Amartha's journey began in 2010, born from a simple yet powerful mission: to connect micro-entrepreneurs in rural Indonesia, particularly women, with access to affordable capital. Founder Andi Taufan Garuda Putra witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by those in underserved communities, like a mother in Ciseeng, Bogor, whose small stall was on the brink of collapse due to medical expenses. This encounter became a catalyst, leading to the establishment of Amartha Microfinance with an initial capital of just 10 million rupiah. Initially operating as a microfinance institution, Amartha focused on serving the unbanked population in villages, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth if given the right opportunities.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2015 when Amartha recognized the transformative power of technology. This realization spurred a significant evolution, and in 2016, Amartha transitioned into a financial technology (fintech) company, pioneering a peer-to-peer (P2P) lending marketplace. This innovative platform bridged the gap between urban lenders seeking impactful investments and rural micro-entrepreneurs needing capital to grow their businesses. The shift to a technology-driven model allowed Amartha to scale its operations, manage risk more effectively, and offer attractive returns to investors, all while staying true to its core mission of empowering the grassroots economy. Over the years, Amartha has continued to expand its reach and impact, disbursing significant working capital to millions of women-led MSMEs across thousands of villages in Indonesia. The company is now evolving into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem, offering not just lending, but also investment and payment services, further solidifying its commitment to fostering inclusive growth and shared prosperity.