Yoshua Tanu is the co-founder and CEO of Jago Coffee, a last-mile mobile retail company that makes fresh cups of joe. 

Last 2022, Jago Coffee raised its $2.2M Pre-Series A led by Intudo Ventures and BEENEXT.

Before this, Yoshua previously built the Indonesian specialty coffee brand chain Common Grounds Coffee, which has been in the coffee industry for more than a decade.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

We run a fleet of electric-powered cafe-on-wheels to provide affordable fresh quality coffee for everyone!

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Contrary to what people think, even though I am in the coffee business and a National Barista Champion, I don't actually drink coffee on the daily!

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

There are a few, but I think seeing the vision we had dreamt about come to fruition and actually making a difference in the industry through our model is always something that motivates us to continue doing what we do.

We are in a community where the gap between spending power and the price of a product is wide, especially for quality fresh coffee. 

So when we see our customers appreciate and grow organically because of the value that we provide, it brings a sense of deep purpose for all of our team members as well, which is a huge driver to our company and identity, and I would say is a pretty cool highlight in my life so far.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

D2C retail and any omnichannel retailing innovations for F&B. 

Deliveries and online channels are becoming more expensive for both consumers and retailers so I am watching to see the pivots that will happen to improve margins and be closer to the customer as a brand.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

1. Start your business with a meaningful purpose. This brings a stronger sense of fulfillment and makes a more significant impact. It would also help you to become more resilient as you face the bombardment of challenges along the way.

2. Before and after starting your business, make sure to thoroughly understand your market and your customers. Talk to your customers at all times, as they will provide valuable insights to shape the solutions you offer for their problems.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Coffee and the future of retail!

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Black Hawk Down and Interstellar.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Pistachio!

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.