PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) through its subsidiary BNI Ventures has launched a new initiative aimed at advancing the Indonesian startup ecosystem. The Axel Arc program, designed to help startups scale and integrate into larger business ecosystems, has selected 10 promising startups for collaboration. These startups span various industries, including SaaS, AI, healthcare, fintech, blockchain, and more, showcasing Indonesia's dynamic entrepreneurial environment.

Eddi Danusaputro, CEO of BNI Ventures, highlighted that the Axel Arc program is a critical part of BNI’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the financial services sector through digital transformation. “We congratulate the 10 selected startups and are optimistic that this collaboration will solidify the business continuity between the startups and the BNI Group,” said Danusaputro in an official statement.

The program, which aligns with BNI’s broader efforts to foster innovation and digital growth, includes a series of workshops, industry mentorship sessions, and business pitch opportunities. These components are designed to equip startups with the tools and expertise needed to scale their operations and expand within the region and beyond. This year, the 10 curated startups will also gain exposure to BNI’s internal divisions, subsidiaries, and a network of investors, providing them with invaluable resources for growth.

The startups selected for the Axel Arc program this year include notable names like Rintisan, D3Labs, Qasir.id, Kata.ai, Ciroes, Volantis Technology, Fineksi, Zi.Care, Momofin, and Duluin. These companies represent a cross-section of Indonesia’s rapidly evolving tech scene, from fintech enablers to AI-driven healthcare solutions.

In addition to mentorship and networking, the Axel Arc program offers access to international technology partners, such as La French Tech, Alibaba Cloud, and Mekari, which contribute significant expertise and resources. These partnerships enhance the startups’ ability to scale by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and global networks.

One participant, Jessy Abdurrahman, CEO of Zi.Care, shared her positive experience, stating, “Axel Arc has given us an incredible opportunity to connect with BNI’s ecosystem, opening doors for us to develop more innovative and relevant solutions.” This reflects the program's core goal of facilitating business growth through collaboration with key industry players.

Beyond local growth, Axel Arc also opens doors for global expansion. As part of the initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) to explore global market opportunities. This strategic partnership is designed to help startups break into international markets, providing them with the tools needed to scale beyond Indonesia.

The selected startups in the 2024 cohort of Axel Arc are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing business challenges across various sectors while contributing to the growth of Indonesia’s digital economy. The program will be an annual event, continuously identifying and nurturing the best talent in Indonesia’s startup landscape.

By supporting these innovative companies, BNI Ventures is helping to drive Indonesia’s digital transformation forward, strengthening the nation’s competitiveness in the global market. Axel Arc complements other digital initiatives within the BNI Group, supporting not only financial services but also broader economic sustainability in Indonesia.

ANTARA