The emergence of SaaS companies has greatly facilitated the lives of numerous users by providing web-based applications for various tools and services. Prior to the internet, users had to install software and ensure they had enough storage space on their computers to access desired applications.
This also meant that users couldn’t access their files or data on computers running a different version of the software, which posed difficulties for those who traveled without a computer. They lacked access to their data and files.
Cloud computing technology has now eliminated these obstacles. With this technology, developers can store the software they create in the cloud, and users can easily store their data for convenient accessibility. This model is known as Software as a Service, or SaaS.
SaaS essentially refers to software providers who use third-party storage, enabling anyone with an internet connection to access applications anytime without the need for installation. Users can travel anywhere in the world and still have access to their data as long as they have an internet connection.
Also read: Getting To Know SaaS Startup, Its Benefits and Weaknesses
Moreover, users no longer need to worry about application or data storage because everything is stored in the cloud.
In Indonesia and Southeast Asia, there is a multitude of SaaS startups. Here are some examples:
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ESB
ESB SaaS startup
PT Esensi Solusi Buana (ESB) is a SaaS company aiming to resolve business system integration issues in the culinary industry. Gunawan Woen, who has had a passion for the culinary world since childhood, founded ESB. Initially, Gunawan developed ESB in 2016 for the company’s resource planning and strategy. However, in 2018, ESB was approached to assist one of Indonesia’s largest restaurant chains with a problem. As a result, ESB created community-based software for the restaurant industry.
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Credibook
Credibook (PT Ruang Dagang Internasional) is a digital financial planner and accounting platform for businesses. According to Gabriel Frans, CEO and Co-Founder of Credibook, the company’s success stems from its ability to differentiate itself from educational and other sales-focused services. In April 2022, Credibook secured series A funding, raising US$8.1 million or Rp116 billion.
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ZUZU
Hospitality ZUZU Hospitality is a Singapore-based SaaS startup with multiple branches in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Vietnam. ZUZU initially operated in the budget hotel business (B2C), but is now transitioning to a hotel operational systems management consulting service (B2B). According to Dailysocial.id, ZUZU received approximately Rp158 billion or US$10.9 million in funding, led by JG DEV and followed by Visor Ventures.
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True Platform
True Platform is a B2B SaaS startup that provides global companies with technology management solutions. They are focused on developing a platform that businesses can use to easily boost sales and customer loyalty while streamlining communication. True Platform was founded by Vietnamese engineers and is headquartered in Vietnam.
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Xendit
Xendit is a fintech startup operating in the payment gateway industry. It was established in 2016 by Moses Lo (CEO), Tessa Wijaya (COO), Bo Chen (CTO), and Juan Gonzalez (CINO). Xendit received funding from Silicon Valley’s YCombinator and currently focuses on providing payment services to SMBs. In May 2022, Xendit secured $300 million in series D funding, equivalent to approximately Rp4.4 billion, with plans to expand its operations to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
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LummoSHOP
LummoSHOP (formerly TOKKO/BukuKas) is a SaaS startup with a mission to accelerate the growth of SME businesses in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations. LummoSHOP is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that connects business owners and brand owners to maximize online sales opportunities. Founded in 2019, LummoSHOP has raised over US$140 billion from investors including Sequoia, Tiger Global Management, CapitalG, and others.
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Caxe
Caxe (formerly C88 Financial Technologies) is the parent company of CekAja.com and eCompareMo.com in Indonesia and the Philippines, respectively. Founded in 2013, Caxe has raised over $45 million in funding. The shareholders include investors in the global financial sector, such as Experian Ventures of San Francisco, ResposAbility Investments of Switzerland, and DEG of Cologne. In 2019, Caxe acquired IDX Optus and currently employs over 400 individuals in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and China.
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Kargo Technologies
Kargo Technologies is a platform that connects individuals in need of expedition services or shippers with service providers, such as private expedition service providers or qualified expedition companies. They offer meticulous, transparent, and secure records of all activities and transactions between senders and vendors. Using the Kargo Shipper application, shippers and vendors can also communicate during the transaction process. Kargo Technologies was founded by Yodi Aditya, who has over 12 years of experience in the technology industry. Yodi is the CEO of Polatic Informatika and the CTO of Doocu.co.
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OnlinePajak
OnlinePajak is a SaaS startup that helps businesses calculate, pay, and file their taxes. In July 2021, OnlinePajak received funding in the series C round, increasing their value by 179 million dollars. This business is supported by several well-known investors, including Alpha JWC Ventures, Sequoia Capital India, and Endeavor Catalyst. Among the services they offer are billing and payroll, including count/pay/report PPn and PPh, Tax payment report creation, and NPWP validation.
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Nectico
Nectico is a cooperative platform with features designed to simplify all cooperative activities. It was founded in Bandung in 2019 by five founders and currently operates five teams. The company’s vision is to digitize cooperatives. To date, Nectico has attracted over 54,000 members, and 80 cooperatives have joined the platform.
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CyberArmyID
Cyber Army Indonesia (CyberArmyID) is an information and cybersecurity company specializing in risk management. CyberArmyID connects bug hunters with businesses, evaluates risk reports, conducts impact analyses, and rewards partners who submit reports. They also provide information and cybersecurity-related technical training and awareness.
These are just a few examples of SaaS startup companies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Indonesia has a thriving ecosystem of local, regional, and international SaaS startups. Exciting, isn’t it?
