The dynamic nature of today’s market and the rapid pace of technological advancement present significant challenges for startups. While many new businesses struggle within the first five years, the cause of failure often lies not in the lack of innovative ideas but in an inability to adapt to these fast-changing conditions.

In response to this growing need for resilience in business, BINUS Business School hosted the ‘CEO Speaks Nextgen Startup Day’ on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the BINUS Senayan Auditorium in Jakarta. The hybrid event, themed Building Resilience: How NextGen Founders Can Thrive in a Rapidly Changing Market Economy, offered an invaluable opportunity for students, alumni, industry partners, and the general public to learn strategies for building stronger, more adaptable businesses.

The event began with a startup exhibition that showcased business ideas from BINUS University students and alumni across various campuses, including Kemanggisan, Senayan, Alam Sutera, and Bandung. This exhibition provided attendees with a unique opportunity to explore innovative startup concepts and see firsthand how the next generation of entrepreneurs is shaping the future.

Following the exhibition, the event featured a talkshow with key industry players, offering insights into the current state of the startup ecosystem in Indonesia. The discussion focused on how startups can navigate the challenges of today’s market, with perspectives from both venture capitalists and business founders. Speakers included Raditya Pramana, Managing Partner at Venturra and BINUS International Business Information Systems alum; Melisa Irene, Partner at East Ventures and BINUS International Finance alum; and Ellen Pranata, Founder and CEO of KLAR Smile. The talkshow was moderated by Chiko Maradona, BINUS Business School MM Executive in Strategic Management alum and Founder & CEO of BISA Tumbuh, a startup focused on MSME development.

Raditya and Melisa provided insights from the investor’s perspective, discussing what venture capitalists look for when funding startups and the sectors with the greatest potential in Indonesia. According to Raditya, entrepreneurs today must have a strong value proposition in their businesses, as market demand is high and competition continues to intensify.

Ellen Pranata’s contribution highlighted the perspective of startup founders, sharing her own experiences building KLAR Smile, a company that received funding from both Venturra and East Ventures. Her insights emphasized the importance of developing resilient business strategies that can weather market changes.

BINUS Business School’s CEO Speaks Nextgen Startup Day was designed to bridge the gap between students and C-level industry practitioners. By fostering direct interaction between students and experienced business leaders, the event helped participants gain valuable business insights while strengthening alumni engagement with the university.

The event also underscored the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and the need for startups to build strong relationships with the public. As Indonesia continues to see a rise in innovative startups, events like CEO Speaks Nextgen Startup Day aim to ensure that these businesses remain resilient and adaptable to the shifting landscape. This commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs aligns with BINUS University’s mission to foster innovation and contribute to the nation’s progress.

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