Central Asia is entering a defining decade for technology entrepreneurship. With a population of nearly 95 million and a GDP exceeding $600 billion, the region presents one of the world’s last major untapped digital markets. In their latest report “Key Sectors on the New Silk Road”, London-based Sturgeon Capital — one of the very few international venture capital firms actively investing in Central Asia — highlights the opportunities and challenges for startups across the region.

According to Sturgeon, five industries stand out as capable of producing venture-scale companies:

• Financial Services – From SME lending to embedded fintech and digital insurance, startups can address massive gaps in inclusion and efficiency. Kaspi in Kazakhstan is already a regional champion, but underserved markets in Uzbekistan and beyond remain wide open.
• Natural Resources – Oil, gas, and mining dominate Central Asian economies. Startups with advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and software for operational efficiency can plug into billion-dollar industries.
• Logistics – With the revival of the Middle Corridor as a modern Silk Road, demand is soaring for digital tools that streamline freight, last-mile delivery, and trade finance.
• Agriculture – Long known for its produce, the sector is still highly inefficient. Technology adoption is low, but opportunities exist in farm monitoring, financing, and supply-chain optimization.
• SMEs – The backbone of the economy, yet still mostly analog. Digital ERPs, HR tech, cashflow management, and embedded financial solutions are emerging as game-changers.

Sturgeon emphasizes that while the opportunities are vast, founders face unique challenges — from limited venture liquidity and long enterprise sales cycles to the persistence of grey economies. Success, they argue, will come from teams that combine local market knowledge with scalable technology and strong international networks.

To dive deeper into these insights, Astanahub will host a special YouTube stream with Robin Butler and the investment team of Sturgeon Capital — the authors of The New Silk Road report.

📺 YouTube Stream: The New Silk Road for Startups 🗓️ Date: 26 August

🕒 Time: 4 PM GMT +5 🎙️

Guests: Robin Butler & Nazerke Calidolda. Sturgeon Capital partners

Moderator: Askar Aituov from Google (devs.kz telegram channel founder)

This is a rare chance to hear directly from London-based venture capitalists who are not only analyzing but actively backing founders in Central Asia. If you’re a startup, founder, or investor curious about scaling in the region, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

👉 Stay tuned for the live link here or at devs.kz telegram channel. Youtube live link