer needs.

• Plan for scalability: Analyze how the financial dynamics of the business will evolve as the user base expands and determine the most effective sales and marketing channels.

 

A meticulously structured business model demonstrates to investors that you have a well-thought-out strategy for achieving stable and sustainable growth.

 

2. Market Demand Validation and Due Diligence Preparation

 

 

Prior to seeking external investment, it is imperative to establish that your product has market demand:

 

• Launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): This enables the validation of hypotheses, the collection of initial user feedback, and the refinement of the product.

• Gather initial market data: Indicators such as user base growth, early sales, pilot projects, or strategic partnerships serve as evidence that the market is positively responding to your concept.

• Prepare a financial forecast: Present a well-structured projection of sales, expenditures, and anticipated revenues to illustrate the business’s potential for profitability.

 

Additionally, it is essential to be prepared for a thorough due diligence process conducted by prospective investors. Transparency regarding financials, legal status, and business model significantly strengthens investor confidence.

 

3. Building a Strong, Like-Minded Team

 

 

The success of any startup is contingent upon the presence of a cohesive and competent team. Investors evaluate not only the viability of the idea but also the individuals driving the project:

 

• Expertise and experience: Assemble specialists who complement your skills in technical, marketing, and operational areas.

• Team synergy: Foster a collaborative environment in which team members can efficiently work together, address challenges, and adapt to changes.

• Motivation and shared vision: The team should be aligned with the objectives of the project and committed to working intensively, particularly in the early stages of development.

 

A robust team serves as the cornerstone for successfully advancing through all stages of growth and securing the necessary investment.  

 

4. Developing a Persuasive Investment Presentation

 

 

A meticulously prepared pitch deck is a critical tool for engaging investors:

 

• Problem identification and proposed solution: Clearly articulate the problem your product addresses and underscore its significance.  

• Market and target audience analysis: Demonstrate the size and potential of the market, as well as the profile of your initial customer base.

• Business model and monetization strategy: Clearly outline your approach to generating revenue and scaling the business.

• Financial projections and key performance indicators: Substantiate your claims with precise figures that highlight growth potential of the venture.

• Team introduction: Introduce your team members and showcase their expertise relevant to the project’s success.  

 

The presentation should be concise, logically structured, and supported by concrete data to establish credibility with investors and demonstrate the startup’s readiness for scalable growth.

 

5. Exploring Alternative Funding Sources and Participating in International Conferences

 

 

In addition to traditional investment avenues, modern startups can leverage a variety of alternative financing methods, including participation in international events that provide access to global opportunities. Each of these approaches offers distinct advantages and strategic benefits.

• Hackathons and Startup Competitions

 

Active participation in hackathons and startup competitions serves as an excellent opportunity to validate ideas, attract talented collaborators, and capture investor interest. Events such as the Open Data Challenge, President Tech Award, and startup contests at ICT Week Uzbekistan, Digital Bridge, and other platforms allow startups to showcase their innovative potential, receive valuable feedback, establish strategic connections, and even secure initial partnerships. Engaging in such initiatives not only accelerates a startup’s growth but also enhances its visibility within the market.

• Business Accelerators

Participation in accelerator programs — such as Plug and Play Uzbekistan, which has conducted three successful waves since 2022 with Central Asian startups attracting investments from Plug and Play Tech Center and its partners, as well as upcoming initiatives like Alchemist Accelerator, StartX, Hero Training (Draper University), which will launch at IT Park Uzbekistan this year — offers startups intensive mentorship, structured training, and extensive networking opportunities. Well-established accelerators like Y Combinator and 500 Eurasia, which annually accept applications from global founders, provide startups with access to expert guidance, funding opportunities, and potential investor connections. While these programs require significant effort and are time-constrained, they play a crucial role in fast-tracking a startup’s development.

• Participation in International Conferences

Engagement in international conferences and industry events such as TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, GITEX, Inmerge Innovation Summit, Baku ID, and Slush presents a vital opportunity for startups to introduce their projects to a global audience and receive support from key industry stakeholders. Through the backing of IT Park Uzbekistan and IT Park Ventures, selected startups gain the chance to participate in these events with dedicated exhibition spaces and pitch sessions on prestigious platforms. Such exposure facilitates networking with international experts and investors, enhances global brand recognition, and strengthens the startup’s positioning in the market.

• Angel Investors

Private investors specializing in early-stage financing not only provide capital but also offer valuable mentorship, strategic advice, and industry connections. Angel investors frequently act as advisors, assisting startups in refining their business models and preparing for future scaling.

• Government Grants

Governments actively support innovation-driven projects through grants and subsidy programs. While obtaining such funding requires meticulous preparation of business plans and presentations, it enhances the startup’s credibility and fosters trust among institutional and private investors.

• Bank Loans

Despite being a widely used financing method, bank loans are often less attractive to startups due to high interest rates and collateral requirements. However, with prudent financial planning, loans can serve as a viable option for covering operational expenses.

 

The choice of financing method depends on the nature of the project, its development stage, and strategic objectives. Beyond securing capital, active participation in global conferences, pitch competitions, and hackathons plays a pivotal role in attracting investor interest, securing partnerships, and accessing funding opportunities. Events like TechCrunch Disrupt, Web Summit, GITEX, Inmerge Innovation Summit, Baku ID, and Slush—as well as major hackathons — provide startups with a platform to validate their ideas, refine their products, and secure grants or investment. IT Park Uzbekistan and IT Park Ventures regularly facilitate opportunities for local startups to exhibit at international events, participate in pitch sessions, and engage in hackathons and competitions in Uzbekistan, thereby expanding their access to global investment and partnership opportunities.

 

Opportunities from IT Park Ventures — A Venture Fund for Startups

 

 

On October 14, 2024, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, signed Resolution No. PR-357, approving the Digital Startups Program. As part of this initiative, on December 7, 2024, IT Park Ventures was established — a key mechanism for supporting startups and a significant step toward transforming Uzbekistan into one of the leading startup hubs in the region.

 

"Our fund is incorporated in the 2024–2026 Roadmap and is aimed at fostering the growth of startups, facilitating their expansion into international markets, and attracting investment. Since the beginning of January, we have conducted over 30 meetings with promising projects, several of which are currently undergoing a detailed evaluation for potential investment" – stated Azamat Karamatov.

 

 

IT Park Ventures provides support to startups across a range of high-growth sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML)

• Green Technologies (GreenTech)

• Educational Technologies (EdTech)

• Financial Technologies (FinTech)

• Game Development (GameDev)

Other innovative fields

 

 

The average investment amount is approximately $150 000, with funding distributed as follows:

• Idea Stage: $10 000 – $30 000

• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage: $50 000 – $150 000

• Seed Stage and Growth Phase: $150 000 – $300 000

• Series A: $500 000 – $1 million

 

"In addition to financial support, we provide startups with mentorship, access to international networks, and government co-financing," noted the CEO of IT Park Ventures. "We also actively collaborate with international accelerators, funds, and investors from Central Asia and the United States to facilitate joint investments. In particular, our partnership with Plug and Play Tech Center enables us to analyze projects, structure investment deals, and receive expert guidance from global experts to support startups in product development, market expansion strategies, and securing investments from investors worldwide".   

 

 

Furthermore, in accordance with Resolution No. PR-357, additional financing mechanisms have been introduced, including: investments of up to $100,000 for startups that have attracted funding from international venture capital funds with assets exceeding $50 million and loans up to 300 million UZS, which will be implemented through IT Park Ventures. These measures are designed to create a sustainable startup ecosystem and enhance the global competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s startups.

 

If your startup is ready for its next stage of development and seeks not only investment but also a strategic partner, submit an application at https://itparkventures.uz/.

"We are confident that through collective efforts, we can build a future where innovation drives meaningful progress".