Bakrie Group ups it strategy game with new VC fund

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As a sports nerd, I like to keep my eye on the youth set-ups or minor league affiliates of the teams I support. The big-money signings will always grab the headlines, but I think greater satisfaction comes from seeing a homegrown talent rise through the ranks and make it big.

The success of athletes like Dorian Finney-Smith and Scott McTominay (of the Dallas Mavericks and Manchester United, respectively) will always feel that little bit more special to fans.

It appears that Indonesian conglomerate Bakrie Group is thinking along the same lines with its new fund, Quantum Ventures.

While it’s not explicitly described as a corporate VC firm, there are a lot of synergies between the portfolio companies that Quantum is helping to grow and Bakrie’s business interests.

Today we look at:

• How Bakrie Group’s new VC fund synergizes with the conglomerate’s existing business interests
• The US$805 million in new funding for Microsoft-backed VerSe Innovation
• Other newsy highlights such as The Parentinc’s series D fundraise and Sky Mavis’ attempts to reimburse all users affected by the US$620 million Ronin Network hack

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Build me up, buttercup

Image credit: Timmy Loen

I’ve been doing a lot more cooking since I moved into my own place with my wife. It may just be my mind playing tricks on me, but food seems to taste better when you make it yourself. I mean, it’s probably never gonna beat my mum’s cooking. But still, the effort 100% adds to the flavor.

Bakrie Group must also feel the same, since its new VC firm is helping to build companies that have natural synergies with its existing business interests.

• A quick bio: Quantum Ventures is led by managing partner Benny Tjia, who previously worked at Microsoft and Indogen Ventures. The new firm says it builds Indonesia-focused ventures and invests globally to access the latest technology and best practices in accelerating the country’s economic growth.

• Helping the little guys: Quantum focuses on early-stage startups that develop new “world-changing technologies” across Indonesia’s renewable energy, electric vehicle, logistics, and fintech sectors. It also aims to provide its portfolio companies with access to “ecosystem superchargers” such as the government, incumbents, and investors.

Well-VerSed in raising funds

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