Aria Rajasa, co-founder and CTO of Indonesia-based KaryaKarsa, died yesterday at the age of 39.
Photo credit: Aria Rajasa’s LinkedIn account
A veteran of the local startup scene, Rajasa helped put up fashion marketplaces GantiBaju and Tees.
Along with fellow serial entrepreneur Ario Tamat, Rajasa started building KaryaKarsa, a subscription platform for content creators, in 2019. The startup raised US$500,000 from Accelerating Asia and Sketchnote Partners in late 2021.
Tributes from Indonesia’s startup and VC community poured in following the announcement of Rajasa’s death, including those from Patamar Capital partner Dondi Hananto, Bukalapak co-founder Fajrin Rasyid, and Female Daily co-founder Affi Assegaf.
Other founders and startup executives also recalled how Rajasa helped them establish companies and secure new jobs after getting laid off.
See also: 50 rising startups in Indonesia
On LinkedIn, KaryaKarsa’s Tamat talked about how Rajasa was not only his co-founder, but also his friend, brother from another mother, and a role model.
“I’m honestly at a loss for words. Such a loss for Indonesia’s tech scene and the creator economy scene. But even more so for the friends and loved ones he left behind,” Tamat wrote.
Rama Mamuaya, founder of local tech publication DailySocial, shared similar sentiments. He called Rajasa an inspiring and passionate founder who has become a mentor and inspiration for many in the startup community.
Wallex founder Hiro Kiga said he has “nothing but fond memories” of Rajasa, describing him as a pioneer who persisted through tough times and made a positive impact on the community.
Editing by Miguel Cordon and Eileen C. Ang
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