What makes an entrepreneur truly remarkable? Is it market success, or the ability to create meaningful change? For Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab, it’s both. From a Harvard classroom to transforming lives across Southeast Asia, Anthony’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and a deep-rooted mission to uplift communities through technology.
A Privileged Beginning, A Purposeful Journey
Anthony’s story begins in Malaysia, as the youngest son of a family behind one of the country’s largest automobile businesses. While privilege surrounded him, so did expectations. His grandfather’s mantra—“You can sleep all you want when you’re dead”—was a family cornerstone, instilling the values of hard work and responsibility.
But Anthony sought a path beyond the family business. At Harvard Business School, he met Tan Hooi Ling, a kindred spirit who shared his vision for creating solutions tailored to Southeast Asia’s unique challenges. The idea for Grab emerged from an everyday pain point: the inefficiencies and dangers of local taxis, particularly for women and children. What started as a ride-hailing app quickly evolved into something much greater.
The Rise of Grab: Vision Meets Execution
In 2012, armed with a $25,000 seed fund won from Harvard’s New Venture Competition, Anthony and Hooi Ling launched MyTeksi in Malaysia. Their initial setup—a poorly ventilated room with no Wi-Fi—belied the audacity of their goals. The duo microfinanced smartphones for drivers and struck partnerships to scale operations, refusing to let financial constraints limit their ambitions.
Their breakthrough came when Grab, as it was rebranded in 2016, expanded into an ecosystem addressing multiple consumer needs. From cashless payments (GrabPay) to food delivery (GrabFood) and groceries (GrabMart), the company transformed into a super app deeply embedded in the fabric of Southeast Asia. By 2023, Grab was serving over 35 million users and providing 13 million gig jobs across 750 cities, becoming a NASDAQ-listed giant.
A Relentless Focus on Social Impact
For Anthony, Grab’s purpose extends far beyond profitability. The platform’s impact on poverty alleviation is profound, having created income opportunities for millions of drivers and merchants. GrabPay has empowered drivers by digitizing earnings, reducing theft, and offering financial inclusion.
This commitment to solving real-world problems is evident in Grab’s response to emerging needs. During the pandemic, Grab launched GrabMart, ensuring groceries reached people safely. The upcoming 2024 launch of an AI-powered voice assistant for visually impaired users underscores the company’s continuous push for inclusivity through technology.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Grab’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. Competing with Uber in Southeast Asia seemed insurmountable, but Anthony’s deep understanding of local markets gave Grab an edge. The company leaned into its knowledge of regional nuances, building relationships with drivers and users that global competitors struggled to replicate.
This local-first strategy paid off. In 2018, Grab acquired Uber’s Southeast Asian operations in exchange for a 27.5% stake, cementing its dominance in the region. “Iron sharpens iron,” Anthony remarked, acknowledging how competition pushed Grab to innovate.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Anthony’s story offers lessons rooted in grit and purpose:
- Know your market. Grab’s success hinged on understanding Southeast Asia’s specific challenges and creating tailored solutions.
- Solve real problems. From safety for riders to financial inclusion for drivers, Grab’s innovations are deeply tied to addressing societal needs.
- Persevere with purpose. Despite rejection from his family, Anthony’s belief in Grab’s mission kept him steadfast.
Building a Legacy
Today, Grab is more than a super app; it’s a social enterprise, a driver of economic inclusion, and a testament to how technology can transform lives. For Anthony Tan, success is not about dominance but about impact. His approach to leadership—walking in the shoes of his drivers and staying attuned to their struggles—has set Grab apart.
“We didn’t expect it to grow this big,” Anthony admits. “But the calling was clear: to make sure no one is left behind.”
As Grab continues to innovate with AI and expand its ecosystem, its story serves as a powerful reminder that businesses driven by purpose can achieve not just financial success but also meaningful change.