Indonesian distribution enablement startup Baskit has successfully secured $4.4 million in the first close of its Series A funding round. The investment was led by Cento Ventures and saw participation from Kaya Founders, Analog Ventures, and Orvel Ventures. This equity raise, which brings the company's total to $9.9 million, is complemented by a $3 million revolving credit facility from HSBC Innovation Banking to fuel its regional expansion.
A New Approach to Offline Distribution
Baskit operates an AI-powered platform that integrates software, operational workflows, payments, and embedded credit to streamline offline distribution. Rather than owning inventory, the company orchestrates the supply chain by connecting brands with logistics providers, distributors, and major retail channels. This model is designed to help brands effectively design and execute their go-to-market strategies in complex environments.
The company's strategy focuses on collaboration, aiming to enable existing players instead of disrupting them. Its primary clients are small and mid-sized brands in the FMCG, beauty, and personal care sectors that often lack the resources for extensive offline reach. This approach directly addresses the reality that over 90% of trade in Southeast Asia still occurs through traditional offline channels.
Financial Discipline and Investor Confidence
A key factor driving investor interest is Baskit’s consistent profitability over the past 18 months, a notable achievement for a tech startup at its stage. The company maintains an asset-light model that yields double-digit contribution margins and positive net operating results. CEO Yann Schuermans affirmed the company's commitment to reinvesting profits for growth rather than pursuing scale at the cost of profitability.
Yuan Lee Chung, Partner at Cento Ventures, highlighted this financial discipline as a defining characteristic of Baskit's success. He noted that the company has mastered complex operating environments and is helping define a new playbook for regional technology built on operational depth. This sentiment was echoed by HSBC Innovation Banking, which is supporting Baskit’s expansion through its dedicated funding pool for high-growth businesses.
Strategic Expansion into the Philippines
With the new capital, Baskit is set to launch its first international expansion into the Philippines in the second half of this year. The market was chosen for its structural similarities to Indonesia, including fragmented supply chains and a strong reliance on offline commerce. Schuermans explained that the lessons learned in Indonesia will allow the company to replicate its model more rapidly in the new market.
Local partnerships will be crucial, with Philippine venture firm Kaya Founders joining the funding round to support the expansion. Paulo Campos, Founding Partner at Kaya, emphasized the country's shift toward omnichannel retail where brands must reach consumers across both online and offline touchpoints. He believes Baskit provides the essential infrastructure for digital-first brands to unlock their next phase of growth in physical stores.
This Series A funding marks a significant milestone for Baskit, validating its unique, collaborative approach to solving offline distribution challenges in Southeast Asia. By combining technology, operational expertise, and financial services, the company is positioning itself as a foundational partner for brands navigating the region's fragmented markets. As Baskit prepares to enter the Philippines, its disciplined and profitable growth model sets a new standard for sustainable scaling in the real economy.