Twenty emerging entrepreneurs complete US Embassy Capstone Accelerator in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Twenty emerging entrepreneurs from across Nepal completed the US Embassy Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme’s Capstone Accelerator on Friday, presenting their ventures to investors, business leaders and ecosystem partners after three days of intensive training.

The founders were chosen from more than 200 participants who took part in regional workshops organised in seven cities. The residential accelerator in Kathmandu was centred on investment readiness, export potential, AI adoption, marketing and strategic communication, and culminated in an Investment and Global Market-Focused Pitching Session.

Each entrepreneur pitched to an expert panel and received feedback on market opportunities, innovation, scalability, export readiness and investment potential. Participants also displayed products and services at the Capstone 'Main Street' Showcase, an interactive marketplace that connected founders directly with investors, business leaders and members of Nepal’s entrepreneurial community, including AmCham Nepal.

“Today’s Capstone Showcase is more than the conclusion of a programme. It is a dynamic part of the strong economic partnership between the United States and Nepal. By investing in emerging entrepreneurs with strong ideas, encouraging innovation, and building connections between founders, industry leaders, and investors, we are advancing commercial diplomacy through people-to-people engagement and private-sector collaboration. We are proud to support the next generation of Nepali entrepreneurs as they build businesses that will contribute to economic growth and stronger bilateral ties,” said Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief at US Embassy Nepal.

Over three days, participants refined business strategies through masterclasses, mentoring, peer learning and pitch coaching before presenting to key stakeholders. The twenty founders represent sectors including agriculture and agri-processing, food and beverage, technology, manufacturing, creative industries, consulting, digital services, natural products, handicrafts, cooperatives and social enterprise.

The Capstone Accelerator is the final stage of the US Embassy Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme, which reached more than 200 entrepreneurs through workshops in Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Hetauda, Bhairahawa and Pokhara. Virtual masterclasses on legal compliance, export readiness, AI-enabled growth and digital marketing preceded the national accelerator.

The programme is supported by the US Embassy Nepal and implemented by the International Development Institute in partnership with Aadyanta Advisory.