A sign that the Philippine tech scene is indeed starting to mature, the Founder Institute ? said to be the world’s largest start-up launch program — has officially launched its chapter in Manila.
Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across over 55 cities and 35 countries, the Founder Institute has helped launch over 1,017 companies, which have created over 10,000 new jobs.
In the Philippines, the incubator plans to run two semesters annually with the goal of launching over 15 companies per year.
The Founder Institute decided to officially launch in Manila after a successful trial period across the city in March and April that drew over 150 interested entrepreneurs and executives.
To celebrate the launch, the Manila chapter will host a “Pre?Curriculum” of free start-up events for the general public. See the full list of upcoming events here.
“Manila is uniquely positioned to build meaningful start-up companies, and the recent growth of its start-up ecosystem is a testament to that,” said Adeo Ressi, founder and CEO of the Founder Institute.
“There are more start-up events and incubators in Manila than in many other developed start-up ecosystems, and the Founder Institute can provide Silicon Valley?inspired training to help improve the skills of entrepreneurs before they apply for incubators and seed funding.”
Through the Founder Institute’s rigorous four?month program, promising entrepreneurs “learn by doing” and launch a company with structured training, expert feedback, and support from experienced start-up CEOs –? without quitting their day job.
Graduate companies boast an 89-percent survival rate, and include fast?rising start-ups like Udemy, Retailigence, and Appota, among others.
Leading the Founder Institute’s efforts in Manila are Dale David, founder of Pickld, who also founded the non?profit organizations MightyMinds, FilipinoMatters and GoTOTO; David Elefant, a start-up incorporation specialist who has successfully mentored numerous start-ups; and Allan Tan, founder of Ideyatech, creative software application company and has spent the last 10 years working in information technology.
“Manila is gaining speed on the start-up ecosystem, as more and more accelerators and incubators are coming out, and even more great ideas are born each day,” said Tan, co?director of the Manila Founder Institute.
“With more than 100 million in population in the Philippines, the potential for successful start-ups is huge,” Tan said.
Other successful entrepreneurs who have signed on to mentor founders in the program include:
? Adeo Ressi: Founder/CEO, Founder Institute
? Allan Tan: CEO/President, Ideyatech Inc.
? Alvin Juban: President, Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP)
? Arup Maity: President, BlastAsia & Xamun Inc.
? Calen Legaspi: CEO, Orange and Bronze Software Labs
? Christoph Sollich: The Pitch Doctor, start-up consultant
? Dave Condon: Founder and CEO, Axon
? David Elefant: Founder, Dayanan Business Consultancy
? Erick Garayblas: Founder, KuyiMobile.com
? Ferdinand Sarfati: President and CEO, Transcenture
? Jay Fajardo: CEO, Proudcloud Inc.
? Jeffrey Paine: Founding Partner, Golden Gate Ventures
? Jessica Mah: CEO/Founder, inDinero
? Joey Gurango: CEO, Gurango Software
? Jojo Flores: Co?Founder and Vice President, Plug and Play
? Jorge Azurin: Director, Freelancer.com
? Joselyn Capistrano: CEO, SQME Professionals
? Joseph Benjamin Ilagan: Co?Founder and CEO, Seer Technologies, Inc.
? Kevin Leversee: CEO, Start-up Dragons
? Ma Rosario Gruet: VP?Business Development, CPI
? Oron Barber: Co?Founder and CEO, Leadya Services Inc.
? Pepe Tan: CEO, Ivant
? Rio Ilao, Perxclub
? Ron Hose: CEO, Coins.ph
? Sedarius Tekara Perrotta: President, Neuron Global
Those interested in launching a technology company can apply at the Manila Founder Institute at this site.
The final application deadline is on June 1, but those who apply by the early application deadline on May 18 are eligible for a variety of fellowships, including the Female Founder Fellowship, which is offered to the best overall female applicant.
