Heaptalk, Jakarta — Indonesia’s air-tech startup Nafas has closed US$3 million in a new funding round from Rigel Capital and Qatar Development Bank (QDB). The funding will accelerate the company’s international expansion and strengthen its technological capabilities in delivering data-driven environmental solutions.
The investment round marks a significant milestone for Nafas as it scales its flagship Clean Air Zones solution as a tech-enabled ecosystem that integrates real-time air quality monitoring, AI-driven analytics, and advanced air filtration systems. This scalable platform has been designed to improve indoor air quality across various sectors, including schools, offices, and public facilities.
According to Rigel Capital’s Founding Partner, Sebastian Togelang, the decision to invest in Nafas was fueled by the company’s unique blend of environmental science, technology, and societal impact. “Nafas is solving a growing problem with a scalable, tech-driven model. We are proud to back a team combining environmental science, smart technology, and health awareness to create cleaner living spaces in cities where it matters most,” Sebastian added.
In a strategic move to solidify its presence in the Gulf region, Nafas recently launched a regional hub in Doha, Qatar. This expansion addresses pressing air quality challenges in urban Middle Eastern environments by partnering with institutions and municipal bodies to deploy smart air monitoring systems.
“This funding will allow us to deepen our impact across Southeast Asia and the Middle East. With the support of Rigel Capital and QDB, we’re not just growing our operations—we’re building healthier environments and increasing awareness of clean air as a human right,” said Piotr Jakubowski, CEO and Co-Founder of Nafas
Domestically, the startup has continued to reinforce its leadership in environmental innovation through partnerships such as the August 2024 collaboration with Bank DBS Indonesia, which enabled 50 air quality sensors to be deployed in key urban areas. The initiative was part of a grant awarded through the DBS Foundation Business for Impact program, further validating Nafas’s role as a driver of public health innovation in Indonesia.
“Nafas stood out in the Startup Qatar program for its unique approach to tackling one of the most pressing public health issues, air quality. We are proud to support their expansion from Qatar to the region. We believe their solutions can bring long-term health and environmental benefits to cities across the Middle East,” Executive Director Investment and Incubation at QDB, Mohammed Al Emadi, said as cited in DealStreeAsia.
