Edtech firm earns A+ in bootstrapping

More: TikTok appeals against US ban in court. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [Sevima making millions and being unfazed by SEA’s edtech woes]( - An Indonesian game studio being accused of employee abuse - Other newsy highlights such as TikTok having its day in court in the US --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Receiving outside investment isn’t necessarily a better way to build a business than bootstrapping, but it definitely has its own charm. It’s got to be a real buzz for a founder to be able to share a funding announcement on LinkedIn and enjoy the dopamine hits as congratulations roll in. Founders of bootstrapped firms may not have these flashy moments, but with smarts and grit, they can build sustainable businesses. This appears to be the case with Indonesian edtech firm Sevima. Thanks to its “boring” approach, as described by one of its key leaders, the company is standing out while plenty of Southeast Asia’s VC-backed edtech firms struggle. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY Sevima, a little-known edtech company based in Surabaya, Indonesia, is quietly serving over 1,200 universities, a quarter of the country's total, with its cloud-based academic management solutions. Despite its impressive reach and profitability, Sevima remains bootstrapped, choosing to focus on its core market rather than seeking external funding. Curious to know more? [Click here]( for the full story. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [TikTok faces tough questions from court over challenge to US law]( TikTok has lodged an appeal before the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to contest the ban that would prevent 170 million Americans from using the short-video app. The company argued that the ban would violate free speech laws in the country. [Jakarta police investigate abuse allegations against game studio]( An Indonesian game studio that worked on titles like The Last of Us and Warcraft is under police investigation over alleged employee abuse and exploitation. The accusations surfaced after a former employee claimed she had a miscarriage due to the detrimental work environment at the company, which allegedly used intimidation tactics. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Tracking startup closures across Southeast Asia]( There are several reasons why startups in Southeast Asia go bust, but we lack data about it. This piece helps you track the region's macro-level trends. --------------------------------------------------------------- LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 40% ON TICKETS!  Save an extra 20% when you buy 3 tickets or more Time is running out to join the biggest tech event of the year. Thousands of investors, founders, and executives from top companies like GoTo, Line, Tiket.com, Sociolla, LinkedIn, and more are already securing their spots. But hurry, this offer will end at midnight! [Grab your tickets now]( at a special 40% off rate and be part of the most exciting tech gathering in Southeast Asia. ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You too can publish your own press release on Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - Love Actually Paktor Group- [A Perfect Match Between Lunch Actually and Paktor]( The union of both leading services to form Lunch Actually Paktor Group, will create enriched dating experiences and support singles in finding love. - 19Volt - [Asia’s 1st AI-Powered SME Lending Marketplace Launches in the Philippines]( Kredit Hero, Asia's 1st AI-powered SME lending marketplace, launches in the Philippines to connect SMEs with fast, tailored financing solutions. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](.  [Experience #TIAConferenceJKT like a pro | October 23 - 24]( Ever felt overwhelmed at a conference? Too much to see, too little time? At TIA Conference Jakarta, we've got you covered. Our Pro Pass gives you exclusive access to networking events, catered meals, and on-demand sessions, ensuring you make the most of your time. Focus on building relationships and leave the logistics to us. Bond with your new connections over five-star meals and catch up on sessions at your own pace with video replays. But hurry, this pass is in high demand and sells out quickly. [Grab your Pro Pass now]( for US$131 before prices increase on September 19. [Leadership Collective: Building at Scale on September 26]( Calling all senior product developers and engineers! We’re teaming up with Figma for an exclusive, insider look at how the fusion of AI and engineering is breaking down silos and rewriting the rules of product development. Seats are extremely limited - [apply now.]( [Gemini Day for Startups: Indonesia on September 26]( You want generative AI solutions that actually deliver, right? Cut through the noise with Google Cloud’s Hae Na Noh and discover how startups are winning with genAI right now - broaden your perspective, gain actionable strategies, and glean next-gen insights. Limited seats available - [apply for your invite today.]( [Tech in Asia Conference Jakarta on October 23 - 24]( Feeling lost in the Gen Z lingo? Join us at TIA Conference Jakarta and hear from these media moguls who will spill the tea. Learn how to navigate the world of short-form content, leverage AI to personalize content recommendations, build authentic and engaging communities, and more. No cap, this session is gonna be fire. [Get tickets at 40% off]( before price increases on September 19. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Senior Tax Associate]( at Deliveree Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Merchant Operations Staff]( at PT Iforte Payment Infrastructure Jakarta, Indonesia - [Performance Marketing Associate]( at Ematic Solutions Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - [Social Media Maintenance Officer]( at StyleDoubler Jakarta, Indonesia - [Admin Associate (fresh graduates may apply)]( at Deliveree Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Business Development]( at HireFazz.com Indonesia Bulk Terminal, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. Don't miss out on the biggest tech news and analysis. Add newsletter@techinasia.com to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list. Or simply move us into your inbox. Tech in Asia thanks our partners for supporting our newsletters. Sponsorship has no influence on editorial content. Too many emails? Switch to a different frequency or get new content through our [preference center]( or [unsubscribe](. You can also break our hearts and remove yourself from all Tech in Asia emails over [here](  ---------------------------------------------------------------  Copyright © 2024 Tech in Asia, All rights reserved. 13A Neil Rd, Singapore 088810 A member of The Business Times.