Biography of Shahir Chowdhury: Founder and CEO of Shikho- Entrepreneur
Journey of Empowering Education: Shahir Chowdhury’s Vision
Foundations of Excellence
Shahir Chowdhury, a dedicated entrepreneur and visionary
leader, began his academic journey at Cardiff University, where he earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from 2005 to 2009. This solid
educational foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in both
finance and education.
Launching a Promising Career
Shahir’s career took off in London, where he gained over a
decade of experience in the financial services sector. Starting at Barclays, he
took on diverse roles in Financial Planning & Strategy, Treasury Advisory,
and Investment Management. These positions helped him develop a strategic
outlook and strong financial acumen.
Rising Through Leadership
Shahir quickly climbed the ranks at Barclays, serving as
Assistant Vice President in Reporting & Analytics and later in Treasury
Advisory. His expertise in balance sheet management and financial resource
optimization made him a trusted advisor within the organization.
Transitioning to Private Banking
Continuing his journey in finance, Shahir joined HSBC as
Director in their UK Private Bank. In this role, he managed portfolios of
high-net-worth individuals across Surrey, Sussex, and London, focusing on
entrepreneurs and financial professionals. His strong interpersonal skills and
client-centric approach distinguished him in the field.
A Passion for Education
Coming from a family of educators, Shahir always believed in
the transformative power of education. This deep-rooted passion inspired him to
return to Bangladesh after 16 years abroad. His goal was to create impactful
solutions that would democratize access to education for millions of students
in his home country.
Biography of Shahir Chowdhury: Founder and CEO of Shikho- Entrepreneur/ education technology/age/net worth/startup/Shikho story/Shahir Chowdhury
Founding Shikho
In 2019, Shahir founded Shikho, an education technology
company in Bangladesh. Shikho aims to modernize and enhance learning by
creating a hyper-localized digital ecosystem. The company focuses on providing
high-quality, affordable educational resources for Bengali-speaking students.
Building a Digital Learning Ecosystem
Shikho’s platform integrates interactive live classes,
animated video lessons, a comprehensive question bank, and personalized
performance tracking. By leveraging technology, Shikho makes education engaging
and accessible for students from classes 6 to 12, as well as those preparing
for major exams like JSC, SSC, and HSC.
A Mobile-First Approach
With a mobile-first strategy, Shikho's app is designed for
Android devices, ensuring widespread accessibility. Students can learn anytime
and anywhere, making it an ideal solution for a learning-age population of 85
million Bengali-speaking students.
Expanding Educational Horizons
Shikho extends beyond school education by addressing exam
preparation, tutoring, and skill development for young professionals and
university students. This comprehensive approach ensures students have a
cohesive and well-rounded learning experience.
Backing from Global Investors
Shikho has garnered support from prestigious investors,
including Learn Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Anchorless Bangladesh.
Renowned angel investors like Ankur Nagpal, founder of Teachable, and Julian
Shapiro, founder of Demand Curve, have also backed the venture, affirming its
potential to revolutionize education in Bangladesh.
A Mission of Equity
Shahir’s leadership at Shikho reflects his unwavering
commitment to promoting equitable education. By delivering premium learning
resources in Bengali, he empowers students to overcome barriers and unlock
their potential.
Recognized for Impact
In 2023, Shahir was named a Bloomberg Catalyst, a
recognition of his work in fostering equitable education. His efforts
underscore the importance of bridging educational gaps to drive societal
development and empowerment.
The Road Ahead
Under Shahir’s leadership, Shikho continues to innovate and
expand its reach, shaping the future of education in Bangladesh. His journey
exemplifies the power of passion and vision in creating solutions that leave a
lasting impact on individuals and communities.
A timeline for the story of Shahir Chowdhury and Shikho:
2005-2009: Shahir Chowdhury earns a Bachelor of Science in
Business Management from Cardiff University.
2009-2020: Shahir works at Barclays and HSBC, gaining
experience in financial services and private banking.
2019: Shahir founds Shikho, an education technology company
in Bangladesh.
2020: Shikho launches its mobile-first platform to provide
digital education for Bengali-speaking students.
2024: Shahir is named a Bloomberg Catalyst for his work in
equitable education.
