Ataur Rahim Chowdhury (ShopUp)
Overview
Ataur Rahim Chowdhury is a prominent figure in the Bangladeshi tech ecosystem, known for his role as the co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) of ShopUp, a leading B2B commerce platform in Bangladesh. ShopUp bridges the gap between small neighborhood shops and leading suppliers through an integrated platform offering logistics, financial, and commerce solutions. Under Ataur's leadership, ShopUp has grown rapidly to become a pivotal player in the Bangladeshi e-commerce space, helping to drive the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region.
Recent Developments
In recent years, ShopUp has made significant strides, further solidifying its position as a leader in the B2B commerce landscape:
- April 2025: ShopUp announced a strategic merger with Sary, a leading B2B marketplace in the Gulf region, to form SILQ Group. This merger was backed by a $110 million funding round led by Sanabil Investments and Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures, creating one of the largest cross-regional B2B platforms targeting the Gulf and emerging Asian markets.
- 2024: ShopUp continued its expansion by increasing its distribution hub network to 700 locations across Bangladesh. This move aimed to enhance logistics and supply chain capabilities to better serve the small neighborhood shops they partner with.
- 2024: The company launched "Briddhi," a platform providing embedded financial services to businesses, emphasizing financial inclusion and accessibility.
- 2023: ShopUp achieved a positive monthly EBITDA, marking a significant financial milestone as it scaled its operations and improved unit economics.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ataur Rahim Chowdhury |
| Born | Not publicly disclosed |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
| Occupation | Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of ShopUp |
| Known For | B2B commerce platforms, Digital transformation of MSMEs in Bangladesh |
| Education | East West University, Bangladesh |
Early Life and Education
Ataur Rahim Chowdhury pursued a degree in Computer Science & Engineering at East West University, Bangladesh, where he developed a strong foundation in technology and software development. His early career included roles in various tech companies, where he honed his skills in software engineering and product development. This technical background laid the groundwork for his eventual entrepreneurial ventures in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
Career and Notable Achievements
Ataur's career took a significant turn when he co-founded ShopUp in 2017 with Afeef Zaman and other partners. The company initially focused on supporting Facebook-based shops in Bangladesh, providing them with tools to streamline order management and logistics. Over the years, ShopUp evolved into a full-stack B2B platform offering solutions in logistics, finance, and commerce.
- 2018: Completion of a seed funding round with investments from Flourish Ventures and Omidyar Network.
- 2019: Selection into Sequoia Capital India's Surge accelerator program, which led to significant mentorship and financial backing.
- 2020: Launch of REDX, ShopUp's logistics arm, which became one of the largest logistics networks in Bangladesh.
- 2021: Successful closure of a $75 million Series B funding round led by Valar Ventures.
- 2025: Strategic merger with Sary to form SILQ Group.
Current Work and Impact
Ataur Rahim Chowdhury currently serves as the CEO of ShopUp Bangladesh, post-merger with Sary. He continues to drive the company’s mission to empower small businesses through innovative tech solutions. His role involves overseeing the expansion of the platform’s capabilities and ensuring seamless integration of financial tools and logistics services. This work has had a significant impact on promoting economic development by facilitating smoother business operations for MSMEs.
ShopUp Products List
ShopUp offers a range of products that support its mission of streamlining commerce for small businesses. Key products include:
- Mokam: A B2B platform connecting retail shops with suppliers and manufacturers.
- REDX: A logistics network providing extensive last-mile delivery solutions.
- Briddhi: A financial platform embedding credit and financial services for underserved businesses.
ShopUp Reseller
ShopUp supports a network of resellers who utilize its platforms to access a wide array of products at competitive prices. This reseller program allows individuals to start and grow their businesses with minimal initial investment, expanding ShopUp’s reach and influence in the broader market.
Conclusion
Ataur Rahim Chowdhury has played a crucial role in the digital transformation of the Bangladeshi retail sector through his work at ShopUp. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, he has helped create a more inclusive business environment for micro and small enterprises. With the recent merger that formed SILQ Group, Ataur is poised to further impact global commerce, facilitating cross-regional market access and advancing innovations in the financial services sector.