Grab Ventures Velocity (GVV), Grab’s annual startup accelerator, recently marked another milestone during ‘A Day with GVV’ at the Tech in Asia Jakarta conference in October. The event, which featured four finalists from GVV’s seventh batch, provided an excellent platform for these startups to pitch their ideas, network with potential investors, and showcase their innovative solutions to a wider audience.

The GVV accelerator is a program that focuses on supporting Indonesian startups, particularly those in the technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors. The program provides various resources, including workshops, training sessions, and access to valuable networking opportunities. Each annual batch runs for 16 to 18 weeks and helps participating startups connect with industry experts, mentors, and investors, all while gaining exposure in Indonesia’s competitive startup ecosystem.

The Tech in Asia Jakarta event served as a perfect venue to highlight this year’s GVV program. During the event, participants had the chance to engage in panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking activities. This year’s theme, “Digital Ignition: Catalyzing Indonesian Startups for Sustainable Success," set the stage for insightful conversations about the future of Indonesia’s startup ecosystem.

One of the event’s key highlights was the pitching session, where the four finalist startups presented their business models and future plans. These startups included Arummi, which specializes in a cashew-based milk alternative, Blitz, a last-mile logistics company using electric motorbikes, DOOgether, a platform promoting health and fitness classes, and Surplus, a company tackling food waste by helping businesses manage surplus food.

During the pitching session, each startup had the opportunity to showcase its achievements and vision for growth, receiving valuable feedback from a panel of experts, investors, and mentors. Blitz Electric, led by CEO Saivya Chauhan, made a significant impact by presenting its EV fleet solution designed to improve delivery efficiency and reduce emissions.

In addition to the pitching session, the event provided a networking luncheon where startups could connect with potential investors and other key stakeholders. This event marked the beginning of the next phase for the GVV startups, who are now set to launch pilot programs within Grab’s expansive ecosystem.

For example, Blitz is testing its electric vehicle fleet as part of a special project to enhance GrabMart’s delivery efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint. Similarly, DOOgether is offering special promotions to Grab users in the health and fitness category. Grab customers can collect points for GrabFood orders in the healthy food section, which can be redeemed for DOOgether vouchers that include fitness classes. Additionally, Surplus and other startups are developing partnerships with Grab to improve their products and services.

The success of the GVV program lies not only in its ability to mentor and support startups but also in its unique opportunity for startups to launch and test products within Grab’s ecosystem. This hands-on approach helps startups refine their offerings and accelerate their growth.

Looking ahead, Grab Ventures Velocity is preparing for its next batch of startups. The accelerator’s ability to provide startups with access to Grab’s vast user base, logistical infrastructure, and tech capabilities is expected to continue driving innovation and growth in Indonesia’s startup scene. GVV’s eighth batch of startups will open for registration next year, promising to bring fresh ideas and solutions to the table.