- Indonesian equity crowdfunding startup Bizhare raises funding to connect more retail backers with SME offerings.
- Platform democratizes alternative investments, letting citizens share upside previously reserved for institutions.
- New funding to expand access and liquidity for startup and small biz ventures.
Summary
Bizhare boosts new funding round in Jakarta
Jakarta-based startup Bizhare has closed a new funding round to boost its equity crowdfunding platform, connecting retail investors with small businesses.
Founded in 2018, Bizhare runs an online marketplace where users can purchase shares, bonds and sukuk (Sharia-compliant financial certificates) issued by Indonesian SMEs and startups.
The model allows diverse investment in revenue-generating ventures with minimum buy-ins starting from IDR 1 million (~$64).
Bizhare to open up Indonesia’s Capital Market
Kejora Capital and SBI Holdings led the latest fundraiser. Since its launch, Bizhare claims to have channelled IDR 200 billion (~$13 million) into 130 SMEs while garnering over 200,000 registered investors on its website and app.
Co-founder & CEO Antonius Widiatmoko said the capital injection will fuel new product features and partnerships while expanding financial inclusion.
Bizhare aims to open up Indonesia’s capital markets to regular citizens so they can share in the upside previously reserved for institutional players.
Users can now track and Manage SME Investment
The platform’s monthly performance reports also let users track and manage SME investments alongside stocks and mutual funds.
Through revenue-sharing and dividend payouts, Bizhare has already helped fund recognizable brands like Alfamart, Sour Sally and Shuka Grill.
Recent Upgrades
Recent upgrades allow asset managers, family offices and other private investment firms to deploy capital through Bizhare.
Widiatmoko claims this will enhance liquidity and opportunities on the user side.
As one of Indonesia’s first equity crowdfunding facilitators, Bizhare is ramping up efforts to democratize startup and SME investments to a wide retail base.
The new funding fuels the capability to make alternative assets more accessible to citizen venture capitalists.
