Abstract This paper makes an endeavour to evaluate the challenges faced by Startups and Small Medium Enterprises in Kabul Afghanistan during 2017 and 2018. It outlines an approach to learning how startups perceive the impact of input constraints related to market, finance, labor, regulation, technical, etc. on their success. The paper sheds light on the identification of such constraints and challenges from the perspective of managers and entrepreneurs. The study employs inductive approach of thematic analysis to analyze the outcomes of the four sessions of focus group discussions conducted with the managers or founders of startups, SMEs, and government officials. Meanwhile, the paper recommends specific measures suggested by the related authorities from the government and non-government sectors to secure the survival and growth of startups. Prevalence of government regulation, including but not limited to; taxation, bureaucratic licensing, along with complicated procedure...