Is Jakarta a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Jakarta has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Jakarta gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Jakarta

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Jakarta offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Jakarta's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, though it has faced recent headwinds. Notable local VC firms actively investing in early-stage startups include East Ventures, AC Ventures, and Alpha JWC Ventures. The Indonesia Angel Investment Network (ANGIN) also connects high-net-worth individuals with early-stage companies. The Indonesian government offers support through programs like Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) and the Startup Incubator Program aimed at SMEs. However, the environment has seen challenges, with overall tech startup funding in Indonesia dropping significantly in 2024 compared to previous years. Seed-stage funding specifically decreased by 61.54% in 2024. Competition is high, and some reports indicate a "pioneer gap" where startups struggle to secure seed capital in the US$100,000 - US$500,000 range. Additionally, some early-stage investors may lack adequate information or apply unfair requirements. Despite these challenges, Jakarta remains a primary hub for tech investment in Indonesia.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Jakarta has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Jakarta has a vibrant startup and innovation culture, recognized as a major hub in Southeast Asia. The city exhibits significant entrepreneurial activity with a growing number of startups. Coworking spaces are prevalent across Jakarta, offering flexible workspaces, networking, and mentorship opportunities crucial for early-stage founders. Numerous tech events, meetups, and conferences are held regularly, fostering community and knowledge sharing. Support for early-stage founders exists through various accelerators and incubators, including structured programs like the Founder Institute and Antler, which provide mentorship, funding, and network access from the idea to pre-seed stages and beyond. While standardized programs are available, there are also initiatives and networks focused on providing personalized support and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Jakarta can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Jakarta, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Jakarta is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Jakarta has a large and youthful population contributing to a substantial talent pool for startups. Numerous educational institutions, including universities like Universitas Indonesia and Binus University, offer programs in technology, business, and other relevant fields, producing a steady stream of graduates. There is high demand for talent with industry-specific skills, particularly in technology, such as software development, AI, and data analytics, as well as in business and engineering. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through an emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and adaptability, along with a strong understanding of the local market. Incubators, accelerators, and community networks further nurture this talent and connect them with the startup ecosystem.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Jakarta can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Jakarta boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Jakarta offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring extensive infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities crucial for early-stage companies. Access to funding is facilitated by active angel investors and venture capital firms. The Indonesian government plays a significant role through various initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, including grants and support programs. Programs like the "1000 Startups Movement" and accelerators in partnership with organizations aim to cultivate innovation and provide resources like cloud credits, training, and mentorship. These combined resources help startups navigate challenges, accelerate growth, and contribute to Jakarta's dynamic economy.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Jakarta. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Jakarta Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Jakarta provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Jakarta face significant challenges. Competition is intense due to the high number of startups in the city. While the cost of living can be relatively lower compared to other major global cities, it is rising and can still be a concern, impacting the ability to attract and retain skilled talent. Regulatory issues also pose hurdles, with a complex and sometimes lengthy licensing process cited as a problem. Navigating these regulations and ensuring compliance requires careful attention.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Jakarta or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Jakarta offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash