Cento Ventures, in a recent report, stated that though investment flow has slowed, the Philippines saw increased activity from local conglomerates and multiple capital-intensive business models.
“The Philippines market has seen a surge of activity from multiple local conglomerates and the emergence of multiple capital-intensive business models, mirroring Indonesia’s trajectory in 2017-2019. These developments, however, are meeting with the near absence of later-stage capital to power them further,” the report explained.
Investing in startups in the Philippines has become increasingly attractive due to the country’s rapidly growing economy and youthful, tech-savvy population. With one of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers a large pool of emerging talent eager to innovate and disrupt traditional industries. This demographic trend, combined with the country’s rising middle class, has led to a surge in consumer demand for digital services, creating fertile ground for startups across various sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and health tech.
Moreover, the Philippine government’s supportive policies and initiatives to foster entrepreneurship have further bolstered investor confidence. Programmes such as the Philippine Startup Development Program and the Innovative Startup Act offer incentives such as tax breaks and grants to startups and their investors. Additionally, the country’s improving infrastructure, particularly internet connectivity and mobile penetration, provides a solid foundation for tech-driven businesses to thrive.
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The Philippines is also strategically positioned as a gateway to the larger Southeast Asian market. Investors recognise the advantage of backing startups that can expand beyond the Philippines into neighbouring countries, leveraging the regional similarities in culture and consumer behaviour.
This regional scalability, combined with the relatively lower operational costs in the Philippines compared to more established startup hubs like Singapore, makes investing in Filipino startups appealing.
Founders seizing opportunities in the Philippines
So how can startup founders in the Philippines tap into this opportunity and score promising collaborations with investors? What opportunities are available for them to seize?
Find the answers at Echelon Philippines 2024! Join us on September 26-27 at the SMX Convention Center Manila for the panel discussion “Navigating the Funding Maze: Exploring Startup Funding Options for Filipino Founders.”
In partnership with Brainsparks, this event will give Filipino founders a unique chance to hear from industry leaders about the various funding opportunities available in the local ecosystem. Joan Yao, Vice President of Kickstart Ventures, will moderate the panel, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging discussion.
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The panel features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Paulo Campos III, Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders, John Aguilar, Founder and Host of The Final Pitch, and Ankit Upadhyay, Founder & General Partner of A2D Ventures.
These experts will share their experiences and insights, offering practical advice on navigating the complex funding landscape in the Philippines. Whether you’re a startup founder looking for your next funding round or simply interested in learning more about the startup ecosystem, this discussion is a must-attend event at Echelon Philippines 2024. Find out more about it here.
The post Mastering the funding maze: Unlocking financing pathways for founders in the Philippines appeared first on e27.