Bali's Booming Tech Startup Scene

Bali consistently ranked in the top 10 of East Ventures – Digital Competitiveness Index, paving its way to becoming the digital hub

Bali is an island paradise in the midst of Java and Lombok, two of Indonesia’s most populous islands. The tropical paradise is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and spiritual atmosphere. A place to get away from it all and enjoy a weekend of surfing or yoga and meditation. But it can also be your new home as a startup founder.

If you looking for a change of scenery, look no further. Here are 10 reasons why you won't want to miss out on the action!

1. Strategic Location

Bali's location in Southeast Asia is actually one of its greatest strengths for start-ups. The island has easy access to major cities that consider prime locations like Singapore, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. This makes it a super convenient location for start-ups to access markets in the region, expand their network, and tap into new business opportunities.

This convenience is especially helpful for entrepreneurs who are just starting out and want to tap into markets beyond Bali. The islands have a well-connected transportation infrastructure, including its international airport and seaports. This makes it easy to import and export goods, facilitating cross-border transactions and expanding the supply chain. In addition, Bali's location provides a gateway to the larger Asian market, which offers a vast consumer base and numerous prospects for entrepreneurial ventures.

Photo credit: Nick Wehrli

2. Lower Cost of Living

Bali's affordability is a significant draw for entrepreneurs looking for an attractive location to establish their start-ups. In comparison to other popular destinations such as Silicon Valley or London. This allows entrepreneurs to stretch their budgets without sacrificing their quality of life.

The low cost of living in Bali provides many opportunities for entrepreneurs to establish businesses in a thriving ecosystem without breaking the bank. Bali offers the perfect balance for entrepreneurs who want to succeed both personally and professionally.

3. Thriving Tourism Industry

The dynamic tourism industry in Bali has created a bustling economy that offers a plethora of opportunities for innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs to establish themselves. The island's renowned hospitality industry also opens up numerous avenues for creative and unique business ideas to flourish. From affordable accommodations to curated tours to delicious local cuisine, Bali's tourism industry provides an abundance of possibilities for entrepreneurial ventures.

4. Government Support

The government of Bali is supportive of the start-up ecosystem and has implemented policies to encourage entrepreneurship. Startups in Bali continue to grow, with the local government having been supportive of the cause. Under the leadership of Governor Wayan Koster, the government has worked on providing tax incentives, funding for startup events, and support for co-working spaces.

According to the East Ventures - Digital Competitiveness Index (EV-DCI) 2022, which evaluates the digital readiness of 34 provinces and cities/regencies in Indonesia, Bali ranks sixth, preceded by Banten and East Java. The index considers factors such as digital infrastructure, human resources, economic activity, and government policies.

5. Creative Community

Another key factor in Bali's success as a startup hub is its growing talent pool. Bali has attracted a significant number of ex-pats and digital nomads who possess expertise in areas like programming, design, and marketing. The diverse and skilled community has contributed to the success of numerous startups by providing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. While Bali's startup scene is still relatively new, it shows great promise for the future.

Coworking Spaces: Bali has a growing number of coworking spaces, which offer affordable and flexible office solutions for start-ups.

Access to Funding: Bali has a growing number of angel investors and venture capital firms that are interested in investing in start-ups in the region.

Digital Infrastructure: Bali has a well-developed digital infrastructure, with high-speed internet and a strong tech community.

International Community: Bali is home to a large international community of expats, who bring diverse perspectives and ideas to the start-up ecosystem.

Quality of Life: Bali offers a high quality of life, with a tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle, which makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking for a better work-life balance.

Photo credit: Darren Lawrence