Don’t Pay Too Much Attention to What Nasty People Say. This Is Just a Battery Business Story.
Introduction
Business is never easy. Sometimes you have to stop for a moment and look at how other people made it. Today I want to share the story of one Malaysian entrepreneur who changed the automotive services industry in this country – Azarol Faizi, founder and CEO of Bateriku Group of Companies.
How Bateriku.com Started
It all began in 2014. Azarol Faizi, an engineer who had worked at multinationals like Hyundai, saw a big opportunity in the automotive industry. Back then, he noticed how hard it was for vehicle owners to get fast, efficient roadside assistance, especially when the problem was the car battery.
Inspiration from Technology
Inspired by what companies like MyTaxi and Uber had done, Azarol decided to build a technology platform that could solve vehicle battery problems on demand. With only seven people in his team, he launched Bateriku.com – an online platform offering fast, reliable battery replacement and roadside assistance.
Building an Ecosystem
Over time, Bateriku.com grew into a group of companies made up of Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., Akademi Bateriku Sdn. Bhd., and BPlaz (M) Sdn. Bhd. Each entity plays an important role in shaping a complete ecosystem that covers every part of vehicle ownership. Today Bateriku.com doesn’t just replace batteries – it also connects vehicle owners to roadside assistance, trusted workshops, a spare parts marketplace, and other services.
Tapping into the Gig Economy
One of the reasons Bateriku.com works is the gig economy. By working with trained, highly skilled technicians they call BHeros, Bateriku.com can deliver fast, high-quality service to vehicle owners. It keeps response times short, and at the same time it creates jobs and contributes to the local economy.
Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Through the BPreneur programme, Bateriku.com has opened more than 150 retail outlets, or Pitstops, across the country, including in Sabah and Sarawak. Partnerships with big brands like Allianz, Etiqa, Socar and Grab have also widened Bateriku.com’s service offering and customer base.
Moving Forward with Technology
Bateriku.com keeps investing in technology to improve the customer experience. In 2017, they launched the Bateriku Customer App, which gives customers a smooth after-sales experience and complements the channels they already had – the 24/7 hotline, web bookings, WhatsApp, and enquiries through social media. This digital-first approach matters a lot for keeping customers happy and operations efficient.
A Wider Range of Services
In 2019, Bateriku.com expanded further by introducing full roadside assistance under BPlaz – towing, tyre replacement, fuel delivery, and car lockout services. That diversification turned Bateriku into a one-stop solution for every vehicle emergency.
Success and Growth
Bateriku.com has served close to 1.5 million vehicle owners and posted RM95 million in revenue in 2023, with double-digit EBITDA and single-digit Profit After Tax (PAT). In 2024, the company is expected to reach RM170 million in revenue.
On 1 April, Bateriku.com raised RM10.1 million through a joint investment by VentureTECH and VentureTECH SBI, as part of a RM37 million funding round. Other investors include KWAP and Gobi Partners. This is their second funding round in 10 years of business. The first was RM10 million in 2022 from Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional.
Commitment to Quality and Training
In January 2023, Bateriku set up Akademi Bateriku. It’s a training centre recognised by HRDF for multi-level certification programmes. This makes sure every technician is highly skilled, especially in growing areas like EV and hybrid systems, and it keeps the company’s service standards high.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Bateriku.com is set to keep growing. The company plans to digitise its three verticals – Battery, Roadside Assistance, and Workshops – into one inclusive automotive digital platform called ‘Bazaar.’ On top of that, Bateriku is preparing for an IPO on Bursa Malaysia in 2027, which says a lot about their financial strength and strategic vision.
Closing
Azarol Faizi’s journey with Bateriku.com shows what innovation, strategic thinking and total dedication can do. His story is an inspiration to SME owners – it shows that with the right vision and the right execution, you can build a successful business that makes a real impact, not just in Malaysia but internationally too.
Call to Action
To all SME owners out there, take a lesson from Bateriku.com. Focus on the customer experience, bring technology into your business, and keep improving your service. Never give up, believe in your dream, and keep innovating. Together, we can achieve extraordinary success.
If you want more guidance on how to grow your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Let’s build success together!
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Remember, success isn’t for the great, it’s for those who keep trying.
Prof. Datuk Wira Dr. Azizan Osman
Business growth strategist, mentor and TV & podcast host – guiding founders and MSMEs through expansion and scale.