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)

Logistics startup Paxel operates Paxel Recycle, enabling customers to send inorganic waste for processing with waste management partners.

Throughout 2024, Paxel recorded 430 waste shipments from 69 customers and deployed reusable ALVAboard packaging that can be used more than 100 times to reduce single-use carton waste.

Qoala (Insurtech)

Insurtech company Qoala recorded 445 million microinsurance policies in 2024, representing 166 percent growth compared to the previous year.

The growth reflects the increasing role of affordable insurance products in improving public financial protection literacy.

Tada (Loyalty & Rewards)

Loyalty and rewards platform Tada reached around 2 million MSME merchants with a cumulative GMV of US$300 million.

A 2024 customer satisfaction survey recorded a score of 90 out of 100, while a case study showed loyalty members transacted 2.5 times more frequently than walk-in customers.

Goers (Event & Experience Management)

Event and experience platform Goers has managed more than 6.5 million tickets for 2 million customers in collaboration with over 4,500 event organizers.

Its Goers Crew program provided first-job opportunities to 372 young people in 2024 while improving operational professionalism in the event industry.

Delos (Aquaculture)

Aquaculture startup Delos supports shrimp farmers through science-based technology and operational management.

“Delos continues to pursue the ambition of making Indonesia the world’s largest shrimp producer while equipping farmers with science-based technology and operational management,” said Delos CEO Guntur Mallarangeng.

Volantis (AI and Data Orchestration)

Volantis focuses on AI, data orchestration, and sustainable digital transformation for organizations across Indonesia.

“As Indonesians, we want to provide AI solutions that are not only advanced but also aligned with Indonesia’s needs and culture,” said Volantis CEO Bachtiar Rifai, referring to the launch of its local AI model, AuroraLLM.

Privy (Digital Identity)

Privy provides trusted digital identity, certified electronic signatures, and secure digital transactions.

The company serves over 68 million verified users and more than 200,000 businesses, supporting secure digital interactions across regulated industries.

Opsigo (Travel Management)

Opsigo focuses on digital travel management solutions for corporations and travel agencies.

The platform supports the digitalization of business travel operations to improve efficiency and market reach.

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.