The program will feature 5-6 early-stage startups building solutions for Indonesia’s digital economy, tapping into Telkomsel and AppWorks resources and mentorship to foster innovation
JAKARTA, INDONESIA, March 07, 2024—Telkomsel, as a digital ecosystem enabler through Telkomsel Ventures, today announced a partnership to launch startup accelerator program TINC Batch #9 in collaboration with AppWorks, Greater Southeast Asia’s leading startup community. The program aims to develop innovative startups to provide digital solutions across various sectors in Indonesia.
Launched in 2018, TINC is Telkomsel’s corporate accelerator program. Through the accelerator program, TINC works closely with dynamic startups in Indonesia, utilizing Telkomsel’s ecosystem, assets, and expertise to foster innovation. The cost-and-equity-free program is designed to support intimate collaboration between Telkomsel and synergistic startups. As a strategic initiative, TINC reflects Telkomsel’s commitment to support the growth of Indonesian startups and cultivate the creation of inclusive and sustainable solutions for Indonesia’s digital economy.
For TINC Batch #9, Telkomsel Ventures has partnered with Taiwan-based AppWorks, a leading startup accelerator and venture capital firm in Greater Southeast Asia, which has run its own accelerator program since 2010, one of the longest-running in the region. AppWorks has boosted more than 800 startups, helping many of them successfully work with large corporations, including Taiwan Mobile, Taiwan’s second-largest telecom company; and Wistron, a multinational group that designs, manufactures, and provides services for tech products, via Wistron Accelerator powered by AppWorks.
Building off the success of AppWorks Accelerator and Wistron Accelerator, the firm has joined hands with Telkomsel Ventures to enhance their engagement with startups and create lasting partnerships in the digital economy. AppWorks will help Telkomsel Ventures uncover new ideas in the digital economy to support its business partners and customers, while creating value for local startups and fostering next-level development for Indonesia’s telecommunications industry.
Through the program, 5-6 technology startups focused on the Indonesia market will be selected to join the accelerator batch. Applying startups may focus on any sector or vertical, provided they have a clear value proposition in partnering with Telkomsel, with an emphasis on companies building solutions for Consumer, Data (AI, data analytics, cyber security), SaaS/Enterprise, B2B Services, and Fintech. Applicants in Seed to Series A stages, having experience working with enterprises or possessing proven proof-of-concepts are preferred. Participating startups will gain access to Telkomsel’ and AppWorks’ ecosystems, tapping into high-quality business development opportunities. To foster collaboration, startups will be directly paired with Telkomsel Business Units, including: Technology Strategy & Consumer Product Innovation; Data Solutions; Corporate Strategy, Innovation, Sustainability, & Marketing; Strategic Investment & Portfolio Management; Digital Advertising & Financial Services; and Enterprise Product Management.
Telkomsel Business Units will collaborate with participating founders throughout the duration of the program, exploring ways for their products and services to be integrated into the Telkomsel ecosystem. Throughout the program, startups will participate in a series of activities and events designed to improve company competencies, expand their networks, and build synergies with Telkomsel, including: mentorship and office hours, topic deep dives, subject sharing, and community events, among others. The batch will culminate in a Demo Day event, held in October, where participating startups will pitch their companies to a select group of investors and potential business partners.
Participating founders will gain lifetime access to the AppWorks Ecosystem, which includes over 1,600 founders and 100 seasoned founder-mentors throughout Greater Southeast Asia. The founders will also be invited to participate in AppWorks’ regional demo days in Taiwan and Singapore to gain additional exposure from prospective investors.
“As we open the doors to Batch #9 of TINC, themed around B2B Solutions & Emerging Technologies, we are excited to empower and drive forward the next wave of innovative solutions, particularly but not limited to those focused on AI, SaaS, digital marketing, and financial technologies. This accelerator program stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering growth, creating opportunities, and shaping the future of the industry. We eagerly anticipate the discoveries and advancements that will emerge from this cohort as they embark on this transformative journey. We also hope to see startups within this batch that can create compelling value and synergies with Telkomsel’s business units, fostering mutually beneficial relationships that drive innovation and elevate the industry as a whole,” said Mia Melinda, CEO, Telkomsel Ventures.
AppWorks is founded by Chairman & Partner Jamie Lin, who concurrently doubles as CEO of Taiwan Mobile. Through his role at Taiwan Mobile, Jamie serves on the Board of Directors for Bridge Alliance, Asia Pacific’s leading mobile alliance, in which Telkomsel is also a member. As a result, AppWorks has built capabilities to work closely with telecommunications companies to support their needs in the digital economy, culminating with the firm’s partnership with Telkomsel Ventures for TINC.
“Over the past decade, AppWorks has shaped the future of hundreds of startups through our accelerator program, connecting innovators and enterprises for mutually beneficial growth. Our commitment to Indonesia began with an investment in 2018 and has since grown to a thriving founder community and investor network. This exciting next chapter with Telkomsel Ventures will empower promising startups, working alongside the nation’s top telecom group to supercharge Indonesia’s digital economy,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks.
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About Telkomsel Ventures
Telkomsel Ventures, established in 2019, is the investment arm of Telkomsel. As a strategic investor, Telkomsel Ventures invests and collaborates with promising startups to accelerate Telkomsel’s digital transformation and create innovative services. With a current portfolio of 17 startups, Telkomsel Ventures is committed to empowering startups through strategic investments, leveraging Telkomsel’s expansive ecosystem and capabilities. The goal is to actively contribute to Indonesia’s technology landscape while supporting Telkomsel’s strategic objectives.
More information: telkomsel.vc
About AppWorks
Founded in 2009, AppWorks is a leading startup community and venture capital firm built by founders, for founders. We are committed to backing the next generation of entrepreneurs in Greater Southeast Asia (ASEAN+Taiwan) and helping them facilitate the region’s transition into the digital age. Just as how mobile and the internet completely transformed the status quo, we believe the current era of technology is currently being defined by major three paradigm shifts: AI, Blockchain, and Southeast Asia (ABS).
As such, whether it’s mentorship, investment, or talent, AppWorks has established a one-stop-shop for ambitious founders willing to bet against the consensus and drive a change they want to see in the world. We help startups build disruptive businesses from even an inkling of an idea into world-class enterprises through our three primary lines of service: Accelerator, Funds, and School.
More information: appworks.tw
