William Tanuwijaya was born in Pematang Siantar, North Sumatra, on November 11, 1981. His interest in the digital world began when he worked as an internet cafe guard during his college days at Bina Nusantara University, majoring in informatics engineering. This experience opened the gates for William to explore the world of the internet and grow his dream of building a digital platform.
The beginning of Tokopedia
Armed with determination and faith, William and his partner, Leontinus Alpha Edison, founded Tokopedia on February 6, 2009. Amidst the doubts of many people, they persevered to build an e-commerce platform that connects sellers and buyers safely, comfortably, and practically. Six months of dedication led Tokopedia to its launch on August 17, 2009, coinciding with Indonesia’s Independence Day.
Journey to Success
Tokopedia has shown rapid growth since its inception. The persistence of William and his team in building trust and providing the best service paid off. In its first year, Tokopedia received an injection of funds and an award as the best e-commerce startup in Indonesia.
Innovative Business Model
Tokopedia’s business model focuses on security and ease of transactions. The platform acts as a trusted intermediary, holding the buyer’s funds until the goods are received and confirmed. This minimizes the risk of fraud and provides a sense of security for both parties.
Empowering MSMEs and Opening Opportunities
More than just a buying and selling platform, Tokopedia is a platform for MSME players to reach a wider market. William’s extraordinary vision, “Tokopedia will be successful if its sellers are also successful,” is proven by the many success stories of MSMEs that have grown rapidly through this platform.
Challenges and Revival
At the beginning of their journey, William and his team faced various obstacles, including difficulties in securing capital. However, their persistence and faith led Tokopedia to seek funding from local and international investors, such as East Ventures, CyberAgent Ventures, Beenos, and SoftBank.
Tokopedia: The Pride of Indonesia
