How Anthony Tan Built Grab into a $2.36B Southeast Asian Super App

Anthony Tan, co-founder and CEO of Grab, transformed a small ride-hailing startup into a “super app” that powers the daily lives of millions across Southeast Asia. From ride-hailing to payments, food delivery, and more, Grab has become an indispensable part of the infrastructure in eight major Southeast Asian countries.

Early Beginnings of Grab

Grab started in 2012 as MyTeksi, a taxi-hailing app in Malaysia, co-founded by Anthony Tan while he was pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School. The idea was born out of a class project and his desire to solve the inefficiencies and safety concerns of public transportation in Malaysia. His family, owners of a successful auto business, initially doubted his vision, but Anthony’s determination led him to secure seed funding and launch Grab.

From Ride-Hailing to a Super App

What started as a ride-hailing service quickly expanded. Anthony recognized the potential of Southeast Asia’s growing digital economy and the diverse needs of its population. Under his leadership, Grab evolved into a super app that offers:

• Transportation: Ride-hailing for cars, motorcycles, and even tuk-tuks.
• Payments: GrabPay, a digital wallet for cashless transactions.
• Food Delivery: GrabFood, one of the region’s largest delivery networks.
• Logistics and More: Services ranging from grocery delivery to financial services like loans and insurance.

Impact Across the Region

Today, Grab serves over 35 million users and provides a source of income for more than 13 million drivers, delivery partners, and merchants. The app has become a lifeline for small businesses and freelancers in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Going Public and Scaling Success

In 2021, Grab went public on the Nasdaq through a SPAC merger, one of the largest of its kind, reflecting its significant role in Southeast Asia’s economy. By 2023, Grab generated $2.36 billion in revenue, solidifying its position as a regional powerhouse.

Anthony Tan’s journey with Grab is a testament to vision, adaptability, and commitment to solving real-world problems. From humble beginnings in a Harvard classroom to reshaping Southeast Asia’s digital landscape, Grab has become synonymous with innovation and resilience in the region.