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Fintech Pioneer Amartha Secures $55M from European Development Finance Institutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Indonesia

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Fintech Pioneer Amartha Secures $55M from European Development Finance Institutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Indonesia
Business

Business

Fintech Pioneer Amartha Secures $55M from European Development Finance Institutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Indonesia

2025-06-18 11:00 Last Updated At:11:25

JAKARTA, Indonesia, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesian fintech pioneer Amartha, a digital financial technology provider which serves Indonesia's rural grassroots entrepreneurs, has secured USD $55 million in funding from three European development finance institutions: Swedfund (Sweden), Finnfund (Finland), and BIO (Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries).

Andi Taufan Garuda Putra, Founder & CEO of Amartha, stated, "This collaboration with three European state-owned development finance institutions highlights foreign investors' recognition of both the tremendous potential of the grassroots segment and Amartha's strong capability and governance in serving it. Amartha is committed to channeling this funding to reach millions of grassroots women entrepreneurs across Indonesia."

Of the total $55 million, Swedfund contributed $25 million, while Finnfund and BIO each contributed $15 million. This funding will be channeled to support women-led microenterprises in rural areas through increased access to financing. The loan is part of a broader syndicated facility of up to USD 199 million, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

"The funding comes as a strong vote of confidence in Amartha's grassroots-focused model and proven operational excellence, especially at a time when startup investment across Southeast Asia has slowed," said Amartha Chief Financial Officer Ramdhan Anggakaradibrata.

Both DealStreetAsia and Tech in Asia reported a continued funding decline into Q1 2025 for the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem.

Founded in 2010, Amartha has provided financial services to more than 3.3 million ultra-micro businesses across Indonesia of which 99 percent are women-owned.

"Our model combines responsible lending, digital innovation, including robust AI-enabled risk profiling and management, and hyperlocal understanding of grassroots behavior," Taufan added. "It's this blend that builds trust, not not just with our customers, but with global investors seeking real impact."

Jane Niedra, Investment Director for Financial at Swedfund, stated, "Swedfund's investment will enable Amartha to reach women entrepreneurs in rural areas with financial resources through responsible lending, boosting local economic stability and growth."

Finnfund highlighted Amartha's innovation in developing the AmarthaFin digital app, which aims to broaden access to financial services in underserved areas.

"It has recently developed a new app, AmarthaFin, whereby Amartha's customers can become micro-lenders to other group loan borrowers. With AmarthaFin, borrowers can generate more income," said Ulla-Maija Rantapuska, Senior Investment Manager at Finnfund.

BIO CEO Joris Totté also emphasized the importance of digital financial tools. "Digital payments and e-wallets are powerful tools for financial inclusion, especially in rural communities where traditional banking infrastructure is limited," he said.

Earlier this year, Amartha convened global players at the 2025 Asia Grassroots Forum in Bali, highlighting the untapped potential of rural economies and laying the groundwork for broader investment and collaboration.

"In our 15-year journey focusing on this segment, Amartha has demonstrated that such potential can be realized through technology built on a deep understanding of the behaviors and needs of the communities we serve. We are grateful for the trust Swedfund, Finnfund, and BIO have placed in us in supporting our mission for greater financial inclusion," Taufan concluded.

About Amartha 

Amartha's mission is to improve the welfare of the grassroots segment, through tailored digital financial services. Founded in 2010, Amartha  is now growing to build a microfinance ecosystem through capital loan, risk segmentation and payment services. Amartha advances the bottom of the pyramid by increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs. Thus, we empower more women's MSMEs, create jobs and build more inclusive economic growth.

As of March 2025, Amartha, which is licensed and supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK), has disbursed working capital loans of more than 35 trillion rupiah to 3.3 million MSMEs, of which more than 90 percent are led by women, spread across more than 50,000 villages throughout Indonesia.

www.amartha.com 

About BIO

The mission of the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO)is to promote the establishment of a strong private sector in developing and emerging countries, to enable them to access growth and sustainable development, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. BIO was created in 2001 with the Belgian Federal State as sole shareholder. Its ultimate goal is to help strengthen the private sector in developing countries.

 About Finnfund

Finnfund is a Finnish development financier and impact investor. We build a sustainable future and generate lasting impact by investing in businesses that solve global development challenges. We invest 200–250 million euros in 20–30 companies in developing countries each year. Our focus sectors include renewable energy, sustainable forestry, sustainable agriculture, financial institutions, and digital infrastructure and solutions. Today Finnfund's investments, commitments, and investment decisions total about 1.23 billion euros, half of them in Africa. The company has 97 employees based in Helsinki and Nairobi.

About Swedfund

Swedfund is Sweden's development finance institution with the mission to reduce poverty through sustainable investments in developing countries. Swedfund has two instruments to fulfil its mission: sustainable investments in the private sector and technical feasibility studies through the Project Accelerator targeting critical infrastructure in the public sector. Swedfund's investments contribute to the creation of decent jobs and increased access to essential products and services such as electricity and food. Swedfund is a long-term investor and is additional and catalytic through its investments and by mobilising private capital.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Fintech Pioneer Amartha Secures $55M from European Development Finance Institutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Indonesia

Fintech Pioneer Amartha Secures $55M from European Development Finance Institutions to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Indonesia

Welcoming the Year of the Horse in Bali's leading luxury family resort.

BALI, Indonesia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton, Bali invites guests to embrace the auspicious spirit of the Lunar New Year with a curated collection of festive dining experiences designed to unite families in an atmosphere of warmth, celebration, and refined indulgence. This year's highlights include a sumptuous Lunar New Year's Eve Dinner and an elegant Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, each thoughtfully crafted to honor cherished traditions while elevating the holiday with contemporary flair.

The Lunar New Year's Eve Dinner at Senses presents a vibrant culinary celebration overlooking the resort's beautifully manicured garden. Guests are welcomed to savor an abundant buffet featuring freshly steamed dim sum, golden spring rolls, decadent roast duck, fragrant wok-fried specialties, and symbolic dishes representing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Complemented by live carving stations and traditional festive desserts, this memorable evening invites families to gather in the spirit of unity and abundance. Available on 16 February 2026 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., priced at IDR 1,000,000++ per person.

For those seeking a more leisurely celebration, the Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea offers a refined experience inspired by timeless Asian traditions. Guests can indulge in handcrafted sweet and savory delights, including mandarin orange cake, crispy vegetable money bags symbolizing good fortune, dried fruits, plums, and other festive treats. Paired with premium loose-leaf teas and enjoyed against panoramic ocean views, this elevated experience sets the tone for meaningful moments shared with loved ones. Available from 15–20 February 2026, priced at IDR 1,100,000++ for two people.

"We are delighted to welcome guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Bali for this meaningful celebration of the Lunar New Year," said Go Kondo, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. "Our culinary teams have thoughtfully crafted experiences that honor cherished traditions while showcasing the richness of Asian flavors."

For more information, please visit the website at ritzcarltonbali.com or email rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort's lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand's legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company's social and environmental responsibility program.

Welcoming the Year of the Horse in Bali's leading luxury family resort.

BALI, Indonesia, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton, Bali invites guests to embrace the auspicious spirit of the Lunar New Year with a curated collection of festive dining experiences designed to unite families in an atmosphere of warmth, celebration, and refined indulgence. This year's highlights include a sumptuous Lunar New Year's Eve Dinner and an elegant Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea, each thoughtfully crafted to honor cherished traditions while elevating the holiday with contemporary flair.

The Lunar New Year's Eve Dinner at Senses presents a vibrant culinary celebration overlooking the resort's beautifully manicured garden. Guests are welcomed to savor an abundant buffet featuring freshly steamed dim sum, golden spring rolls, decadent roast duck, fragrant wok-fried specialties, and symbolic dishes representing prosperity, longevity, and good fortune. Complemented by live carving stations and traditional festive desserts, this memorable evening invites families to gather in the spirit of unity and abundance. Available on 16 February 2026 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., priced at IDR 1,000,000++ per person.

For those seeking a more leisurely celebration, the Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea offers a refined experience inspired by timeless Asian traditions. Guests can indulge in handcrafted sweet and savory delights, including mandarin orange cake, crispy vegetable money bags symbolizing good fortune, dried fruits, plums, and other festive treats. Paired with premium loose-leaf teas and enjoyed against panoramic ocean views, this elevated experience sets the tone for meaningful moments shared with loved ones. Available from 15–20 February 2026, priced at IDR 1,100,000++ for two people.

"We are delighted to welcome guests to The Ritz-Carlton, Bali for this meaningful celebration of the Lunar New Year," said Go Kondo, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. "Our culinary teams have thoughtfully crafted experiences that honor cherished traditions while showcasing the richness of Asian flavors."

For more information, please visit the website at ritzcarltonbali.com or email rc.dpssw.restaurant.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Built on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort's lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

Delivering the Gold Standard in service in coveted destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC currently operates more than 120 hotels in over 35 countries and territories. From iconic urban destinations to stretches of paradise in untouched corners of the earth, The Ritz-Carlton offers the opportunity for true discovery and transformative escapes that stay with guests long after they depart. Committed to thoughtful innovation, The Ritz-Carlton encompasses two groundbreaking brand extensions, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a collection of rare estates set apart from the world, where personalized care and cultural immersion are paramount. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection translates the brand's legendary service and hospitality for sea, reimagining the ultra-luxury cruising category. For more information or reservations, visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.marriott.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories and follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR). The Ritz-Carlton is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to supporting the destinations where it operates through Community Footprints, the company's social and environmental responsibility program.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Celebrate Prosperity and Togetherness at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

Celebrate Prosperity and Togetherness at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali

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