Achmad Zaky, born on August 24, 1986 (age 39) in Central Java, Indonesia, is one of the co-founders of Bukalapak, a technology-based e-commerce company. Today, it stands as one of the country’s leading firms in its sector and became Indonesia’s fourth unicorn—a startup that surpassed a one-billion-dollar valuation.
Zaky was one of the co-founders and served for several years as the company’s CEO. The Indonesian entrepreneur remains connected to Bukalapak as an advisor to the Board of Commissioners, after spending a decade within the organization—from its founding in 2010 until his resignation as CEO in 2020. At present, he continues to invest in the technology sector.
His early talent and first ventures
From an early age, Zaky showed interest in programming and computing. He received his first computer from his uncle and began learning through books. During high school, he won first place in Indonesia’s National Olympiad of Computer Science.
After completing his basic education, Zaky knew he would continue in the field of computing. He studied computer engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology, where he launched several projects that initially failed.
Suitmedia was the first promising project developed by Zaky and a fellow student from the Institute. Together with his friend, whom he met in high school, they later founded “Bukalapak” with the dream of elevating Indonesia’s tech industry. After more than ten years with the company, the computer engineer acknowledged that it all began as “a dream.”
Bukalapak became that dream come true—the fourth Indonesian unicorn, built after years of effort by the duo. “If we could create one unicorn in the last ten years, hopefully, we can create more in the next ten,” the Indonesian entrepreneur stated.
Zaky: his experience at Bukalapak and change of course
In another interview, Zaky revealed that the timing of the company’s launch was ideal. In 2010, Indonesians were rapidly adopting technology, especially mobile phones. This technological boom enabled a network of online sellers who adopted Bukalapak’s business model.
The company emerged as an e-commerce leader, and Zaky admitted, “Ten years have passed, and Bukalapak has grown so much—it’s mature and independent.” He described the industry as “one-directional,” and commented that Indonesia still “lacks” tech-driven companies.
The computer engineer expressed confidence in the future of young students who will create “more unicorns” to strengthen the national scene. “Our dream is to meet global demand with more Indonesian products. It won’t be easy—it will be hard—but that’s what excites us,” said Zaky, now focused on a new industry.
After stepping down as CEO, Zaky and his partner embraced a new challenge: venture capital. They founded a firm called “Init 6,” which invests their own capital in early-stage startups. The pair continues to bet on Indonesia’s potential through these new ventures.
So far, the engineer revealed they have invested in several companies, two of which are in educational technology. However, their goal is to support startups across all sectors. With years of experience in e-commerce and business, Zaky recognizes the demanding path that unicorns face to thrive.
The present of his new company
Zaky has repeatedly expressed his commitment to supporting the tech sector and collaborating with local businesses. His and his partner’s goal is to help “founders” through their venture capital fund. He has described the digital ecosystem as an “active” and evolving space.
With a long career, Zaky has become an influential voice for startups and their founders. The computer engineer views “failure” as a source of learning and a natural part of entrepreneurship. Init 6 positions itself as a venture capital firm that both invests in and collaborates with other companies.
After several years in e-commerce and the success of Bukalapak, Zaky continues to focus on technology and local enterprise. He emphasizes the importance of young people as the driving force behind future companies and unicorns. One of his major achievements was leading Bukalapak to become an Indonesian unicorn that made history with its first stock market listing.
