Malaysian roadside assistance company Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Bateriku.com) has raised MYR 10 million ($2.11 million) from government-backed impact investment companies VentureTECH Sdn. Bhd. (VentureTECH) and VentureTECH SBI Sdn. Bhd. (VentureTECH SBI) to expand its connected roadside assistance services.

Bateriku said in a statement on Monday that this partnership is set to empower Bateriku.com in its mission to redefine the roadside assistance industry by building its own ecosystem to connect Battery, Breakdown, “Bengkel” (car workshops) and Bazaar (auto parts marketplace).

According to the statement, VentureTECH and VentureTECH SBI have allocated MYR 3 million ($630,000) and MYR 7 million ($1.48 million), respectively, to provide Bateriku.com with the essential resources required to further enhance its technology infrastructure, expand its service portfolio and scale its operations to meet the growing demand for efficient roadside assistance solutions.

With this investment, Bateriku.com said it is strategically positioned to harness the power of innovation, streamline operations, and unlock unparalleled value for both customers and stakeholders.

This strategic initiative also highlights Bateriku.com’s commitment to cultivate technology innovation and efficiency, ensuring that every aspect of its operations is finely tuned to deliver exceptional service and exceed expectations across the board.

“We are excited to join forces with VentureTECH and VentureTECH SBI to accelerate our vision of redefining roadside assistance services by connecting the Battery, Breakdown, “Bengkel” (car workshops) and Bazaar (auto parts marketplace) verticals into a seamless experience for vehicle owners,

“This strategic investment will enable us to scale our operations, expand our reach, and further enhance the customer experience,” said Azarol Faizi, Chief Executive Officer of Bateriku.com.

According to the statement, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in Bateriku.com’s growth and signifies VentureTECH’s commitment to supporting innovative companies that elevate industry standards and drive productivity growth.

Bateriku.com started off as an on-demand car battery replacement service provider, evolving into an ecosystem that connect car users to roadside assistance, trusted workshops, auto parts marketplace and ancillary services.

The firm scaled up by leveraging on big data, technology, and sharing economy.

To date, Bateriku.com operates close to 200 retail outlets nationwide and plans to expand its business regionally.

It is noted that Bateriku.com is nurturing a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem, uniting its BHERO (front-line GIG technicians to serve vehicle owners), BPRENEUR (retail outlets to support Bateriku.com’s services), and BBUDDY (trusted workshops and auto part merchants to complement growing demand from vehicle owners) stakeholders through seamless integration atop an intelligent technology platform.

Currently, Bateriku.com is evolving into a vehicle ownership experience (VOE) provider by connecting the Battery, Breakdown and “Bengkel” (car workshops and auto part merchants) verticals with its internally developed auto parts marketplace: Bazaar.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bateriku.com as they continue to revolutionize the roadside assistance landscape with the infusion of high technology,

“Bateriku.com has demonstrated remarkable display of resilience, agility and innovation as reflected in its transition from a conventional battery replacement business to one that is digitally-driven and strengthened by its solid on-the-ground operations and excellent customer service,” said Ahmad Redzuan Sidek, Chief Executive Officer of VentureTECH.

He said they believe that this strategic partnership will enable Bateriku.com to accelerate its growth trajectory towards becoming the one-stop solution provider within the roadside assistance segment and eventually position itself as a VOE platform.

“This partnership also reflects VentureTECH’s confidence in Bateriku.com’s potential to shape the future and develop local talents by providing high income jobs, aligning with VentureTECH’s impact investment philosophy that aims to generate positive societal impacts,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohd Jerry Tan, Principal of VentureTECH SBI said their collaboration represents a collective commitment to innovation and excellence in the connected roadside assistance industry and ultimately VOE market.

“This partnership underscores our belief in Bateriku.com’s potential to lead the industry forward, and we are dedicated to fueling its growth, fostering innovation, and expanding its influence across Malaysia and beyond,” he said.

VentureTECH is a government-backed impact investment company established to catalyse the growth of local industries particularly Bumiputera in the high value added and high technology industries through equity investment.

The firm was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

VentureTECH SBI is a joint-venture fund management company of VentureTECH and SBI Ventures Malaysia Sdn Bhd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc. Japan.

The firm makes strategic investments in the Southeast Asia region with primary focus on Malaysian based privately-owned companies that fall under its target sectors of high value-added industry and emerging technology such as information and communications technology (ICT), fintech, greentech and biotechnology.

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