Three things I want to see in SparxUp 2011

The Indonesian web startup industry reached an important milestone last week with the first SparxUp 2010 Awards. The fact that an event like this occurred for a such a young industry in Indonesia shows how much the organizers believe in the future growth. The feeling is also shared by big names like Google, Microsoft and TechCrunch who showed up as supporters to the event. 

Speaking as a participant in the industry, there are a few things that I want to see in next year’s SparxUp:

1. Success stories that are uniquely Indonesian. Part of the joy of attending an event like Echelon 2010 was meeting people in the same industry and hearing their stories. Wouldn’t it be great to hear a SparxUp alumni make a big announcement at next year’s event? Wouldn’t it be great to hear war stories and behind-the-scene stories of other startups? 
2. Active participation from the government. The Indonesian Minister of Trade, Mari Elka Pangestu actually came to speak at SparxUp, but the talk was more geared at wooing investors who paid Rp. 3,500,000 to attend. What I want to see is the government having an active participation in the web startup industry and using SparxUp as a platform to support the cause. There is a lot of momentum right now with the Indonesian web industry and the government doesn’t seem to fully recognize it. I always thought that at the very least, the government should get out of the way. But so far it seems like it has made every effort to stand in the way of progress. I hope to see this trend reversed next year.
3. More (and better) startups. There were more than 340 submissions already to this year’s SparxUp, and I’m sure most of those startups were built without mentors and investors. Why? Simply because there weren’t many mentors and investors looking at Indonesia this past year. Next year should be a different story, however. SparxUp 2010 will serve as motivation for many entrepreneurs, and a number of investors/incubators are now actively working in Indonesia. The Indonesian web entrepreneur community is tight-knit and the current batch will help the next batch to succeed. I believe all of this will create a virtuous cycle that points to a much bigger SparxUp next year.

Finally, on a personal note, my startup FunCrowds was awarded Best Mobile Application at SparxUp 2010. The recognition came approximately a month after our app became available for public. It was a great honor and we’re really happy that our hard work was appreciated. Of course the real measure of success is off the award stage and in the real world. On that note, hang tight because we’re just getting started.