Budgeting Made Easy with Catatmak


The Story of Catatmak, a Bangkit 2023 Batch 2 Incubation Team

Starting their journey from the Bangkit 2023 Batch 2 capstone project, Catatmak is making waves as a groundbreaking financial recording application from Banyumas, Central Java. This innovative platform is the brainchild of three Bangkit alums: Rayhan Rafiud Darojat (CEO), Muhammad Rifki (CTO), and Ni Putu Suci Paramita (Cloud Engineer). From a final project that significantly impacted their Bangkit graduation requirements, Catatmak has grown into a promising startup that redefines personal and business finance management.

Catatmak Was Born From Rayhan’s Mother’s Nagging


Rayhan, a graduate of STMIK Widya Utama, found inspiration for Catatmak in his struggles with managing money. Reflecting on his high school years, Rayhan often ran out of allowance too quickly, much to his mother's frustration, whom he lovingly calls “emak.” Despite her constant reminders, Rayhan struggled to adopt proper financial habits.

This challenge persisted into adulthood. While juggling work as a Back-End Developer at Telkom and attending evening classes at STMIK Widya Utama, Rayhan decided to improve his money management. He started by recording expenses in a notebook but soon found it tedious. Attempts to use Excel were frustrated due to its complexity for his needs.

The turning point came during his participation in Bangkit. This rigorous five-month learning journey equips Indonesian students with cutting-edge Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Mobile Development skills. The capstone project, which required participants to create an impactful solution, became the perfect platform for Rayhan to address a problem he deeply understood. Teaming up with fellow STMIK Widya Utama graduate Rifki and Universitas Udayana student Suci, Rayhan set out to create a simple, user-friendly financial recording application—and thus, Catatmak was born.

The name “Catatmak” pays homage to Rayhan’s mother, who played a pivotal role in motivating him to manage his finances. The team’s vision was clear: to build a tool that simplifies financial tracking for individuals and businesses alike. What sets Catatmak apart is its integration with WhatsApp, allowing users to record expenses seamlessly through a familiar platform. Features like receipt scanning, voice input, and automatic categorization make financial management intuitive and effortless.

Catatmak, Once a Personal App, Is Now Also B2B


The trio’s innovative solution quickly gained recognition. Catatmak was selected as one of the Top 10 Bangkit 2023 Batch 2 Capstone Projects, earning incubation funding from Google and Dikti and invaluable mentorship from industry representatives. This milestone marked the beginning of Catatmak’s journey as a future startup.

While initially designed for individual users, the team saw Catatmak’s potential to serve a broader audience. The app has since evolved to cater to three primary user groups:
  1. Catatmak for Individuals: Users can record their expenses via WhatsApp, scan receipts for automated logging, and use voice commands for quick entries. Transactions are automatically categorized, making it easier for users to understand their spending patterns.
  2. Catatmak Biz: Designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this version allows business owners to manage collective finances. It consolidates reports, helping SMEs streamline their accounting processes.
  3. Catatmak B2B: A corporate-focused solution offering customized dashboards for companies to track the financial activities of employees or clients. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations managing large-scale financial data.
Building Catatmak was not without its challenges. For Rifki, who took on the role of CTO, learning mobile development was a steep learning curve. Before Bangkit, he had only dabbled in the basics of Android development. However, the program’s structured curriculum and hands-on projects helped him master the skills to create a functional and user-friendly app.
“It was daunting at first,” Rifki admits. “Creating a mobile app from end to end, knowing thousands would use it, felt like an enormous responsibility. But it also pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone.”
The team also faced the challenge of aligning their vision and commitment. As a small team of three, every member’s role was crucial. Long hours, countless brainstorming sessions, and a shared determination to succeed helped them navigate these hurdles.

Became a Team With the Best Branding


Today, Catatmak boasts over 3,000 active users, with glowing testimonials highlighting its positive impact. Many users credit the app with helping them gain better control over their finances. The team finds joy in knowing their product has become an essential tool for individuals and businesses.

Beyond its user base, Catatmak has garnered recognition from various institutions. The Banyumas Department of Communication and Information (Diskominfo Banyumas) has actively supported and promoted the app. Catatmak was also invited to participate in a podcast hosted by the Purwokerto Financial Services Authority (OJK Purwokerto), moderated by renowned journalist Andi F. Noya. Such exposure has helped Catatmak establish itself as a credible and reliable brand.

Catatmak’s strategic branding and innovative features earned it the titles of Best Team and Best Digital Branding Team during the Bangkit 2023 incubation program. These accolades reflect the team’s dedication to creating a functional app and a memorable brand that resonates with its audience.

Post-incubation, Catatmak has operated independently, securing a partnership with Bank Gunung Slamet to further its mission of empowering financial literacy. This collaboration has opened new opportunities for Catatmak to expand its reach and enhance its services.

4 Insights on Growth from the Catatmak Founding Team


As Catatmak grows, the team is focused on refining its dashboard features to better serve corporate clients. Enhancing their functionality and scalability aims to attract more partnerships with institutions across various sectors. The success of this initiative will serve as a portfolio piece, demonstrating Catatmak’s ability to deliver tailored solutions for diverse needs.

Catatmak envisions becoming a household name in Banyumas and Central Java in the long term. With plans to increase its user base and expand its offerings, the team is committed to making financial management accessible to everyone.

For aspiring innovators, Catatmak’s founders offer valuable insights:
  • Adopt a Growth Mindset: Programs like Bangkit provide an excellent opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace challenges as a chance to develop new skills.
  • Trust the Process: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Enjoy the journey and learn from every step.
  • Challenge Stereotypes: The team’s achievements show that success isn’t limited to those from prestigious institutions. Hard work and determination are what truly matter.
  • Be Bold: Don’t shy away from complex tasks. Tackling challenges head-on can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Catatmak’s journey from a student project to a thriving startup indicates the power of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. By addressing a real-world problem with creativity and determination, Rayhan, Rifki, and Suci have built more than just an app—they’ve created a platform that empowers users to take control of their financial futures.

As they continue to grow, Catatmak’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. With courage, collaboration, and a commitment to making a difference, the possibilities are endless.

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