Closing 2022 with high achievements, Komunal raises new funding led by East Ventures

Komunal, the first fintech company to digitize BPR in accelerating the financial inclusion in Indonesia’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities, announced that it has successfully secured US$ 8.5 million of funding led by East Ventures (Growth fund). This funding round is also participated by AlphaTrio Sustainable Technology Fund, Skystar Capital, Sovereign’s Capital, Ozora, and Gobi Partners. This fresh fund will be used towards the company’s mission, which is to accelerate financial inclusion and strengthen the neo-rural bank ecosystem in Indonesia, especially outside the Greater Jakarta area.

Hendry Lieviant, CEO of Komunal, said, “We are humbled by the overwhelming support from our investors, rural bank partners, and loyal users. It was very fulfilling to see how digitalization has helped our rural bank partners to thrive during the pandemic recovery period and enabled our loyal users to access attractive deposit and loan products digitally. In 2023, we hope to reach a wider market, particularly BPR users and partners outside of Java and Bali.”

He added, “We are optimistic that the collaboration between fintech and incumbent banks, including rural banks, will create a very strong synergy. Komunal sees the potential for partnerships with BPRs to increase financial inclusion for MSMEs in tier 2 and 3 cities.”

In Indonesia, the fintech industry has enormous potential, particularly for fostering the growth of MSMEs. Fintech can help SMEs manage their finances and capital with convenience and efficiency.

In 2022, Komunal has channeled US$ 230 million (equivalent to IDR 3.6 billion) worth of deposits and loans to local BPRs and MSMEs. This represents 350% YoY growth compared to 2021, where the number of deposits and loans disbursed was US$ 50 million (IDR 781 billion). Transaction volume is expected to exceed US$ 500 million by 2023. In addition, Komunal has also recorded positive EBITDA since October 2022, experiencing growth and profitability at the same time.

Since its launch, more than 220 BPRs (rural banks) from across 19 provinces in Indonesia have joined the DepositoBPR by Komunal platform. This enables users throughout Indonesia to make deposits digitally with hundreds of BPRs across the country without physically visiting the banks whilst enjoying higher interest rates on government-guaranteed deposits.

Currently, Komunal has two main business lines: DepositoBPR by Komunal and Komunal P2P Lending. Both of these companies are involved in the fintech industry and have a mission to accelerate financial inclusion in Indonesia. DepositoBPR by Komunal is the first BPR deposit marketplace application in Indonesia. Komunal P2P Lending, on the other hand, is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects potential MSMEs with lenders to support economic growth in Indonesia.

“As the early supporter of Komunal, we have witnessed the growth and many achievements of Komunal. We believe in the resilience and innovation that Hendry and the team have and will continue to present, which will further accelerate digitalization in the financial sector. We are excited to continue seeing Komunal’s contribution in realizing financial inclusion for Indonesians,” said Willson Cuaca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of East Ventures.

Dr. Peter Jacobs appointed as Komunal Commissioner

Komunal is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter Jacobs as Commissioner effective 1 January 2023. Dr. Peter Jacobs has worked for Bank Indonesia since 1991 and has held a variety of strategic positions, including coordinator of the 2018 World Bank and IMF meetings. His previous position at Bank Indonesia was Executive Director – Head of the Banking Service, Licensing, and Treasury Operation Department from 2019 to 2022.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Peter Jacobs to Komunal,” said Hendry, the CEO of Komunal. “His extensive experience at Bank Indonesia will be invaluable and will certainly bring new color and perspective to elevate the entire Komunal team.”

Dr. Peter Jacobs stated that Komunal’s initiative to create a strong synergy with BPRs throughout Indonesia is a smart innovation that can promote financial inclusion. Along with Dr Peter Jacobs appointment, Komunal plans to make several senior hires to further accelerate its mission in providing the best service to MSMEs, rural banks and the society at large.