Nepal Rastra Bank has reported that startup businesses in Koshi Province have attracted investments totaling Rs 2.56 billion. The figure comes from a special study conducted by the central bank, which examined startup enterprises across the province. According to the report, 38.7 percent of the investment came through loans, while the remaining 61.3 percent was equity. Entrepreneurs between the ages of 21 and 70 were found to be engaged in startups, with those aged 36 to 50 accounting for the largest share at 44.4 percent. Youth involvement was highest in the information technology sector at 73.3 percent, while agriculture saw the lowest youth participation at 21.2 percent. The study covered 160 startups shortlisted for credit support from the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute. Sector-wise, 41.3 percent of startups were related to agriculture, followed by production (18.1 percent), services (17.5 percent), tourism (13.8 percent), and information technology (9.4 percent).
