The Independent Investor

29/05/2025

Pulse 63 Healthcare Ventures, a venture studio for healthcare startups in the Philippines, has announced a strategic investment from MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) through its MSD IDEA Studio Asia Pacific initiative.

This investment aims to support Pulse-63's mission to streamline patient journeys and enhance health outcomes in the Philippines, focusing on scalable solutions for more equitable and efficient healthcare delivery.

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29/05/2025

eTap Solutions, a provider of self-service payment kiosks in the Philippines, has opened its first physical "My eTap Store" in Makati City. This new location aims to enhance access to digital financial services by offering e-wallet top-ups, bills payments, and government services through self-service kiosks, supplemented by on-site assistance from store ambassadors.

This "phygital" approach seeks to bridge the gap between cash-reliant Filipinos and digital financial tools.

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27/05/2025

Mober, a Philippine-based electric vehicle (EV) logistics company, has expanded its operations into Thailand. The company has launched an initial fleet of 21 electric trucks in Bangkok, primarily to support IKEA Thailand's last-mile delivery requirements.

This strategic move follows Mober's recent recognition by Forbes Asia and signifies a key step in its regional growth strategy for sustainable logistics in Southeast Asia.

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23/05/2025

Shell LiveWire Philippines 2025 is now open for applications, inviting Filipino entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. This program supports local businesses in sectors like energy, environment, circular economy, and community development, aiming to foster growth and positive impact.

Building on the success of past programs, Shell LiveWire provides mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities to help businesses scale.

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22/05/2025

&FRIENDS Festival by Clout Kitchen at Okada Manila will host the Inner Circle Summit live onstage on May 30th. In partnership with Gorricetta Law, Singapore Global Network, and Endeavor, this exclusive gathering will bring together startup founders, funders, and ecosystem builders for insightful in-person discussions.

The Summit will explore the intersection of creators and entrepreneurs, covering topics like scaling in the age of influence, the future of AI and fintech in Southeast Asia, and building purpose-driven ventures, featuring regional thought leaders.

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15/05/2025

Endeavor Philippines recently hosted Balik*Bayan Singapore 2025, connecting Filipino founders, funders, and innovation leaders from across Southeast Asia.

The initiative aims to bridge the diaspora with growing opportunities in the Philippines' startup ecosystem.

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07/05/2025

Ignite House of Innovation, Kaya Founders, and AI First have announced the 33 fellows selected for their inaugural 100X Fellows Program. This diverse group includes experienced founders, operators, and executives, both Filipino and international, who will help accelerate high-growth ventures.

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07/05/2025

Endeavor recently hosted its annual MatchCAP Asia event, connecting over 240 entrepreneurs and investors in Southeast Asia.

The event, which featured more than 800 curated meetings, plays a crucial role in fostering potential investment and collaboration within the region's startup ecosystem.

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05/05/2025

Kaya Founders has announced the expansion of its Venture Partner Program, bringing on a diverse group of experienced individuals to support the growth of Philippine startups.

These Venture Partners, with backgrounds as founders, tech operators, and angel investors, will contribute to founder sourcing, provide advisory support to portfolio companies, drive business development, and foster community building within the local tech ecosystem.

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25/04/2025

Enstack and Dyna.Ai have announced a new partnership aimed at integrating localized AI solutions for businesses in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The collaboration will focus on developing AI-powered tools to streamline operations for SMEs in the region.

Initial solutions will include smart onboarding, intelligent operational tools, and 24/7 AI support for Enstack merchants.

Read now on The Independent Investor. https://theindependentinvestor.ph/enstack-partners-with-dyna-ai-to-integrate-localized-ai-solutions-for-southeast-asian-businesses-2/

The collaboration aims to develop and implement AI-powered solutions tailored to the specific needs of entrepreneurs in the region, with the goal of simplifying and improving the efficiency of their business operations.

24/04/2025

Leaving your job to forge your own path is a uniquely disorienting experience, a true "hour between dog and wolf." At this stage, the security of the familiar gives way to a raw, instinctual drive, creating a tension between excitement and uncertainty.

Keenan Ugarte explores that often unspoken transition, the shift in mindset as the safety net disappears and the drive for survival – and potential – kicks in. A must-read for anyone contemplating or navigating this profound change.

Read now on The Independent Investor. https://theindependentinvestor.ph/the-hour-between-dog-and-wolf/

That in-between stage

21/04/2025

QBO Innovation and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines have launched Step Juan: Young Technopreneurs in Training, a program designed to cultivate STEM skills and foster technopreneurship among Filipino high school and university students.

Recognizing a reported low interest in STEM fields among the youth, Step Juan aims to provide accessible, introductory learning opportunities in entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The curriculum includes fundamentals of innovation, technopreneurship training for teachers, and collaborative learning activities.

Read now on The Independent Investor. https://theindependentinvestor.ph/qbo-innovation-and-u-s-embassy-launch-stem-empowerment-program-for-filipino-youth/

The program's launch comes against a backdrop of reported low interest in STEM fields among young Filipinos, as noted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).