bukaPO, a tech-enabled culinary marketplace based in Bali, Indonesia, has closed its late seed funding round led by angel investment network Bali Investment Club and Switzerland-based elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization, according to a statement on Wednesday.
While the exact investment figure remains undisclosed, the new capital marks a significant milestone, pushing the company closer to achieving profitability within the next year.
Founded in 2020, in response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, bukaPO has thrived by enabling over 4,000 home chefs — predominantly women — to serve their communities with homemade meals.
bukaPO’s pre-ordering model connects home-based culinary businesses with individual consumers and corporate clients, significantly enhancing the earning potential of its merchants. To date, the platform has generated over $10 million in revenue for its community of chefs, transitioning from micro-enterprises to fully-fledged small businesses.
Stefan Kappeler, partner and COO of elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization, praised the company’s mission, stating, “bukaPO is a shining example of an innovative impact venture. By empowering women microentrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities, bukaPO perfectly aligns with elea’s mission to fight absolute poverty with entrepreneurial means. We are excited to partner with bukaPO in its next growth phase.”
Nicolo Castiglione, Managing Partner at Bali Investment Club, remarked, “We are proud to back bukaPO as it builds a thriving, community-driven ecosystem that is set to support millions of micro-entrepreneur home chefs across Indonesia. Their sustainable model not only delivers impressive economic impact but also addresses critical gaps in market access and financial empowerment for women microentrepreneurs.”
The fresh injection of capital will be used to accelerate B2C adoption, enhance platform technology, and extend bukaPO’s reach to new regions across Indonesia.
Olaf Purvis, co-founder and CEO of bukaPO, said, “These funds are instrumental in scaling our operations, particularly our B2C adoption and corporate catering strategies. More importantly, we remain focused on expanding opportunities for home chefs, ensuring their success remains central to bukaPO’s growth.”
Beyond its B2C focus, bukaPO’s services are already being utilised by notable corporate clients, including Sofitel, Indigo, Regent Canggu, Club Med, and Holiday Inn. Operating primarily in Bali, Surabaya, and Sidoarjo, bukaPO not only enhances market access for home chefs but also provides education and financial literacy training, fostering sustainable growth among Indonesia’s microentrepreneurs.
By bridging the gap between home kitchens and corporate demand, bukaPO continues to reshape Indonesia’s culinary landscape while delivering meaningful social impact.
Last month, BIC backed its existing portfolio, Magalarva, with an undisclosed amount. Magalarva is an Indonesian startup tackling food waste and the country’s protein crisis by transforming organic waste into animal feed. The company leverages black soldier fly technology to upcycle food waste, creating a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and soybean meal.
