About Jabchor 2.0

Jabchor 2.0 Launches as Bhutan’s Premier Equity Financing Platform
Connecting High-Potential Entrepreneurs with Investors for Sustainable Growth

Thimphu, Bhutan – The Department of Employment & Entrepreneurship (DoEE), Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment announces the launch of Jabchor 2.0, a transformative equity financing platform designed to fuel Bhutan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1. 1. What is Jabchor 2.0?

Jabchor 2.0 builds on the success of the original Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) initiative, which launched Jabchor 1.0 in 2018. Over four successful seasons (with Jabchor 1 & 2 organized by RMA and Jabchor 3 & 4 by Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the platform has supported 19 entrepreneurs across sectors like green businesses, tech solutions, trading, and manufacturing and raised Nu.36M through the platform.

This new iteration is initiated based on the directives received from the Honorable Prime Minister during the National Startup Weekend held in March 2025, and is supported by an advisory board comprising of DoEE, RMA, Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan(RSEB), BCCI, Corporate Regulatory Authority (CRA), and Department of Industry (DoI), and is implemented by Innovest Private Limited. The project is funded through Economic Stimulus Programme, Government of India (GoI).

2. 2. Why Equity Financing?

Many promising startups and growth-stage export oriented businesses in manufacturing, IT, services, and green sectors lack collateral for traditional loans. Equity financing offers an alternative:

•           *Investors provide capital in exchange for ownership stakes.
•        *Beyond funding, entrepreneurs gain mentorship, business networks, compliance guidance, and market access to scale their ventures.

2. 3. What’s New in Jabchor 2.0?

•           *Expanded Reach: Open to businesses at idea, startup, and growth stages business with export potential  (including those requiring over Nu. 10M funding).
•           *Business Incorporation: Legal safeguards for investors and entrepreneurs.
•           *FDI Participation: Foreign investors can now participate, with support from the Department of Industry.
•           *Exit Strategy: Investors can exit via RSEBL’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM) Board, with long-term potential for IPOs.
•           *Post-Investment Support: 6–12 months of handholding by Innovest for compliance, coaching, and growth.

4. 4. Benefits for Entrepreneurs & Investors

Entrepreneurs get:
✅ Vetting by RAA-certified auditors
✅ Grooming for growth strategies, prospectus development, and pitching
✅ Access to local and global investors

Investors gain:
✅ Opportunities in high-growth, impact-driven sectors
✅ Legal safeguards (business incorporation via CRA)
✅ Contribution to Bhutan’s economy and Gross National Happiness

5. 5. Who Can Participate?

•           *Idea-stage businesses ( pilot sales with export  potential)
•           *Startups (1+ year operation, <Nu. 10M sales with profits)
•           *Growth-stage businesses (5+ years operation, >Nu. 10M sales with profits)

Priority sectors: Manufacturing, IT/ITES, green businesses, and export-oriented ventures. Import and resell in Bhutan businesses are not allowed.

6. 6. How the entrepreneurs will be selected?

All registered entrepreneurs must attend the mandatory three-day bootcamp (May 19-21) for training in valuation, compliance, and financial verification. The advisory board will then select the top 10 performers based on stage-specific criteria: pilot sales for idea-stage ventures; operational history, financials, and market position for startups/growth-stage businesses; plus innovation and scalability for all. This rigorous process ensures only the most viable ventures advance to the June 25 Pitch Day for investor consideration.

7. 7. Program Timeline

• May 2, 2025: Launch (coinciding with His Majesty the Third King’s Birth Anniversary)
• May 17: Application deadline
• May 19–21: Bootcamp (document verification, valuation, legal workshops)
• May 26–June 19: Grooming (pitch refinement)
• June 25: Pitch Day (investor matching)
• June 30: MoU signings
• Post-Deal: Incorporation and investment disbursement (within 3–12 months)

8. 8. How to Register?

Entrepreneurs and investors can apply at www.jabchor.bt from May 2–17, 2025.

Pitch Day Venue: To be announced on the website.

Quotes

“Jabchor is more than just a project—it is a collaborative initiative that engages key ecosystem stakeholders to create a platform that enhances access to finance for entrepreneurs while also providing meaningful opportunities for investors. This initiative will be  continued in the coming years and  is not a one-off activity or project”

— Director General, Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship, MoICE

“ Jabchor 2.0-an investment platform open to both national and foreign investors for  investment into scalable startups, will be supported with online incorporation of the LLCs by Corporate Regulatory Authority(CRA), to ensure protection of investors interest under Companies Act of Bhutan                                                             — Registrar of Companies, Corporate Regulatory Authority (CRA)

8. “RSEBL’s AIM Board offers investors a clear exit pathway, making equity investments in Bhutanese startups more attractive and liquid.”
               — General Manager, Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan (RSEB)

   “The Department of Industry fully supports Jabchor 2.0’s FDI component, which aligns perfectly with Bhutan’s investment policies. This creates new opportunities for cross-border partnerships while ensuring compliance with our regulatory framework.”
                                                       — Director General, Department of Industry, MoICE

    

   Media Contact

   Email: info@jabchor.bt
   Phone: +975 17120333
   Website: www.jabchor.bt