The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The proposed venture fund is being restructured as the government explores a model that can better serve Bhutan’s long-term interests and take advantage of opportunities emerging from Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
The Minister of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE) said that the initial proposal was to establish a USD 50 million Bhutan-focused fund in partnership with a global venture capital firm. However, further discussions have focused on how the fund should be structured and domiciled to maximize its long-term benefits for Bhutan, including opportunities presented by GMC.
As part of the restructuring, an alternative venture platform has been proposed through the Gelephu Investment Development Corporation (GIDC). The proposed platform would involve a GMC-domiciled structure with global, domestic and regional investment components alongside an entrepreneurship programme.
MoICE said the proposal is currently under consideration, with the institutional structure, fund manager and the government participation still being finalized.
