Kazakhstan Startup Landscape 2026

Kazakhstan Startup Landscape 2026 is the first national study of Kazakhstan's startup ecosystem, prepared by RISE Research & Advisory together with Astana Hub and Sapa Group, with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The report combines a map of more than 1,500 startups, a survey of 602 companies, interviews with 35+ founders and market leaders, and more than eight years of venture deal data. It follows the startup journey from first sales to international expansion, examining sectors, technologies, business models, founder profiles, and the factors that enable or constrain growth. The findings reveal a growing but young ecosystem: nearly 60% of active startups were founded in 2023–2026, enterprise software is the largest vertical, and more than 80% of surveyed companies position AI as part of their product. As companies scale, business customers become more prominent, while international expansion increasingly depends on access to customers, networks and growth capital. The study provides an evidence-based foundation for founders, investors, corporations and policymakers to assess the ecosystem and identify opportunities for its next stage of development.

1,500+ startups mapped, 602 companies surveyed, and 35+ market leaders interviewed. Kazakhstan's first national startup ecosystem study explores how companies move from first sales to global scale. Prepared with Astana Hub and Sapa Group, supported by the Ministry of AI and Digital Development. Available in English only.