Grab and Sembrani Wira Opened the Batch 4 Accelerator Program, Targeting MSME Empowerment Startups

Grab and Sembrani Wira, the accelerator program from BRI Ventures, are again working together to open Grab Velocity Ventures (GVV) Batch 4. The theme that is carried is not much different from batch Previously, targeting startups that focus on empowering MSMEs.

However, the startup criteria targeted this time are more specific, having a business model that is able to provide services for MSMEs, for example point of sale (POST), customer relationship management, e-commerce enablement, software as a service (SaaS), and other relevant business models.

"This year we will focus again on empowering MSMEs. Why MSMEs? Because according to UNDP 2020 data, before the pandemic only 20% of MSMEs already had an online presence, but since the pandemic it has increased to 44%. Going into the digital realm has helped many MSMEs retain their businesses and employees," said the Country Managing Director Grab Indonesia Neneng Goenadi in a virtual press conference, Wednesday (9/6).

According to him, MSMEs have become the backbone of the country's economy. If assisted by digital solutions that can be used, MSMEs can be helped to adapt more quickly to current conditions and ultimately play an important role for the country.

BRI Ventures CEO Nicko Widjaja added that one of the reasons for Sembrani Wira's participation in batch this time because he believes every crisis will create strong companies. Reflecting on the crisis that occurred in the financial crisis in 2008, for example, companies emerged with the concept of sharing economy like Airbnb and Uber. "by" pattern crises always bring in more resilient companies,” said Nicko.

Neneng continued, other criteria sought by Grab pada batch This is the startup that has received funding from investors (post-seed); already running and have a clear business model (past proof of concept); and have a product or service that is able to continue to grow (scalable product of service).

Batch this will later run between 12-16 weeks. In a series of programs will be filled with activities workshop from various industries to present relevant topics for startups; session mentoring 1:1 with experts in their fields, networking to meet and build relationships with startup founders, alumni, and teams & partners from Grab and BRI Ventures.

Then, pilot program an opportunity to connect startup businesses to the customer and user base Grab for 8 weeks; and partnership & investment possibility from Grab and/or BRI Ventures. Batch 4 registration is open today until June 27, 2021.

In total GVV has fostered 20 startups, 15 of which came from Indonesia. Some of the names are Tanihub, Sayurbox, Qoala, Porter, Eragano, Periumroh, BookMyShow, Tamasia, Sejasa.com, Minutes, Luna, Printerous, KliknClean, GetCraft, and Workmate.

As for Hero just opened batch first time this year. They fostered eight startups, including Gredu, Brick, GajiGesa, MYCL, Minapoli, Tumbasin, Biteship, and CookLab.