Grab Ventures Velocity (GVV) Batch 7, a pivotal accelerator program, has successfully concluded, driving innovation and supporting sustainable growth for startups in Indonesia. The program, themed "Digital Ignition: Catalyzing Indonesian Startups for Sustainable Success," focused on guiding early-stage startups towards long-term success and making meaningful contributions to Indonesia’s economy.

From over 200 applicants, four startups emerged as finalists: Arummi, Blitz Electric, DOOgether, and Surplus. These startups were equipped with vital business skills, industry connections, and market exposure, which are essential for scaling sustainably.

Neneng Goenadi, Country Managing Director at Grab Indonesia, expressed excitement about the finalists, saying, "These startups represent the vast potential of young innovators creating relevant, sustainable solutions for Indonesia. We hope GVV helps them grow and make a significant positive impact."

The program emphasized not only product innovation but also the development of startup leaders. A critical component of GVV Batch 7 was its community engagement, where founders, alumni, and stakeholders exchanged insights on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the startup ecosystem.

Notable sessions included "Resilient Leadership," led by industry experts such as Jaygan Fu (CEO of OVO) and David Suwarto (Director at Emtek Media). This session provided guidance on navigating economic uncertainties and leading teams effectively. Another important discussion, "Rapid Scale Dilemma: Balancing Growth and Stability," focused on strategies for managing rapid expansion without compromising stability, an issue critical to sustainable business growth.

Additionally, workshops delivered practical insights for overcoming startup challenges, such as enhancing customer loyalty and building meaningful relationships with government officials. Experts like Henry Manampiring, a renowned brand marketer, shared strategies to eliminate buyer's remorse, while Yogi Rizkian Bahar (CEO of LinkAja) offered advice on strengthening government partnerships.

A standout moment was the "A Day with Grab Ventures Velocity" session at the Tech in Asia Conference 2024, where finalists pitched their ideas to over 100 investors and decision-makers. This exposure allowed startups to showcase their innovations and establish valuable connections. The conference also highlighted the importance of building strong relationships within the startup ecosystem, an insight shared by industry leaders like Rivana Mezaya (Grab Indonesia) and Brian Marshal (Founder & CEO of SIRCLO).

GVV Batch 7 also focused on providing personalized mentorship to help startups refine their go-to-market strategies and optimize products for local markets. Mentors from established companies like JumpStart and Rukita played an integral role in guiding the startups through these critical stages.

The graduation ceremony marked the culmination of the program, with notable figures like Arsjad Rasjid (CEO of Indika Energy) sharing valuable leadership insights. Arsjad introduced the ASA leadership model, which emphasizes authentic leadership, spirituality, and agility as the core principles for navigating company growth and adaptation.

The program's impact doesn’t end with graduation. The participating startups were also given the chance to test their products through pilot projects with Grab. For instance, Surplus partnered with GrabMart Kilat, and Arummi launched a new coffee menu in collaboration with GrabFood. These collaborations provided the startups with real-world testing environments and expanded their market reach.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/@neneng.goenadi

This article was created with AI assistance.