Indonesia’s tech startup scene and the broader Southeast Asia digital economy kicked off 2026 with some high-stakes moves. The biggest story is the advancing merger talks between Singapore-based Grab and Indonesia’s GoTo, which could form the region’s largest digital platform. According to recent reports, Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, is poised to secure a “golden […]
This Week's Briefings
Indonesias 24B Nickel Deal Boosts Tech Startups
Indonesia’s tech startup scene kicked off 2026 with fresh momentum, highlighted by Sphere Corp’s $2.4 billion acquisition of a 10% stake in the Excelsior nickel project. This deal focuses on high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing, a key technology for producing battery-grade nickel used in electric vehicles and renewable energy tech. It matters because Indonesia, already […]
Grab GoTo Restart Merger Talks in Indonesia
Indonesia’s tech scene kicked off 2026 with a major shakeup as ride-hailing leaders Grab and GoTo restarted merger talks, with the Indonesian government stepping in to potentially smooth the path. Reports from Tech in Asia indicate that Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, is eyeing a “golden share” stake, which would give the state veto power […]
Indonesia SEZs Draw Investments Superbank IPO Success
Indonesia’s tech startup scene and broader digital economy in Southeast Asia are buzzing with fresh momentum as 2025 wraps up. The standout news today comes from the country’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which are drawing major foreign investment in manufacturing and technology. Just hours ago, reports highlighted how these zones are positioning Indonesia as a […]
Daily Briefing: December 19, 2025
Southeast Asia’s digital economy has hit a major milestone, reaching $300 billion in gross merchandise value this year, according to the latest e-Conomy SEA 2025 report from Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company. This surge, driven by AI integration, e-commerce expansion, and digital payments, marks a 15% compound annual growth rate since 2022. Indonesia stands […]
Robinhood Expands to Indonesia via Acquisitions
Robinhood made a big splash in Indonesia’s tech scene yesterday by announcing its expansion into the country through two key acquisitions. The U.S. trading app agreed to buy local brokerage Buana Capital Sekuritas and licensed crypto trader PT Pedagang Aset Kripto, marking its first push into Southeast Asia. This comes as Indonesia’s crypto market grows […]
Indonesia Tech Boom AI Video Commerce 2025
Indonesia’s tech scene is buzzing with fresh insights into its digital economy, especially as AI and video commerce drive growth in Southeast Asia. Just hours ago, a new guide from INTI MEDIA highlighted key considerations for building tech businesses in Indonesia in 2025, emphasizing trends like AI integration and e-commerce expansion amid regulatory challenges. This […]
Indonesia Eyes Golden Share in Grab GoTo Merger
Indonesia’s government is pushing forward with plans to influence a potential mega-merger between ride-hailing giants Grab and GoTo, aiming to secure a “golden share” through its state wealth fund, Danantara. This development, reported just two days ago, would give Jakarta veto power over key decisions in the combined entity, which could dominate Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing, […]
GoTo Grab Merger Talks Shake Indonesia Tech
Indonesia’s tech sector is buzzing with merger talks and economic forecasts that could reshape Southeast Asia’s digital landscape. The most pressing development in the last day involves ongoing discussions around a potential merger between Indonesian ride-hailing giant GoTo and Singapore-based Grab. Reports from Tech in Asia and other sources highlight Indonesia’s government holding a “golden […]
Daily Briefing: November 17, 2025
Southeast Asia’s digital economy is powering ahead, with a major report released today projecting it will surpass $300 billion in gross merchandise value by the end of 2025. This comes from the latest e-Conomy SEA study by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, marking a 15% annual growth rate fueled by e-commerce, fintech, and AI […]