Danamon Strengthens Startup Ecosystem Through ASEAN-Japan Synergy and MUIP Garuda Fund

Cross-border collaboration is increasingly becoming a key driver of growth for the startup ecosystem in the region. Seizing this opportunity, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk (Danamon) participated in the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026. The annual forum, organised by Krungsri, brings together startups, investors, and corporations from Japan and ASEAN to strengthen innovation collaboration under the MUFG Global Network initiative. During the event, Danamon also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi), Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri), Krungsri Finnovate, and MUFG Innovation Partners (MUIP). This collaboration is in line with the presence of the MUIP Garuda Fund, a US$100 million corporate venture capital fund established by MUIP, MUFG, and Danamon to invest in the fintech and technology sectors. Through this initiative, Danamon is expanding the connectivity of the ASEAN–Japan startup ecosystem while opening up opportunities for more sustainable collaboration and investment. Chief Strategy Officer of PT Bank Danamon Indonesia Tbk, Reza Iskandar Sardjono, stated that Danamon’s participation in the Japan–ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2026 reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening the connectivity of the Indonesian startup ecosystem with Japan and the ASEAN region. Through synergy with the MUFG Global Network, Danamon aims to provide broader access for national startups to connect with global investors and corporations. Over the course of one day, the event facilitated more than 500 business matching sessions involving over 90 startups from six countries, including Indonesia, and around 140 global companies and investors. In addition to pitching sessions and one-on-one business meetings, participants also took part in exhibitions, discussions on regional investment trends, and networking to expand collaboration opportunities. Through collaboration with strategic partners in the ASEAN and Japan region, Danamon continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between innovation, investment, and business growth. Support for startups is directed not only at opening access to funding but also at expanding global networks so that Indonesian startups can enhance their competitiveness and contribute more significantly to the regional digital economy.