The startup ecosystem in Uzbekistan grew by 132%: year-end results from IT Park Ventures

IT Park Ventures has summarized its results for 2025 and outlined priorities for 2026. According to the fund, the startup and venture ecosystem in Uzbekistan continues to grow actively: the country entered the top 100 of the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index for the first time, and the ecosystem growth exceeded 132%.

The volume of venture deals in the country also increased significantly. According to market estimates, it grew from $69.5 million in 2024 to over $329 million in 2025.

The IT Park Ventures fund was established on December 7, 2024, under IT Park Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with an investment capital of $10 million.

Throughout 2025, the fund's team conducted prescreening of more than 500 startups. To select and develop projects, the fund implemented its own and partner acceleration programs, go-to-market initiatives, scale-up tracks, and demo days.

By the end of the year, the fund's portfolio included nearly 70 startups operating in 15 countries. The geography includes Central Eurasian states, as well as the USA, UK, UAE, Qatar, and Singapore.

Of these, 38 projects received funding in the form of direct investments. Another 30 startups entered the fund's portfolio through participation in acceleration, go-to-market, and scale-up programs under the equity-for-participation model.

Some deals were executed in the form of co-investments together with international and local partners. Among them are 500 Global, Alchemist Accelerator, Avenue Growth Partners, and Plug and Play Tech Center.

In terms of investment distribution, FinTech leads with 25%. EdTech and HR Tech follow with 15% each, SaaS and Business Software account for 12%, AI and DataTech make up 8%, and the remaining 40% is allocated to other technological sectors.

In 2026, IT Park Ventures plans to continue its active investment and ecosystem activities. Key tasks include identifying new promising startups and talents, investing in projects at the Pre-Seed to Series A stages, and launching joint venture funds with international partners.

Priority areas will include AI, GameDev, and other technological verticals. The fund also intends to strengthen support for portfolio companies, focusing on operational expertise, scaling, international expansion, and the development of strategic partnerships.