MAROKO133 Eksklusif startup: Living Lab Ventures doubles down on innovation 🇯🇵, Grab posts

📌 MAROKO133 Eksklusif startup: Living Lab Ventures doubles down on innovation 🇯🇵,

Dear subscriber,

The past week have brought a wave of momentum across Indonesia’s innovation and digital economy. New cross-border partnerships and funding—from Living Lab Ventures’ Japan Thematic Fund to VENTENY’s social-impact investments—highlight how collaboration and purpose are shaping the next phase of growth. At the same time, companies like Grab, Blibli, and Telkomsel are proving that scale and technology remain central to market leadership, from profitability milestones to AI integration. The fintech, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure sectors continue to attract global attention, while online consumption shows no signs of slowing—BPS reported a 6.19% rise in e-commerce spending in Q3, with record-breaking campaigns already setting the tone for year-end optimism.

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The DailySocial Team

What’s New

1. Living Lab Ventures launches Japan‐Thematic Fund

Living Lab Ventures, based in Indonesia, has launched a new “Japan Thematic Fund” in partnership with Japan’s Cool Japan Fund and other backers. The fund is designed to help startups from Japan and Southeast Asia access capital, cross-border business connections, and real-world trial opportunities. For the Indonesian market this means more chances for local ventures to link up with Japanese firms, transfer technology, and expand beyond domestic boundaries.

2. Grab Holdings posts strong Q3 2025 revenue growth
Grab recorded Q3 2025 revenue of US$873 million, a 22% increase from last year, marking another profitable quarter with US$17 million in net profit. Growth was fueled by strong demand across its ecosystem — on-demand services rose 24%, deliveries jumped 23% to US$465 million, and financial services surged 39%. The company also achieved US$136 million in adjusted EBITDA, up 51% year-on-year, supported by steady operational efficiency. With US$7.4 billion in cash reserves, Grab continues to strengthen its position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital platforms, reflecting the region’s growing reliance on ride-hailing, delivery, and payment services.

3. Grab–GoTo Merger Talks: State Palace Confirms Negotiations
Indonesia’s State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that Grab and GoTo are in the process of negotiating a potential merger, which could lead to the creation of a single entity combining both platforms. The state-owned investment management agency Danantara is reportedly involved in the discussions to oversee the corporate asset arrangements. The merger plan is also being reviewed as part of a draft Presidential Regulation that will set clearer rules on the status, protection, and fare structure for online drivers and delivery partners.

4. VENTENY Secures Dual Funding to Advance Financial Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment

VENTENY Fortuna International (VTNY) has secured two new funding rounds to strengthen its mission of promoting financial inclusion and worker welfare in Indonesia. The company received US$5.5 million from the Women’s Livelihood Bond 7 (WLB7), managed by Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), to expand working-capital financing for women-led MSMEs in underserved regions. Around the same time, VENTENY also gained strategic investment from Japan’s Better Place Co. Ltd., aimed at enhancing its B2B financing services and employee well-being programs through the VENTENY Employee Super App. With this support, the company plans to scale up financing for MSMEs, improve employee wellness benefits, and build a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem.

5. Living Lab Ventures Invests in INCREASE to Strengthen Indonesia’s Clinical Research Ecosystem
Living Lab Ventures (LLV), the corporate venture arm of Sinar Mas Land, has made a strategic investment in INCREASE Laboratorium Indonesia, a clinical research and laboratory services company based in BSD City. The funding will help INCREASE expand operations, build global partnerships, and obtain international certifications such as CAP and ISO standards. INCREASE already works with partners in Singapore, Australia, China, and Japan, including Tsinghua University and Osaka University, to advance technology transfer and local talent development.

What’s Exciting

1. Telkom Indonesia earns from data-centre business with high utilisation
Telkom Indonesia’s subsidiary has reported strong demand in its data-centre business, with utilisation reaching 89 % in the third quarter. Although revenue was slightly down compared to the year before, the high utilisation suggests robust growth potential for Indonesia’s digital infrastructure sector. It offers local companies opportunities in services, infrastructure, partnerships and talent development.

2. YouTube Festival 2025 proclaims Indonesia as growth hub
YouTube’s Festival 2025 has declared Indonesia as its next growth centre, recognising the large audience, creator ecosystem and market potential. For Indonesia this is significant: it underlines that digital content creation, influencers, video marketing and creator economy are sectors to watch and invest in. It creates new opportunities for local talent, brands and platforms to tap into global attention from within Indonesia. The festival’s focus may also bring more…

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🔗 Sumber: dailysocial.id

📌 MAROKO133 Eksklusif startup: Hangry scale with US$10.5M 🍔, StraitsX boosts Web3

Dear subscriber,

This week’s roundup highlights major movements shaping Indonesia’s tech and financial landscape. From Hangry’s $10.5M funding round and StraitsX’s Web3 payment expansion, to Danantara’s new CTO and Xendit’s push into Latin America, the ecosystem is buzzing with scale and ambition. Superbank’s profitability and Telkom’s massive spin-off show how digital transformation is reshaping traditional sectors. Meanwhile, May Mobility and Grab bring autonomous transport to Southeast Asia, Singapore leads the IPO race, and Lendable fuels inclusive fintech growth. We also unpack new research from LPEM FEB UI revealing crypto’s Rp 7,000 trillion contribution to Indonesia’s economy—hinting at what’s next for regulated digital finance in the region.

Join ReSTART Bandung: Building a Strong & Mature Startup Team!

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Best regards,
The DailySocial Team

🚀 What’s New

Hangry Raises US$10.5 Million in Follow-up Funding

F&B technology startup Hangry has secured US$10.5 million in new funding led by Alpha JWC Ventures, marking one of the largest rounds in Indonesia’s foodtech space this year. The capital will be used to expand Hangry’s multi-brand restaurant ecosystem, improve digital operations, and enhance customer experience. Hangry’s hybrid model, combining physical outlets with strong online delivery channels, continues to attract investor confidence. The company also plans to leverage AI and data analytics to optimize menu innovation and supply chains. This funding milestone signals continued investor optimism in Indonesia’s tech-driven culinary market.

StraitsX Secures US$22.5 Million from UQPay and Docomo
Singapore-based StraitsX received a US$22.5 million investment from UQPay and Japan’s Docomo to boost its Web3 payment network across Asia. The deal aims to integrate blockchain-based financial infrastructure with existing digital payment systems, enabling faster and more secure cross-border transactions. StraitsX will use the funds to enhance interoperability between traditional finance and decentralized technologies. This strategic move positions StraitsX as a key connector in Asia’s growing digital asset economy. It also reflects increasing institutional confidence in regulated blockchain payment solutions.

Profile: Sigit Puji Santosa, CTO of Danantara

Danantara has appointed Sigit Puji Santosa as its new Chief Technology Officer to lead innovation in financial technology and data infrastructure. With extensive experience in scalable systems and fintech product development, Sigit brings technical depth and leadership vision to the company’s next growth phase. Under his direction, Danantara plans to enhance its digital financial ecosystem and expand its range of financial products. His appointment marks a commitment to strengthening technological excellence and operational agility. Sigit’s expertise is expected to accelerate Danantara’s mission to bridge technology with inclusive financial access in Indonesia.

Xendit Eyes Latin America Expansion
Indonesian unicorn Xendit is testing its payment solutions in Latin America, marking its first major expansion outside Asia. The move represents a bold step in Xendit’s ambition to become a global payment leader, building on its strong foundation in Southeast Asia. The company aims to replicate its successful model by targeting emerging markets with growing digital economies. This expansion underscores Xendit’s confidence in its scalable technology and regional insights. As it enters new territories, Xendit is set to redefine how cross-border payments empower businesses worldwide.

Superbank Hits IDR80.9 Billion Profit and 5 Million Customers
Superbank achieved a significant milestone by reporting IDR80.9 billion in profit and surpassing five million customers this quarter. The growth is driven by its focus on accessible digital banking services and user-friendly financial products. With strong backing from major stakeholders, Superbank continues to strengthen its position as a challenger in Indonesia’s banking landscape. The bank’s digital-first strategy has improved financial inclusion for underserved communities. These results demonstrate how innovation and customer trust can fuel profitability…

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🔗 Sumber: dailysocial.id