Nepali Fintech Startup Khalti Claims Global Recognition at GBG Stories Contest 2017
Key Takeaways
- Khalti wins both the official and People’s Choice awards at the 2017 GBG Stories Contest
- The company joins three other global startups as winners from San Francisco
- This recognition underscores Nepal’s rising innovation in financial technology
Nepal’s startup scene continues to shine on the international stage, with Khalti.com, a homegrown financial technology firm, taking home the top prize at the 2017 Google Business Group Stories Contest. Not only did Khalti secure the main award but it was also awarded the People’s Choice title, reflecting strong public support. Khalti operates as a digital wallet service that enables quick, safe, and straightforward online transactions across Nepal, with a mission to support the nation’s shift toward a cashless, digital economy.
Khalti was among four overall winners announced at the contest in San Francisco, California, joining Café Yagam from the Philippines, Riliv from Indonesia, and Virtualahan, also from the Philippines. Contestants were evaluated based on three key areas: the quality of their innovation, the real-world impact of their solutions, and their creative application of Google tools. The selection process spanned six months during 2017.
Winning teams gain access to Google’s headquarters in California, where they can meet leading technologists, innovators, and business executives. Their success stories will also be featured in official Google video documentation. Each year, the GBG program invites thousands of startups worldwide to share how digital platforms are transforming business practices globally. This year, Nepal stood out with not just Khalti but also two other local startups—Khaalisisi and Eco Cell Industries Nepal—making it to the final round. Back in 2014, another Nepali company, Yellow Nepal, also brought home the same prestigious award.
As entrepreneurship gains momentum across Nepal, this achievement by Khalti serves as inspiration for more local innovators to pursue international recognition and contribute to the country’s growing tech landscape.
