When I was in Bali, I didn’t expect to stumble into one of the most vibrant entrepreneurship communities in Asia. From Canggu’s coworking hubs buzzing with remote founders to Ubud’s wellness-driven innovators, the island was alive with collaboration.
Every café seemed to double as a startup lab, and every dinner conversation turned into a business pitch. As I plugged into this Bali entrepreneurship community, I realized something powerful: this island wasn’t just a paradise for travelers, but a living incubator for ideas, startups, and innovation.
Entrepreneurial communities are the lifeblood of Bali’s startup ecosystem. They bring together global nomads, local visionaries, and creative founders who share resources, mentorship, and market insights. These communities act like an organic business incubator in Bali, offering access to investors, mentors, and collaborators. For early-stage startups, networking within these circles often leads to partnerships, funding, and product-market fit opportunities, all fueled by Bali’s unique culture of openness and collaboration.
The Bali Angel Network (BAN) has become a vital bridge between local entrepreneurs and global investors. This group of experienced professionals helps nurture promising startups through capital investment, mentorship, and networking introductions. By supporting scalable ideas, BAN strengthens the Bali investment club ecosystem, enabling both locals and expats to participate in the island’s growing innovation scene. Their involvement has helped many Bali-born companies transition from concept to international success stories.
Startup Grind Bali is more than just a meetup, it’s a cultural exchange of ideas and inspiration. With events featuring global founders and investors, it has positioned Bali as a regional startup hub. These sessions help entrepreneurs learn from success stories, discuss challenges, and gain exposure to the global stage. The network also connects with accelerators and business incubators in Bali, helping startups evolve beyond their early stages.
Photo from Ananda Soul
Female-led initiatives are redefining Bali’s startup landscape. From boutique agencies in Seminyak to tech collectives in Canggu, female entrepreneurship in Bali is on the rise. Communities like SheSparks Bali and Women of Canggu empower women through mentorship, networking, and leadership workshops. Their impact is not just economic, it’s cultural! These founders are rewriting what success looks like in Bali’s business scene while inspiring the next generation of local women to build their own ventures. In Ubud, Ananda Soul, founded by women for women, the brand employs underprivileged Balinese women, using recycled silver, organic fabrics, and bamboo to craft mindful jewelry and apparel. Their growth story highlights the power of female entrepreneurship in Bali, proving that ethical production and empowerment can coexist beautifully.
What makes Bali’s entrepreneurial scene truly special is its balance between local wisdom and global vision. The collaboration between local and international entrepreneurs allows innovation to grow sustainably, blending traditional Balinese values of community (gotong royong) with modern business models. This synergy has birthed cross-cultural projects ranging from eco-tech solutions to digital marketing agencies that cater to global clients while rooted in Bali’s authenticity.
From Ubud’s ethical fashion labels to Canggu’s app-based startups, many of Bali’s most inspiring success stories started as community projects rooted in collaboration and purpose. Take Balizen, for example, an ethical fashion and homeware brand that partners directly with local artisans and village cooperatives. What began as a small fair-trade initiative evolved into an internationally recognized eco-brand, championing sustainable production and fair wages. This is the essence of grassroots entrepreneurship in Bali: building global impact from local integrity. Together, it demonstrates how Bali’s entrepreneurship community thrives on cooperation, purpose, and shared values rather than corporate competition. Each story shows how innovation here doesn’t just grow from capital, it grows from connection.
Entrepreneurship in Bali often begins over dinner. In Canggu and Uluwatu, regular networking nights, pitch sessions, and community meetups draw founders, creatives, and investors into casual conversation. These gatherings let digital nomads and local entrepreneurs exchange contacts, explore funding opportunities via members of the Bali investment club, and even meet future co-founders. The laidback island vibe turns serious business into something that feels like catching up with old friends over food.
One of the most active groups is the Bali Start-ups & Tech Community, which hosts monthly dinners and drinks in Canggu. Their “Networking Dinner & Drinks” events bring together entrepreneurs and tech people, from local founders to ex-engineers from major global firms to connect in a relaxed environment. Looking ahead to 2026, there’s a major event to watch: Startup Grind’s in-person Conference slated for April 28, 2026. This gathering will bring together thousands of startups, investors, and innovators, many from Bali’s ecosystem to share, pitch, and collaborate on the global stage.
As digital connectivity grows, online vs offline communities in Bali are merging seamlessly. Founders collaborate via Slack groups, Telegram channels, and local WhatsApp networks then meet in person at coworking hubs like Dojo Bali and BWork. From these networks, impactful initiatives like Merah Putih Hijau (MPH) emerged, a sustainable waste management project launched by Dojo Bali members in Pererenan Village, now serving as a model for community-led environmental entrepreneurship.
Beyond the expat-heavy hubs, grassroots entrepreneurship in Bali thrives in villages where locals blend traditional crafts with modern business methods. From eco-tourism cooperatives to social enterprises producing sustainable goods, these initiatives redefine local development. Supported by small-scale investors and digital tools, rural innovators are proving that entrepreneurship doesn’t have to start in a coworking space, it can begin in a rice field with Wi-Fi and an ORA eSIM-powered mobile business.
Looking ahead to 2026, Bali’s entrepreneurial scene will continue to evolve with stronger business incubator programs, more inclusive investment clubs, and digital-first communities powered by seamless global connectivity. With initiatives that foster mentorship, gender diversity, and sustainability, Bali’s startup scene will remain a magnet for innovators worldwide, turning the island into Southeast Asia’s most inspiring innovation playground.
As I reflect on my journey here, I realize that Bali isn’t just where I built a business, it’s where I found belonging. The people I met through these Bali entrepreneurship communities became mentors, collaborators, and friends. And that’s the magic of it all, entrepreneurship here feels human. Whether online or offline, what connects us is curiosity, creativity, and the desire to make something meaningful.
So if you’re ready to join Bali’s innovation story, make sure you’re always connected. 🌐
Grab your ORA eSIM, stay online from jungle cafés to beachside meetings, and let your next big idea take flight right here in Bali.
What makes Bali’s entrepreneurship community unique?
Bali’s community blends local traditions with international innovation, creating an ecosystem where creativity, sustainability, and collaboration thrive.
How can I join Bali’s startup events and networks?
Start with joining groups like Startup Grind Bali, Bali Angel Network, and coworking spaces like Dojo Bali or BWork that host regular meetups.
Are there opportunities for local founders in Bali?
Yes. Programs supported by Bali investment clubs and business incubators offer mentoring, funding, and training for local entrepreneurs.
How does ORA eSIM support entrepreneurs in Bali?
ORA eSIM helps founders stay connected across the island and beyond—ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and mobile-first business owners.
What’s the future of entrepreneurship in Bali by 2026?
Expect stronger cross-border collaborations, more inclusive startup programs, and digital tools empowering both expats and locals to innovate sustainably.