David vs Goliath: How Indonesian SaaS startups can win
Over the past decade, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has emerged as a successful model for software delivery globally. Both businesses and consumers have been demanding more software tools, and the question has always been – “how to sell and deliver what the customers want at scale?” The hallmark of SaaS - a centrally hosted, web-delivered, multi-tenant architecture (i.e. built once, sold many times) fit into the growing digitalization theme and was the core engine of tech adoption in the US and many developed economies.
Leveling the playing field and democratizing the web through Web 3.0 investment
Web 3.0 has emerged as the idea of a new kind of internet service built using decentralized blockchains — the shared ledger systems used by cryptocurrencies and NFTs. Proponents believe that Web 3.0 will create new economies, products, and services that will return democracy to the web instead of the current monopolies over who controls information and makes money.
D2C startups build stronger and stickier customer base through data optimization
True to all of our investments at the early stage, East Ventures’ thesis behind our D2C (Direct-to-Customer) bets are its founders. In each of their D2C segments, our founders are passionate about building brands that are customer-focused, innovative and personal.
The silver lining in the proptech sector
We recently announced two new portfolio investments in property technology (Proptech) startups: AMODA – a prefabricated construction company; and Tanaku – a rent-to-own property tech company. Both startups are operating and localizing their solutions to serve Indonesia-specific markets. Their recent funding rounds are seed and pre-seed, both led by East Ventures.
Earned Wage Access as the financial solution for employees and companies
The fintech sector has grown exponentially in Indonesia as it could fill the financial gap for millions of people. However, other issues appeared as some people were trapped by illegal fintech lending and lack of financial literacy, making it difficult to manage their wealth and cash flow.
Indonesia’s F&B startups are more robust with the resilience of Indonesia’s economy
Food and Beverage (F&B) has appeared as a resilient sector for Indonesia despite the slowdown during the pandemic. While most industries experienced a contraction, the F&B sector still grew by 0.2 percent in revenue growth year-on-year (YoY) in the second quarter of 2020, as Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data shows.
The promising rise of mental health startups in Indonesia
The urgency for innovation and access in the mental health vertical has never been more pivotal. On a macro level, there has been a global shift in consumer demand for quality health and wellness services and a significant lift in education and affluence in Southeast Asia, presenting a promising context for this industry.
Sustainable food production by compression of fishery’s fragmented supply chain in Indonesia: East Ventures’ thesis on local agritech, Aruna
With over 23 million tons of annual seafood production, Indonesia is second only to China in the global seafood market. The fishery sector generates approximately US$ 4.1 billion in annual export earnings, empowers more than 7 million jobs, and contributes 50% of Indonesia's animal-based dietary protein.