Oct 11, 2015

Digital News AsiaOct 12, 2015 Tech investments under Lippo’s LDV fund to be merged under new fund Venturra managers include former Google and Rocket Internet execs JAKARTA-headquartered Venturra Capital, an independent venture capital fund sponsored by the Lippo Group – one of Indonesia’s largest real estate developers – has launched its US$150-million Venturra Capital Fund I.   Lippo’s portfolio of technology investments under Lippo Digital Ventures (LDV) will be merged with Venturra Fund I, Venturra said in a statement. The new fund, led by its three managing partners Rudy Ramawy, Stefan Jung, and John Riady, will invest in early growth stage consumer technology-enabled companies in Indonesia and South-East Asia including those in the e-commerce, financial services, healthcare, and education sectors. Venturra said it brings together a strong track record in technology investments and building companies in a broad range of industries. Previous investments by its managing partners include GrabTaxi, Traveloka, Bridestory, Munchery, HappyFresh and MatahariMall.com. “We are extremely excited to working with great entrepreneurs at Venturra and to contribute towards a dynamic and rapidly growing digital ecosystem in the region,” said Rudy, who was previously the founding country director of Google Indonesia, and currently also serves on the board of MatahariMall.com. Jung, previously founder and managing partner of Rocket Internet South-East Asia, said, “We have seen tremendous progress in the technology industry across South-East Asia over the last few years. “The quality of entrepreneurs and investors is increasing at a fast pace. We want to work with outstanding entrepreneurs to create defining market leaders across the region and bring in our experience and expertise in scaling companies internationally,” he added. In terms of its relationship with the Lippo Group, Venturra said that as a sponsoring limited partner of the fund, and one of the largest and most diversified consumer services groups in Indonesia, Lippo will provide unparalleled access to a broad range of industries, a regional network of business, and a stable of corporate leaders. Venturra said it will combine its independence and this unique access to build partnerships that empower founders and enable portfolio companies to scale quickly and gain traction. Managing partner John, who is also a director at the Lippo Group, said the fund wants to partner with the best entrepreneurs across generations. “80 years from now, we want to look back, point to some of the most transformative companies in the region, and say that we played a part in contributing to their successes,” he said.