Indonesia’s startup ecosystem has taken a bold leap onto the global stage. Eight innovative companies have been named in Forbes Asia’s prestigious “100 to Watch” list for 2025, signaling the country’s growing influence in sectors from green construction to social commerce. As deep tech and AI reshape Asia-Pacific’s entrepreneurial landscape, Indonesia’s small firms are proving they can compete—and lead.
Key Facts & Background:
- Forbes Asia released its fifth annual “100 to Watch” list in September 2025, spotlighting dynamic small businesses and startups across the Asia-Pacific region.
- Indonesia is represented by eight startups, matching South Korea and trailing only India (18), Singapore and Japan (14 each), China (9), and Australia (7).
- The selected Indonesian startups span diverse sectors:
- BRIK – Eco-friendly construction materials
- ESB (Esensi Solusi Buana) – F&B digital solutions
- Bobobox – Capsule hotel accommodations
- Beau Bakery – Artisan bakery and café
- Dekoruma – Home and living e-commerce platform
- Evermos – Social commerce for Muslim-friendly products
- Beleaf – Hydroponic agriculture
- Chickin – Poultry management and meat distribution
- The 100 companies on the list collectively raised nearly US$3 billion in funding, up from US$2 billion in 2024.
- Forbes notes a growing investor appetite for biotech, space tech, and green technology, with the largest industry representation in healthcare, enterprise tech, and robotics.
Strategic Insights:
Indonesia’s Startup Ecosystem Gains Global Validation
The inclusion of eight Indonesian startups in Forbes Asia’s 2025 list marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s entrepreneurial narrative. It reflects not only the quality and scalability of local innovation but also the maturation of Indonesia’s venture capital environment. These companies are no longer just local disruptors—they’re regional contenders with global relevance.
Sectoral Diversity Signals Strategic Depth
From BRIK’s sustainable building materials to Beleaf’s urban farming solutions, Indonesia’s entries span both traditional industries and emerging tech. This diversity showcases a startup ecosystem that is not overly reliant on one vertical, but instead capable of addressing broad societal needs—from food security and housing to digital transformation in hospitality and retail.
AI and Deep Tech as Catalysts for Growth
Forbes emphasizes the rise of deep tech and AI across Asia-Pacific, and Indonesia’s startups are increasingly aligning with this trend. ESB’s integrated F&B systems and Chickin’s poultry management platform exemplify how AI-driven operational efficiency is becoming a competitive edge. As these technologies become more accessible, expect Indonesian startups to further embed automation and data intelligence into their core offerings.
Social Commerce and Inclusive Innovation
Evermos stands out as a model of inclusive entrepreneurship, leveraging social networks to empower micro-entrepreneurs—particularly in underserved Muslim communities. This approach not only drives commerce but also fosters digital literacy and financial inclusion. It’s a reminder that innovation in Indonesia often blends technology with cultural and social relevance.
Investor Confidence and Regional Momentum
The nearly US$3 billion raised by companies on the list underscores a rebound in venture funding across Asia-Pacific. For Indonesia, this signals growing investor confidence in its startup pipeline. With regional peers like India and Singapore leading in capital attraction, Indonesia’s challenge—and opportunity—is to sustain momentum through policy support, talent development, and cross-border collaboration.