Endeavor Catalyst, a global venture capital firm affiliated with Endeavor, has been recognized as the world’s most productive early-stage investor, based on the Kauffman Fund Returners Index. With an impressive portfolio of 59 unicorns and 13 exit unicorns, Endeavor Catalyst has firmly established itself as a leader in identifying high-growth startups. The firm’s success is not only measured by the number of unicorns but also by its strategic focus on emerging markets, particularly Indonesia.

In recent years, Indonesia has emerged as a hotspot for innovative startups, driven by a rapidly growing digital economy and increasing consumer demand. Although global venture capital funding saw a significant decline in 2023, emerging markets like Indonesia continue to attract attention due to their untapped potential and opportunities for innovation.

Devina Hartono, the Executive Director of Endeavor Indonesia, emphasized that despite the global funding slowdown, markets like Indonesia remain critical to the future of innovation. “Indonesia has the potential to become a new center for innovation and growth in emerging markets,” she said. The country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, which includes leading sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech, has placed it at the forefront of Southeast Asia’s startup scene.

Endeavor Catalyst’s approach is highly selective, focusing exclusively on companies led by Endeavor Entrepreneurs—founders who have gone through a rigorous selection process and have demonstrated high growth potential. This selective approach has proven effective, with the firm achieving a balance between scalability, profitability, and impactful innovation. One standout example is eFishery, an Indonesian aquaculture startup that has reached unicorn status. By revolutionizing the fish and shrimp farming industry with cutting-edge technology, eFishery has attracted both local and international investment, including from Endeavor Catalyst.

For Gibran Huzaifah, CEO and co-founder of eFishery, the support from Endeavor Catalyst has been instrumental in driving the company's growth. "The investment has given us the confidence to expand our operations and opened doors for collaborations with their international network," he explained. eFishery's success underscores the significant role that venture capital can play in helping startups scale and create positive societal impact.

Endeavor Catalyst’s portfolio includes over 300 companies, with 59 having reached the unicorn milestone, a testament to the firm’s ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups. Looking ahead, Endeavor Catalyst is committed to continuing its mission of identifying, mentoring, and investing in the next generation of influential entrepreneurs who will shape the future of industries across the globe.

Another noteworthy success is Qoala, an Indonesian insurtech company that has gained recognition for its innovative approach to providing inclusive insurance solutions across Southeast Asia. Recently, Harshet Lunani, CEO and co-founder of Qoala, was named an Endeavor Entrepreneur, the 103rd from Indonesia. His company’s performance, with significant monthly policy sales and a broad customer base, highlights the growing demand for digital insurance services in the region. Devina Hartono praised Lunani’s leadership, saying that his commitment to innovation and positive societal impact aligns with Endeavor’s values.

Endeavor Catalyst’s focus on markets like Indonesia demonstrates its confidence in the country’s ability to foster scalable, sustainable startups that can make a significant impact both locally and globally. With continued investment and support, Indonesia is poised to play a pivotal role in the global innovation ecosystem for years to come.