Is Kazakhstan a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Kazakhstan has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Kazakhstan gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Kazakhstan

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Kazakhstan offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Kazakhstan's early-stage funding environment is developing, with notable activity from local and international players. Venture capital firms like Tumar Venture Fund, Big Sky Capital, and Most Ventures are active, often focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds. Government support is also significant, with initiatives like Astana Hub offering programs such as Seed Money and hosting events like Invest Day to connect startups with investors. QazInnovations provides grants for innovative projects. Angel investor networks like UMAY Angels Club and QazAngels are emerging to support early-stage companies. Despite progress, challenges remain, including a limited number of investors for larger, later-stage rounds and navigating regulatory issues. While early-stage deals are prevalent, securing substantial follow-on funding can be difficult. Kazakhstan saw $71 million in VC investments in 2024, a decrease from $80 million in 2023, though the market has shown significant growth since 2018. The government plans to launch a $1 billion fund of funds in 2025 to boost the ecosystem.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Kazakhstan has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Kazakhstan has a developing startup and innovation culture, actively supported by the government to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors. There is a notable presence of coworking spaces and tech events, particularly in major cities like Astana and Almaty. Astana Hub is a key innovation center offering infrastructure, tax preferences, and support programs for startups. Entrepreneurial activity is increasing, with a growing number of SMEs. The ecosystem appears to support early-stage founders through various programs, mentorship, and access to funding, including a venture fund specifically for early-stage startups. While standardized programs exist, there's also a focus on providing resources and connections crucial for success from the earliest stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Kazakhstan can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Kazakhstan, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Kazakhstan is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Kazakhstan has a growing talent pool for startups, particularly in the tech sector. The government is actively investing in education and skill development, aiming to train 100,000 IT specialists by 2025 through initiatives like Tech Orda. Universities such as Nazarbayev University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and Astana IT University are key educational institutions contributing to this talent pool, offering programs in IT, computer science, and business. In-demand skills include software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, AI, and IT project management. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong intellectual potential and increasing expertise in these areas. Government support, including tax incentives and streamlined registration, along with the presence of tech parks like Astana Hub, fosters a favorable environment for startups and helps nurture local talent. While challenges exist in finding specialized AI talent, there's a commitment to upskilling the workforce.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Kazakhstan can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Kazakhstan boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Kazakhstan supports its burgeoning startup ecosystem with various infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include tech parks like Astana Hub, Central Asia's largest IT technopark, offering incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and special tax/visa conditions. Tech Garden also provides acceleration and connects startups with resources and funding. Government initiatives like "Digital Kazakhstan" aim to accelerate growth through digitalization and developing tech startups. Programs such as the National Entrepreneurship Development Project and Business Roadmap 2025 offer financial support. The government also provides funding opportunities and tax incentives. These resources help startups by providing necessary infrastructure, expertise, funding, and a favorable regulatory environment to thrive and scale.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Kazakhstan. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Kazakhstan Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Kazakhstan provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Kazakhstan may encounter several challenges. While the cost of living is relatively low compared to other tech hubs, making salaries go further, inflation can be a factor. Competition exists, particularly in growing sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and edtech, where the number of startups has significantly increased. Regulatory issues also pose hurdles, including the inconsistent application and enforcement of laws, regular changes to legislation, and bureaucratic challenges, especially outside major cities. Access to finance and talent shortages are also noted challenges.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Kazakhstan or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Kazakhstan offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash