Venture capital for firms

BANDUNG (JP): PT Sarana Jabar Ventura (SJV) said yesterday it had given financial help to 130 small to medium companies since it was established three years ago.

"The amount we allocate varies but does not exceed Rp 500 million (US$205,676)," the company's president Yani Rodyat Panigoro said.

Yani said the company received thousands of requests from companies wanting financial assistance, but only innovative and marketable proposals were accepted.

He cited as an example a company that suggested making a catalyst for septic tanks, "this kind of innovation is very marketable".

But only five out of the 130 firms used technology like that, he said.

Yani said Sarana Jabar had Rp 85.75 billion in capital and 705 shareholders. (ahy/das)