In today’s landscape, the dual pressure of global economic uncertainty and sluggish domestic markets is often viewed as a daunting barrier. However, true entrepreneurs know that crisis is a veiled gift—offering a unique set of opportunities for those sharp enough to spot them and agile enough to adapt.

This was the central theme shared by Sandiaga Uno, Co-Founder of Saratoga Investama, during a recent deep-dive discussion. Drawing from his journey as a veteran entrepreneur—from launching a business amidst the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis to building a multi-sector empire—Sandiaga offered five critical lessons for the next generation of startup founders.

1. Crisis is the Ultimate “Fast-Track” Classroom

Many aspiring founders are paralyzed by the fear of failure. Reflecting on his start in 1997, Sandiaga emphasizes that the secret lies in a mindset shift: a crisis isn’t a dead end; it’s a high-velocity learning environment.

“Be more afraid of not trying than of failing,” Sandiaga remarked. He noted that data shows 70% of successful entrepreneurs failed in their first venture. In the world of business, failure is simply a tuition fee. “Failure is just the cost of learning, provided we get back up quickly and adapt.”

2. The ‘Burn Money’ Era is Over: Cashflow is King

The era of “growth at all costs” has officially lost its shine. Today, investors have shifted their gaze toward sustainability and a clear path to profitability.

“The days of burning cash are behind us. Cashflow is king,” Sandiaga asserted. He urged founders to focus on healthy unit economics from day one. “Growth without profit is fragile during a crisis. Build a business that is not just growing, but enduring.”

3. Evolutionary Leadership

As a startup scales, the founder’s leadership style must evolve. In the early days, a leader is often “hands-on,” relying on individual speed. However, as the organization expands, the focus must shift toward building robust systems and fostering deep collaboration.

“Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room,” Sandiaga explained. “It’s about creating new leaders.”

4. The 2026 Golden Opportunities: Solving Real-World Problems

For those looking to build in 2026, Sandiaga points toward solving Indonesia’s most pressing “real-world” issues. He identified three high-potential sectors:

  • Agri-food & Green Economy: Focusing on food security and sustainability.
  • Health & Wellness: Making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
  • MSME Digitalization: With 97% of the workforce employed by MSMEs, helping small businesses “level up” is a massive opportunity.

“The most resilient businesses are those that solve the challenge of affordability without compromising on quality,” he noted.

5. A Message to His 25-Year-Old Self

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Sandiaga’s answer was simple: Don’t wait for perfection. He also suggested redefining success—moving beyond valuation figures to measuring social impact and job creation.

“Stay humble, keep learning, and take calculated risks rather than standing still and losing your momentum,” he concluded.

About Skystar Capital
Skystar Capital is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering founders as pioneers of innovation. Partnering with early-stage startups across Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Skystar offers more than just capital; they provide strategic networks, expertise, and the tools necessary to reach the highest aspirations. To date, Skystar Capital’s portfolio includes over 50 companies across nine sectors, including Fintech, Edutech, Healthtech, and Logisitics. For more information, visit https://skystar.vc/.

Media Contact:
Christopher Josua
Head of Communications and Partnerships, Skystar Capital Tel: +62817-613-011