L3AD, a global initiative that works to connect expatriate Bangladeshi (NRB) technology leaders with the emerging digital startup and business ecosystem in Bangladesh, has successfully concluded its flagship event, Lead Digital Innovation Summit 2025.
Themed “Reversing the Brain Drain: Lead Digital Innovation”, the conference was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. It was attended by over 250 business leaders and CEOs, over 50 international and local investors, over 35 international digital experts, 15 promising startups and 15 institutional partners.
A key aspect of the conference was the Startup Presentation Session, where 15 selected startups presented their innovative initiatives. This attracted the attention of investors and created an opportunity to form strategic partnerships immediately.
The event also officially launched the Mentor & Monitor Programme, under which NRB professionals will mentor and monitor startups in key sectors including AI, cybersecurity, fintech and healthtech.
At the same time, L3AD expanded its Investor Network to include more than 50 investors from Bangladesh and around the world. These investors can now connect with investable startups through a transparent and structured deal flow.
The conference featured three special panel discussions, which discussed ways to enhance Bangladesh’s digital capabilities through expatriate knowledge, experiences of successful entrepreneurs and strategies for entering the global market. Speakers included Imadur Rahman (CEO, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company), Commodore (Retd) Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmed (DG, BIMRAD), Rubaiyat Akbar (Head of Cybersecurity, InsureTech), Dr. Sadman Shakib (Evotec SE), Mohammad Absar (NHS England), Nasiqul Islam (Director, Technology & Ventures). The discussion was chaired by Dr. Sharful Islam (CEO, Be Data).
The third panel, titled “Idea to Icon”, featured the country’s top successful entrepreneurs. The panelists were Md Ziaul Haque Bhuiyan (CEO, ShopUp), Raisul Kabir (CEO, Brain Station 23), Mohammad Abdul Matin Emon (CEO, Praava Health and speaker), and Omar Al Zabir (Co-Founder & CTO, Kahf Yazılım A.Ş). They shared important insights on the real-world experiences of the startup journey, challenges, market acceptance, and successful scale-up strategies.
L3AD has announced big goals for 2026. They aim to connect 30 startups, 100+ investors, and 500+ business leaders next year. In addition, a new Innovation Center will be established in Dhaka, where startups will be incubated and supported from idea to IPO.
L3AD will launch global chapters in London, Boston, Toronto, Singapore and Dubai next year, building a connected network of expatriate technology leaders around the world. L3AD will also maintain continuous engagement by hosting virtual roundtables, investor forums and mentorship clinics throughout the year.
