“Coffee Chain” Startup Jago Announces 34 Billion Rupiah Pre-Series A Funding

Startups coffee chain Jago announced the completion of a $2,2 million (approximately 34,2 billion Rupiah) pre-series A funding led by Intudo Ventures and BEENEXT, with the participation of CyberAgent Capital and Arkblu Capital. BEENEXT is the previous investor, leading early stage funding which Jago obtained in November 2021.

Through this fundraiser, Jago will use the funds to expand the fleet mobile cafe up to 200 units capable of reaching 20 areas in Jakarta. Furthermore, strengthening the core team in operational and technology lines.

Jago positions itself not as a retail business that supports its operations with technology, but on the contrary, enabling anyone and anywhere to have access to quality coffee at affordable prices.

In an official statement delivered today (27/10), Founding Partner Intudo Ventures Patrick Yip conveyed, there are several things that are unique to Indonesia than coffee. Jago is a new model for Indonesians to enjoy coffee, outperforming traditional cafes in terms of convenience and beating instant and pre-made coffee in terms of quality.

“We are confident in Jago's combined team of coffee entrepreneurs and technology and look forward to their continued momentum in Indonesia's booming coffee market,” said Yip.

BEENEXT partner Faiz Rahman added, "Jago brews something different from the average cup of coffee, providing unique experiences and services to consumers through coffee. The company is leveraging technology as its core product and leveraging its infrastructure to redefine retail last mile.

"Therefore, we are very excited to continue our long-term partnership with Jago in line with the acceleration of the company's expansion throughout Jakarta and its surroundings," said Faiz.

Great business model

Launched in June 2020, Jago is an empowering walking cafe micromobile  retail (electric cart)—meet customers whenever they want—wherever they want. With a fleet of electrically powered mobile cafes, Jago operates in key locations in Jakarta.

The company offers a hyperlocal approach to the end consumer by serving neighborhoods within a 1-2 km radius to quickly prepare and deliver fresh drinks in minutes. Carts operate in a high density area, with demand from residential and business areas, with a less abundant coffee shop population despite strong coffee demand.

Jago provides quality cafe drinks served by baristas who are equipped with all the tools and ingredients needed to prepare fresh drinks on the spot, including hot & cold, coffee & tea, and other specialty drinks.

Jago Coffee also offers direct ordering and delivery, offering pick-up and delivery services for fresh cafe-level coffee directly to consumers at prices starting from IDR 8 per cup. Consumers can enjoy a higher quality coffee alternative to instant coffee, without compromising on convenience and cost effectiveness.

Users can simply download the Jago app on iOS and Android to order freshly brewed drinks for pick up and delivery, eliminating the need to head to a cafe to freshen up.

Jago is led by a team of Indonesian entrepreneurs with experience in coffee and technology, including Yoshua Tanu (CEO) and Christopher Oentojo (CTO). Apart from Jago, Yoshua is also one of the founders of Common Grounds, a premium cafe chain in Indonesia. Meanwhile, Christopher was previously Vice President of Product at Gojek, he has led the launch of GoCar and the company's internal mapping initiative.

In addition, Daniel Sidik recently joined Jago as COO & CMO. Daniel brings extensive experience in the food & beverage business, joining the company after founding and leading Reddog, a chain hot dog Korean style popular in Indonesia with more than 40 retail outlets after two years of launch.

“Our innovative business model, combining a mobile cafe with our Jago app, creates unrivaled access to coffee anytime, anywhere without sacrificing quality, price or convenience. We are building new possibilities for retail last mile sustainable and satisfying way for Indonesian consumers to fulfill their daily coffee and refreshment needs,” said Jago Co-founder & CEO Yoshua Tanu.