Indonesia Becomes Endeavor's Main Focus in Investing in Asia Pacific

Endeavor owns Endeavor Catalyst, a venture capital created exclusively for entrepreneurs within their program network. Recently, the investment unit closed its fourth managed fund of $290 million or around 4,3 trillion Rupiah --- the largest they have ever managed. The funds were recorded from a number of well-known institutions and figures, including: founder LinkedIn and Snowflake.

According to the explanation of the Endeavor Indonesia team, so far Endeavor Catalyst has invested in 15 startups in Indonesia --- this is the most in Asia Pacific. Some of these startups include Aruna, Bukalapak, Cash book, eFishery, Investree, HappyFresh, OnlinePajak, and LIFE. Around the world, there are 258 startups that have received investments from him, ranging from initial to advanced funding.

"Indonesia itself is the main target for Endeavor Global to invest in Asia Pacific," said the Endeavor Indonesia team.

Since its inception, Endeavor Catalyst conduct a rule-based equity participation, which is only open to Endeavor Entrepreneurs, with a maximum amount of 10% or $1,5 million of the total funding amount. Because all founder the network has gone through a rigorous selection process across its series of programs, so there is no longer a need to carry out a due diligence process before deciding to include funds.

Suggestions for founder in difficult times

It is undeniable that many startups are currently facing difficult times. In the midst of uncertain global economic conditions, they are thinking of ways to keep runway business while driving growth. A number of startups have finally made efficiencies, including doing layoffs ---some others pivot business model, even to the point of closing their business. This phenomenon is not only experienced by startups in Indonesia, but from various parts of the world.

As an institution that helps startups grow through acceleration programs and networking, Endeavor has its own way of helping founder facing this difficult time. It was said they never had any suggestions of that nature "one size fits all", the approach is always personalized for each founder.

"One of the values ​​we uphold at Endeavor is 'network of trust', which means Endeavor as a safe space to share when entrepreneurs face difficulties or problems. When difficult times hit, then what we do is bring them together with mentor and peer networks appropriate, both to provide perspective, consideration, and validation of the problems at hand. Backed by value 'entrepreneur first' which we adhere to, all inputs are given objectively, so that the founder can take what is best for himself and his business."

Even though the startup ecosystem is being hit by uncertainty, it is said that there has been no change in Endeavor's hypothesis or strategy in investing.

"Endeavor is focused on the mission of building a sustainable economy, which relies on high-impact entrepreneurship. Impact here is not limited to social or environmental impact, but economic impact, so we often measure it by for example the number of jobs and income generated by companies owned by Endeavor Entrepreneurs."

In the middle of doing the 3rd Growth ScaleUp

Endeavor returns to host “Endeavor ScaleUp Growth Program"for the third time. This program is a non-dilutive accelerator (no capital investment for selected companies) for 3 months designed to guide 10 selected startups in navigating business complexities towards advanced scale.

Endeavor ScaleUp Growth Program Manager Zakia Syifa said, “Endeavor's mission is to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world's top founders; as well as providing a platform to contribute back to society. All aspects of this program are fully supported by Endeavor's network of entrepreneurs, mentors, business leaders, and investors who have been curated in such a way as to suit the needs and challenges of the company in the growth phase."

Some of the activities offered by the ScaleUp Growth Program include sessions 1-on-1 mentoring  together with local and global networks that are tailored to the needs of each participant and his business. In addition, participants were involved in panel discussions to get feedback on brand development strategies and new perspectives on the challenges being faced.

Participants will also have access to Endeavor's investor network and a dedicated Account Manager from the Endeavor Indonesia team. During the program, participants will also be paired with an Endeavor Buddy, which is high-impact entrepreneur Endeavor as support peer to peer (fellow colleagues).

Next target in Indonesia

Since its presence in Indonesia in 2012, the Endeavor program has supported 76 entrepreneurs from 54 companies. They also have 80 local mentors, out of a total of 3.000 mentors across the global network. From the startups on its network, by the end of 2021 it has created more than 3,4 million jobs with revenues of up to $42 billion.

Through the ScaleUp Growth Program, it is hoped that this year Endeavor can foster 20-25 new startups from Indonesia. In the future, after graduating from this program, they want to continue their support by sending startups to local and international selection panels, before finally being selected as Endeavor Entrepreneurs.