Jakarta, Indonesia – The Halal Super Angels (HASAN) Demo Day Jakarta 2024 was successfully held in Jakarta, drawing the participation of over 200 potential investors from around the world. The event served as a significant accelerator for 18 innovative halal startups from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Under the theme “Innovate for Impact: Bridging Borders, Building Futures,” HASAN Demo Day Jakarta 2024 showcased creative solutions that address the challenges of the global halal industry. The event was organized by HASAN Venture Capital & Accelerator (HASAN VC) in partnership with the Indonesian Sharia Fintech Association (AFSI), the National Committee on Sharia Economics and Finance (KNEKS), and Bank Indonesia (BI). It provided a platform for 18 halal startups to demonstrate their potential on a regional stage.
Umar Munshi, Managing Partner of HASAN VC, emphasized the significance of the event. “Halal Startup Demo Day 2024 is our tangible effort to support the halal startup ecosystem in Indonesia. We hope this event acts as a catalyst for the growth of the halal industry, attracting both domestic and international investors, and inspiring the emergence of more innovators in the halal sector,” he stated.
AFSI General Chair, Ronald Yusuf Wijaya, expressed his pride in being part of the event. “AFSI is proud to contribute to this initiative. We believe the halal startups featured today will be pioneers in the creative industry and the sharia economy,” he said. Ronald further highlighted AFSI’s role in connecting halal startups with investors who may have previously overlooked this potential. “We hope that through this platform, investors will become more actively involved, significantly increasing capital investments in halal startups, thus supporting growth and innovation within the halal ecosystem,” he added.
Putu Rahwidhiyasa, Director of Business and Entrepreneurship at KNEKS, underscored the importance of sharia startups and businesses. “Innovative sharia startups and businesses are essential for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and enhancing Indonesia’s global competitiveness. KNEKS is committed to supporting this event and appreciates the efforts of all involved, as we work together to strengthen the halal startup ecosystem in Indonesia,” he stated.
Rifki Ismal, Director of the Sharia Economics and Finance Department at Bank Indonesia (DEX), emphasized the opportunities created by the program. “This event opens up avenues for SMEs to access funding from the investors present, enabling them to grow sustainably and contribute significantly to the economy. Bank Indonesia consistently promotes the digitalization of SMEs in the sharia financial sector, aiming to establish an inclusive and sustainable digital financial ecosystem,” he asserted.
The startups featured at Demo Day 2024 presented a wide range of innovations tailored to the unique needs of halal lifestyles. These include animation and advertising studios, AI-powered Quran learning applications, technology-based takaful aggregators, and specialized applications for people with disabilities. These innovations not only align with current market trends but also support Indonesia’s national strategy and vision of becoming a global center for the sharia economy.
Ronald concluded by acknowledging the success of the program, stating, “The success of this event demonstrates that Indonesia’s halal startup ecosystem is maturing and is ready to compete on a global level. Collaboration between the government, industry players, and startups is key to developing a sustainable halal industry.”
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