This startup guarantees ecommerce growth or you don’t pay

This article is a part of Startup Spotlight, a series that features young, up-and-coming startups.

Photo credit: Aha Commerce

In 2015, the founders of Aha Commerce met a business owner with a great product but limited tech skills. They helped him build his brand, Brasov, from zero online presence into a powerhouse. This experience inspired them to create an AI-driven engine to replicate that “zero-to-hero” success for other local brands.

😟 Problem

Many local Indonesian brands face growth stagnation after initial traction because they struggle to analyze data and adapt to constantly shifting marketplace algorithms. This makes it difficult for them to protect their profit margins against larger, global competitors.

💡 Solution

Aha Commerce provides an ecommerce management service powered by its proprietary AI system, Ahabot™. The system is designed to take over operational tasks and drive growth for brands. Key features include:

• 24/7 store management and customer service.
• An AI marketing system that optimizes store performance.
• A zero-commission guarantee program that waives the company’s commission if agreed-upon revenue and profit targets are not met.

Photo credit: Aha Commerce

📊 Market size

The company targets the “Missing Middle” of small to mid-sized local brands in Indonesia with monthly revenues of at least 100 million rupiah (US$ 5,925). Its immediate goal is to manage 1,000 such brands, representing a serviceable revenue opportunity of US$31 million in Indonesia.

Aha Commerce has an average client tenure of 13 months. The company plans to expand across ASEAN, starting with a new branch office in Bangkok, Thailand.

🤝 Team

• Stephen Lawrence. Co-founder and CEO. 
• Andre Chouw.  Co-founder and chief business officer.
• Victor Langelo. Brand strategy lead who built the company’s AI video storytelling system.

🚀 Traction

• Managed over US$19.5 million in GMV and 9.3 million orders annually.
• In 2025, 93.8% of its clients achieved or surpassed their guaranteed growth targets.
• Recognized as an official Shopee Premium Enabler in 2024.
• Named Lazada Partner of the Year in 2021 and 2023.

🏆 Competition

Aha Commerce is listed as a Top Premium Enabler in Indonesia alongside competitors like Sirclo, Intrepid, and Jet Commerce. The company differentiates itself through its profit-guaranteed model, waiving commission fees if it fails to hit targets. Its proprietary Ahabot™ AI also sets it apart by focusing on algorithmic marketing rather than manual management.

💰 Financials

The company uses a B2B model, charging clients a monthly management fee plus either a margin per unit or a success-based commission. Its primary model includes the zero-commission guarantee if performance benchmarks are not met.