AIFC launches the pilot project to attract investment into creative industries
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC, the Centre) announces the launch of Creative Pitch Day 2026, a pilot project aimed at attracting capital to Kazakhstan’s creative industries. The key objective of the initiative is to transform creative projects into investment assets that are understandable to capital markets.
Applications are open to companies operating in film, music, game development, and digital content creation. Eligible participants must possess verified intellectual property rights registered through Qazpatent, the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, the Eurasian Patent Organization or other international registration mechanisms, and have a project pitch deck prepared.
Following an initial screening conducted by the AIFC team, projects will be submitted to investors for evaluation based on a range of criteria, including originality of the concept, creative value, audience potential, market relevance, project maturity, ownership of intellectual property rights, justification of financing needs, as well as commercial and investment readiness.
The investor working group includes Ernar Kurmashev (Tolqyn Film Fund), Yernur Rysmagambetov (Alem Entertainment), Aiganim Suleyeva (Creative Capital Fund), David Tuganov (Creata Ventures Studio), and Nailya Shodorova (JAS Ventures Capital). Following the evaluation process, selected projects will be invited to participate in the final in-person pitching session, which will take place at the AIFC during Astana Finance Days 2026 international forum on 9–10 September. The investor side will be represented by venture capital funds, business angels and institutional investors. Detailed information and the application form are available on the AIFC website via the link. Applications will be accepted until 10 August 2026.
Zhanbolat Kakishev, Chief Product Officer of the AIFC Authority, noted: “Today, the creative economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors, attracting investors with diverse investment profiles. As an international financial centre, our role is to provide a robust legal framework that enables investment in creative ventures. Through the AIFC’s intellectual property collateral registration mechanism, investments in creative projects have become more secure, transparent, and legally enforceable. We are building an ecosystem where innovative ideas can connect with capital, expertise, and long-term growth opportunities.”
The contribution of Kazakhstan’s creative industries to GDP currently stands at around 1%, compared to approximately 5% in an international market, highlighting the sector’s significant growth potential. According to government targets, employment in the sector is expected to reach 180,000 people by 2029. According to a joint report by the AIFC and Dasco Group conducted in 2024, more than 40,000 creative industry companies operate in Kazakhstan, providing over 140,000 jobs, with around 67% of businesses concentrated in Astana and Almaty.
The AIFC’s framework for supporting creative projects has been developed based on international practices and provides transaction transparency, legal protection for investors and predictability in intellectual property rights management. In particular, the AIFC jurisdiction hosts Tolqyn Film Fund, the first private film fund managed by Dasco Capital Ltd., which applies to a portfolio investment approach. The fund has already financed several domestic film projects, including “Dastur 2”, “7 Qaraqshy”, and “Baiqa! Alayaq!” and “Shymyr”.
For inquiries regarding the pilot project, please contact: [email protected].
Reference:
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) is an independent jurisdiction where investors and businesses meet emerging opportunities of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in a transparent and sustainable environment backed by the principles of English Common Law. www.aifc.kz
AIFC Press Office,
Ainur Issabayeva, press secretary
E-mail: [email protected]
