MSME Automotive Startup "Bengkel Mania" Receives Initial Funding

Solution provider startup for MSME workshops, Workshop Mania, announced the acquisition of initial stage funding with an undisclosed nominal value. a number angel investors and the institutions involved in this funding include Alexander Rusli (Former CEO of Indosat), Ahmad Zaky Amiruddin Kalla (PT Kalla Kakao Industri), Joseph Lumban Gaol, and PT Reksa Jasa Adika.

The fresh funds will be used for business expansion and product development, in order to realize the company's vision as one stop solution for SMEs automotive in Indonesia.

Bengkel Mania was founded in November 2021, with the aim of digitizing and providing comprehensive solutions for workshop operators at the MSME scale, so as to create economic inclusion for workshop owners and their families.

This startup came from the problems and anxieties experienced by Rizky Jonathan Lumban Gaol as the son of a motorcycle repair shop owner. As time went on in the business, he and other workshop owners encountered problems that had no definite solution.

In fact, the number of motorcycles in Indonesia continues to boom, around 140 million units. Hence, it is not surprising that traffic jams are dominated by these vehicles. However, the growth of this motorbike was not matched by the number of workshops. "That's why mostly if you go to the workshop, you will definitely stand in line," said Rizky to DailySocial.id.

In addition, currently various industrial sectors in Indonesia are experiencing digitization. It's just that this workshop has not been processed optimally. This is due to a lack of literacy and attention from both the government and the private sector in the sector.

"Through research on the problems we studied, we saw opportunities and potential market very big in this industry, and that's why we are optimistic with market this. In 2021, based on the data we have collected from Gaikindo, there will be IDR 325 trillion in the value of trade in auto repair shops and components in Indonesia."

Especially for the motorcycle repair shops themselves, which are the targets of Bengkel Mania, it is said that the number of workshops recorded by BPS is 400 thousand and 95% of them are MSMEs. This figure is still far behind with the number of motorbikes of 140 million units.

Workshop Mania Solutions

The background of Bengkel mania stands starting with the first problem, namely the supply chain. How difficult is it for the workshop to meet the needs of the workshop stock and find goods/spare parts with good quality and competitive prices. In fact, not infrequently the workshop has to close just for shopping.

The second problem is about limited access to finance. Capital is definitely an important factor for business actors. Unfortunately, it is difficult for workshop owners to get access to working capital or investment financing. Third, about digitization, and finally, the lack of literacy in marketing management, bookkeeping, and technology for workshop business people.

"If we go to warteg or grocery stalls, there are already many MSME business people who enjoy the digitalization process, whether it is operational or not. service. In MSME workshops, technology adoption is still very minimal. A simple example, payments cashless in the workshop is still very rare.

Of these problems, Bengkel mania offers three main solutions. First, Workshop Showcase, a supply chain solution for business people to shop for their workshop stock needs through the application. Workshop bosses (the name for workshop partners in Bengkel Mania) can order goods online. After payment, the order will be processed by Bengkel Mania. They also do not need to close the workshop. Goods or spare parts will be sent to the workshop boss's address using the company's logistics partner.

Second, Workshop Capital, which is a loan facility for working capital for workshop bosses so that it can make it easier for them to meet their workshop needs. The tenor offered is usually between 1-2 weeks and can be extended for 3-6 months. The company cooperates with financial institutions that are licensed and official from OJK.

Finally, Bengkel Ekstra, which is a solution for workshop bosses to do simple bookkeeping, provides payment by QRIS. "Currently, Bengkel Extra products are being developed further, especially to support the business operations of workshop bosses."

The company adopts a B2B business model, becoming a bridge that connects supply (principals, distributors, wholesalers, and vendors) and customers demand (SME workshops), who are interested in entering the ecosystem.

Counted, the company has partnered with more than 750 active workshops that have joined since launching in December 2021. Currently, the location is still concentrated in the Jabodetabek area. Rizky claims that the company has helped channel financing of more than IDR 7 billion through Workshop Capital.

"The workshop bosses have felt the benefits of this Workshop Capital. Our users are MSME workshops and seller parts that cooperate with Workshop Mania."

Targeted for next year, the company targets tenfold growth from 2022 for MSME workshop partnerships. Not only that, product development and improvement of Extra Workshop features for mini ERP and CRM will also be available soon. Then, go to education and enable electric motors (EV) for MSME workshop operators.

"Currently, we are exploring cooperation with the private sector and the government regarding electric vehicles. Bengkel Mania sees the potential for the electric motorbike market in Indonesia within the next 2-3 years to be very large. Meanwhile, for the long term, we have a vision as one stop solution service for MSME automotive industry in Indonesia in terms of supply chain, financing, electric Vehicle, carbon emissions, and HR solutions." He concluded.