MDI Ventures, a venture capital firm under Telkom Group, introduced eight portfolio startups through its MDI Impact Report 2025 as part of an effort to measure social and environmental benefits generated by its investments (09/12).

The release underlines that MDI’s investment approach is not limited to short-term financial gains but also focuses on real contributions to society and the environment.

Investment Strategy Focused on Governance and Real-World Impact

MDI stated that its priorities include supporting companies with strong governance and sustainability principles, along with the ability to address real community and environmental challenges.

“As investors, we are not only focused on companies that grow with good governance and sustainability. Equally important is how they answer real problems in society and the environment,” said Alvin Evander, VP of Corporate Communications & Strategy at MDI Ventures, in a written statement on Tuesday.

“That is what we want to document through this series of impact reports,” he added.

The 2025 report compiles impact measurements throughout 2024 and is aligned with Telkom Group’s long-term strategy to build an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem.

MDI positioned innovation to respond to public needs while supporting national development goals.

Framework Ensuring Measurable and Relevant Startup Impact

To ensure relevance and accuracy, MDI developed an impact framework to guide the annual selection of featured portfolios.

The framework ensures that each selected company demonstrates a clear, measurable impact and aligns with national development priorities.

MDI also prioritizes companies with a strong theory of change, firm governance, such as data protection, and social or environmental missions that benefit a wide range of communities.

Each startup must measure impact metrics relevant to its business model, ranging from beneficiary numbers to resource savings, before inclusion in the annual report.

Eight Startups Deliver Social and Environmental Impact Across Sectors

The report highlights portfolios across aquaculture (Delos), logistics (Paxel), insurtech (Qoala), AI and data orchestration (Volantis), loyalty and rewards (Tada), digital identity (Privy), travel management (Opsigo), and ticketing and experience solutions (Goers).

Their combined impact in 2024 spans aquaculture communities, major cities, MSMEs, and corporate clients.

Paxel – Logistics

Paxel expanded its Paxel Recycle service, allowing customers to send inorganic waste for processing with waste-management partners.

In 2024, the program collected 430 shipments from 69 customers.

Paxel also adopted ALVAboard reusable packaging, which can be reused more than 100 times to reduce single-use cardboard.

Qoala – Insurtech

Qoala recorded 445 million microinsurance policies in 2024, marking 166 percent growth from the previous year.

This increase reflects the demand for affordable insurance products that support financial protection literacy.

Tada – Loyalty & Rewards

Tada reached around 2 million MSME merchants with a cumulative GMV of 300 million US dollars.

Its 2024 customer satisfaction survey reported a score of 90/100.

A case study in the Sour Sally sales network showed loyalty program members being 2.5 times more active than walk-in customers, generating a fivefold return on incentive costs after switching to digital cards.

Goers – Event & Experience

Goers handled more than 6.5 million tickets for 2 million customers and partnered with over 4,500 event organizers.

Its Goers Crew program provided first-time job opportunities to 372 young people in 2024 while helping event organizers improve operational professionalism.

Delos, Volantis, Privy, Opsigo – Other Sectors

These four companies emphasized the use of technology for sustainable aquaculture, reducing paper usage, improving data security, and digitalizing small businesses and travel agents to adapt to digital markets.

Impact Reports Support Investment Decisions and Governance Alignment

MDI emphasized that the impact reports serve as essential references for decision-making from startup mentoring and follow-on funding discussions to collaboration alignment with Telkom Group and other partners.

The reports are also expected to support investors, regulators, and industry players in strengthening sustainability and governance agendas.

“Ultimately, we want to show that Indonesia’s digital ecosystem can grow fast while being responsible,” Alvin said. “If investments are managed properly and in the long term, the impact will be felt not only by companies but also by millions of users and the surrounding communities.”

PHOTO: MDI VENTURES

This article was created with AI assistance.