Startup enterprises in Koshi Province have attracted a total investment of Rs 2.56 billion, according to a special study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank. The study shows growing participation across age groups, with entrepreneurs ranging from 21 to 70 years old.
Of the total investment, 38.7 per cent has been financed through loans, while 61.3 per cent comes from entrepreneurs’ own capital.
The study highlights clear generational trends in sectoral preferences. Entrepreneurs aged 21 to 35 are largely drawn to digital and technology-based ventures, with 73.3 per cent engaged in the information technology sector. Only 21.2 per cent of this age group are involved in agriculture.
In contrast, entrepreneurs aged 36 to 50 show the strongest involvement in agriculture, while participation in information technology within this group remains comparatively lower.
Among entrepreneurs aged 50 to 70, the highest participation—27.3 per cent—is seen in the tourism sector, with no recorded involvement from this age group in information technology ventures.
In terms of overall age distribution, the study found that 44.4 per cent of startup entrepreneurs fall within the 36–50 age group, followed by 39.3 per cent aged 21–35 and 16.2 per cent aged 50–70.
The findings are based on data collected from 160 startup enterprises in Koshi Province that had applied for and were shortlisted for startup loans through the Industrial Business Development Institute.
These enterprises span five major sectors: agriculture and forest-based businesses (41.3 per cent), manufacturing (18.1 per cent), services (17.5 per cent), tourism (13.8 per cent), and information technology (9.4 per cent).
The study reflects a strong shift among younger entrepreneurs towards technology-driven businesses, while agriculture continues to attract mid-career entrepreneurs, underscoring the diverse nature of the startup ecosystem in Koshi Province.
