Ryan Manafe: McKinsey to Founder, Indonesia Infrastructure Bottlenecks & Hub-and-Spoke Business Model - E339

Ryan Manafe, Cofounder & CEO of Dagangan, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Indonesia's Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Ryan shared the infrastructure and supply chain dynamics beyond the major islands of Java and Sumatra and the disparities in development and access to resources in those remote areas. He delved into the interaction between urban centers and rural areas and how infrastructure bottlenecks often impede the transportation of goods from rural production areas to urban consumption centers, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential losses. He also explained the often-overlooked challenges faced by middlemen in the country’s supply chain and how they play an essential role in connecting producers with consumers.

2. Dagangan's Business Approach: Ryan highlighted their innovative approach to working within the supply chain, aiming for a win-win situation for all parties involved. He explained that businesses can leverage a hub-and-spoke model to efficiently reach rural customers, with the first and mid-mile logistics handled by the brands and manufacturers. He also discussed the key performance indicators for their investors, brands, and users: for investors, to showcase progress toward profitability through unit economics and operational efficiency; for brands, to expand their reach across regions and outlets, increasing product delivery; and for users, to increase their revenue significantly and even expand their business premises.

3. Ryan’s Founder Journey: Ryan shared his transition from being a McKinsey consultant to an entrepreneur deeply committed to impacting rural areas and contributing to Indonesia’s progress. He recounted building his first successful venture, only to bravely venture into founding a second company, Dagangan, with a revamped and innovative approach. He emphasized the weight of this decision, especially considering his familial responsibilities, as he navigated these waters while supporting his pregnant wife.

We also discussed the significance of maintaining strong ties with rural communities, maintaining operational discipline, the role of technology in bridging the urban-rural divide, and the importance of work-life balance.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ryan-manafe

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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