The global startup ecosystem has seen incredible growth over the past decade, but the halal startup ecosystem remains a niche that is just beginning to gain global recognition. Muslim founders are building ventures with ethical foundations, backed by investors who prioritize halal and ethical investments.
The HASAN.VC accelerator is at the forefront of this movement, helping startups founded by Muslim entrepreneurs scale globally. Cohort 001 of the HASAN.VC accelerator has produced several groundbreaking startups that are now gaining international acclaim. From tech innovations in AI and fintech to advancements in Islamic learning, these startups are shaping the future of ethical entrepreneurship.
In this article, we celebrate the growth and achievements of the HASAN.VC Cohort 001 alumni and how their journeys beyond the accelerator are driving global impact.
The Role of HASAN.VC: Nurturing Halal Startups
HASAN.VC is dedicated to halal and ethical investments, focusing on nurturing ventures that operate within Islamic principles. Our accelerator program is not just about financial support but also about providing resources, mentorship, and a community that helps Muslim-founded startups thrive. By creating a platform that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders, HASAN.VC is actively contributing to the creation of a global halal startup ecosystem.
The success of Cohort 001 demonstrates how this accelerator is helping founders not only build impactful startups but also gain international recognition and acclaim. Let us explore standout achievements of some of the alumni from HASAN.VC Cohort 001.
Talentmarket.id – A Rising Star in Indonesia’s Startup Ecosystem
Talentmarket.id, one of the top six startups to emerge from Indonesia’s largest AI incubator, DSLaunchpad/AI, is redefining how tech companies connect with AI talent. Founded to solve the ever-growing gap in tech talent, Talentmarket.id focuses on helping companies recruit top-tier AI specialists, a crucial need in the current digital economy.
- Selected as one of the Top 6 startups under the DSLaunchpad/AI incubator program, Indonesia’s first and largest AI startup incubator.
- Addressing one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the growing demand for AI talent.
Impact of DSLaunchpad/AI Incubation:
- Talentmarket.id underwent a 4-week intensive incubation program, providing access to world-class mentors and hands-on support.
- The incubator’s focus on AI and digital transformation helped the startup refine its business model and scale rapidly within Indonesia’s tech recruitment ecosystem.
Future Prospects:
The potential for Talentmarket.id to continue growing is immense. As more companies seek out AI talent, this startup is poised to become a leading player in tech recruitment across Southeast Asia. Their success highlights how DSLaunchpad/AI, with its focus on AI innovation, is preparing startups to thrive in one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
MengajiOnline – Innovating Islamic Learning Tech
MengajiOnline is a startup that is leveraging technology to bring Islamic learning into the digital age. By offering online classes and resources for Quranic studies, it is making Islamic education more accessible for people worldwide. MengajiOnline has become a pioneer in Islamic learning tech, winning awards and gaining international recognition.
- Top 10 finalist at Startup World Cup Malaysia 2024 Finals.
- Winner of the Best New Innovator Award at the Malaysian Commercialization Year (MCY) Summit, organized by the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
Scaling Global Impact:
MengajiOnline is not only expanding its reach across Southeast Asia but also contributing to the global conversation on how tech can facilitate religious education. With the increasing need for remote learning, especially post-pandemic, MengajiOnline’s platform is bridging gaps in access to quality Islamic education. Its innovations make it easier for Muslims to learn about their faith, no matter where they are.
Qara’a: Revolutionizing Islamic Education with AI Innovation
Qara’a is a dynamic social impact startup based in Pontianak, Indonesia, that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize Quranic education. Founded in 2018, Qara’a has grown rapidly and now serves over 2 million users across Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on making Islamic education more accessible and engaging.
Key Achievements:
Continuum Spark Awards 2024: Qara’a was selected as one of the top 3 finalists in the Asia-Pacific region, emerging as the only for-profit startup from Indonesia among more than 700 entrants. This recognition highlights their innovative approach to Islamic learning, which integrates AI to support users in memorizing the Quran and improving their tajwid (pronunciation).
AI-Powered Education: Their platform is particularly praised for providing modern, easy-to-use tools for learning the Quran, such as tajwid analysis, memorization reminders, and community-driven engagement.
Future Impact:
Qara’a’s commitment to fostering impactful innovation aligns with the principles of ethical entrepreneurship and Islamic finance. Their recognition in such a prestigious competition shows their potential to bring transformative change, especially in regions underrepresented in tech-driven Islamic education. They aim to further expand globally, with a potential pathway to the grand finals of the Continuum Spark Awards
Source: Pontinesia, SuaraIndo.id
This is an exciting time for Qara’a as they continue to drive growth in both the Islamic education sector and the broader halal startup ecosystem.
SuamiSihat, GoBarakah, iLuvQuran – Competing on the Global Stage
These three startups have each made significant strides in their respective industries, from healthcare to fintech and Islamic education. SuamiSihat focuses on male health, iLuvQuran is an islamic educational app, and GoBarakah is a fintech startup revolutionizing Islamic finance. Together, they are reshaping the digital landscape for halal startups.
- All three startups were selected as finalists to pitch at the World Summit Awards (WSA) Malaysia Finals.
- WSA is a global platform that recognizes digital innovations contributing to societal impact, with over 182 participating countries.
Key Impacts:
These startups are pioneering digital solutions in areas that are critical for the Muslim community.
- SuamiSihat is breaking barriers in healthcare by addressing taboo subjects like male health in conservative societies.
- GoBarakah is helping increase financial inclusion for Muslims through Islamic fintech solutions.
- iLuvQuran is making Islamic education fun and accessible for children through its interactive digital platform.
These startups are leaders in their industries and are contributing to the growth of the halal digital economy.
GoBarakah – Redefining Islamic Finance through Fintech
GoBarakah is transforming the world of Islamic finance by offering fintech solutions that increase financial inclusion for underserved Muslim communities. As fintech becomes increasingly important for financial accessibility, GoBarakah is at the forefront of this transformation within the halal economy.
Notable Achievements:
- 1st place in the FIKRAtech category for “Usefulness of Digital Technology in Expanding Financial Inclusion.”
- Showcased their fintech solutions in front of global industry leaders at the FIKRAtech event.
Future Prospects:
GoBarakah’s fintech platform is designed to make financial services more accessible to Muslims who are traditionally excluded from conventional banking systems. Their innovations have the potential to redefine Islamic finance globally, making financial inclusion a reality for millions.
Synbiozymes – Disrupting the Biotech Industry
Synbiozymes is a biotech startup that focuses on creating sustainable solutions for industries that rely on enzymes and biological processes. Their work is disrupting industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing by providing eco-friendly and cost-efficient alternatives.
Selected as one of 12 startups across ASEAN to participate in the UN Women Climate Change Accelerator cohort for 2024, highlighting their commitment to addressing climate change through innovative biotechnology.
Recognized as one of the Top 5 finalists from Peninsular Malaysia in the Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024 competition, a prestigious platform that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in the realm of sustainability.
Also chosen as one of the Top 10 startups to pitch at the Semi-finals of the GIST-ASEAN Startup Training and Pitch Competition, further establishing its credibility in the biotech industry.
Global Impact:
Synbiozymes is tapping into a rapidly growing sector that combines sustainability with innovation. Their solutions have the potential to revolutionize how industries approach sustainability, offering scalable and eco-friendly alternatives that align with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints.
A Glimpse into the Future of HASAN.VC Alumni
The success stories of HASAN.VC Cohort 001 alumni exemplify the tremendous potential of halal startups. From redefining Islamic fintech with GoBarakah to revolutionizing Islamic learning with MengajiOnline, these startups are proving that Muslim-founded businesses can drive global impact while adhering to ethical values.
As the halal startup ecosystem continues to grow, the role of HASAN.VC in nurturing ethical entrepreneurship will only become more important. The accelerator’s support has empowered these startups to reach new heights, and the future promises even greater success.
If you are an ethical investor, angel investor, or startup founder looking to make a meaningful impact, consider exploring opportunities with HASAN.VC. Together, we can nurture the next generation of halal startups, contributing to a more inclusive and ethical global economy.
