In an entrepreneurial tale that strays far from the ordinary Indonesian startup narrative, Gibran Huzaifah’s journey from the countryside to unicorn status is nothing short of remarkable. Unlike many of his peers who focus on creating urban-centric applications, Huzaifah ventured into rural areas, where he unearthed an unconventional and often overlooked resource – catfish.

At just 33 years old, Huzaifah’s path to success began with a hands-on education in aquaculture, quite literally from the ground up. While pursuing his studies at a state university, he constructed his fishponds, using them to sustain himself financially. Upon graduating, he took a daring step, embarking on a unique business venture that would transform the lives of fish breeders across Indonesia. His brainchild was a cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) device, designed to revolutionize the way fish were reared, reducing costs and ensuring optimal feeding schedules.

A decade ago, Huzaifah co-founded Multidaya Teknologi Nusantara, affectionately known as “fishery” by its impressive customer base of 70,000 fish and shrimp breeders. In a recent interview conducted in late July, Huzaifah reflected on the astounding journey of his startup. “Nobody could have anticipated that a venture in the fisheries sector could ever evolve into a unicorn,” he mused. “I never dared to make such grand promises, but here we are.”

Gibran Huzaifah’s story is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the ability to see opportunities where others might not. His unique approach to entrepreneurship led him to the heart of Indonesia’s rural landscape, where he embraced aquaculture, becoming a master of fish breeding. The IoT device he introduced not only modernized fish farming but also significantly reduced costs for breeders, an outcome that seemed unimaginable at the outset.

In an era where tech startups often gravitate towards urban markets, Huzaifah’s venture stands as a beacon of creativity and purpose. By focusing on the needs of rural communities, he has not only disrupted the traditional fishery industry but also elevated the lives of countless breeders. As his innovative journey demonstrates, sometimes the most remarkable transformations happen in the most unexpected places.

Gibran Huzaifah’s ascent from fish ponds to unicorn status is a shining example of how a creative, rural-focused, and formally audacious approach to entrepreneurship can lead to extraordinary success. His achievement sends a powerful message to aspiring entrepreneurs: there are no limits to what can be achieved when you dare to think outside the urban confines of conventional business.