A local-made handicraft marketplace, Qlapa has officially shut down per Sat (3/2), through the announcement on its website and social media. The failure to develop Qlapa as a sustainable business is the main reason behind this decision.
Previously, Qlapa announces operational restructure to all customers since December, 13th, 2018. Later on, every access on website and app is terminated, so does the transaction. The information is not clear. Some says the service will be re-opened in the late December, but nothing comes up until two months later.
In the statement, Qlapa claims to distribute billions to the local craftsmen during four years operation. Qlapa is rewarded as “Hidden Gem” by Google Play and also as a the most potential startup according to Forbes Asia.
However, the management added, the trip must be ended due to Qlapa’s failure to create a profitable and sustainable business. Along with this announcement, Qlapa is pulled out from Google Play.
“We still believe in quality, story, and the likes of Indonesian handicrafts. There’s still homework to do, dreams to achieve. But, currently we have to say goodbye. Our service is unavailable per 2019. It’s a hardest decision yet must be done.”
In a different ocassion, Benny Fajarai, Qlapa’s CEO & Co-Founder confirmed, the company has settled with the sellers, customers, or its employees.
“Of course [settling all our obligation],” he added to DailySocial.
Regarding the lesson learnt for the next plan, Benny avoid to mention any further detail.
In 2017, Qlapa obtains series A funding with undisclosed value led by Aavishkaar Frobtier Funds (AFF). Other investors are involved, such as Kapan Lagi Network (KLN), Global Founders Capital (GFC), and Budi Setiadharma (angel investor).
There are also other startups with familiar concept, such as Moselo and Ku Ka. The tight competition in e-commerce industry becomes a challenge to be able to survive in Indonesia. Currently, various e-commerce websites, such as Blibli, Lazada, and Shopee has special column to market the local products.
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Original article is in Indonesian, translated by Kristin Siagian