Waterhub Secures Seed Capital to Scale Its IoT-Enabled Water Filtration Network

Waterhub, an Indonesia-based startup tackling clean water accessibility with its advanced filtration technology, has raised seed funding to expand its footprint nationwide. Archipelago VC led the round with support from The Radical Fund, did not disclose the investment amount.

The fresh capital will enable Waterhub to increase production of its filtration machines, expand its team, and invest further in research and development to enhance its technology and improve operational efficiency. The company also aims to address Indonesia’s pressing clean water challenges, while contributing to broader environmental sustainability across Southeast Asia.

Indonesia continues to face a severe clean water crisis, with an estimated 192 million people lacking reliable access to safe drinking water and 14 million without proper sanitation. This shortage has fueled reliance on single-use bottled water, creating a nearly US$10 billion market that worsens plastic pollution and carbon emissions. The challenge is not confined to Indonesia—Southeast Asia as a whole is projected to face a 40% gap between water supply and demand by 2030, as aging and centralized infrastructure struggles to keep pace with rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and unpredictable rainfall.

Waterhub is addressing this challenge by deploying networks of filtration units and water dispensers that convert a variety of sources—including municipal supplies, rainwater, groundwater, and even seawater—into safe drinking water. By eliminating the need for plastic packaging and cutting transportation requirements, the company provides both an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient alternative to bottled water.

Since its launch in 2024, Waterhub has rolled out 36 units, including 32 “Communal” dispensers and 4 “Heavy Duty” systems serving clients in fitness, food and beverage, and hospitality sectors. The company plans to add over 100 more units in 2025, with a long-term target of 2,000 installations by 2029. Its business model combines pay-per-use and subscription options, designed to deliver affordable and profitable water solutions at scale.

Each Waterhub system uses advanced reverse osmosis technology, IoT-enabled monitoring, and optional app-based payment features. These integrations not only improve water quality and reliability but also allow for efficient tracking, maintenance, and customer engagement. A portion of the new funding will be directed toward strengthening these capabilities through further R&D.

The company’s impact potential is significant. In 2025 alone, Waterhub expects to filter over 21 million liters of water, a volume that could replace millions of single-use bottles. By 2029, the startup projects it will prevent more than 16,500 tons of plastic waste and save over 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions—numbers that underscore its dual focus on climate and public health.

Investors believe this combination of technical strength and scalable business model positions Waterhub well for regional growth. “Clean and affordable water is a fundamental right. Waterhub’s scalable model addresses both climate and public health challenges, and their rapid traction proves this isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do,” said Nicolo Castiglione, Managing Partner at Archipelago VC.

Waterhub’s CEO, Lyonda Huwaidi, emphasized the broader mission driving the company’s efforts. “Waterhub is not just about providing water; it’s about environmental justice, public health, and building resilient communities,” he said. “This investment accelerates our mission to make safe drinking water accessible, affordable, and sustainable for all Indonesians.

Image credits: Waterhub