Brainsparks, together with its partner, Artem Ventures, hosted a cross-border event entitled, MYStartup Market Access Program (MAP) to the Philippines from November 26 to 28, 2024. 

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MAP to the Philippines aimed to connect Malaysian and Philippine founders, investors, tech talents, and ecosystem players to establish meaningful connections with key players in the Philippines. The delegation included 7 Malaysian companies, with founders from each company, and representatives from Artem Ventures and Cradle Fund. The participating startups were ALT Synergy, AxTraction AI, Infinitilab, MessengerCo, Otter Barista, Pixalink, and Scancer AI.

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The Malaysian delegation during their office visit to Angkas (Upper Left) and Paymongo (Upper Right), and the learning session with Atty. Raymond Rodis (Lower Left) and Mr. Philip Amores (Lower Right) 

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The program offered a comprehensive three-day experience designed to provide insights and opportunities for the startups to enter the country’s market. During the 1st day, the delegation had a chance to visit the offices of late-stage startups namely Angkas and Paymongo. The delegates learned from Angkas CEO, Ms. Angeline Tham, Paymongo’s Head of Product, Mr. Marvin Vista, Chief of Staff, Mr. Almond Young, & CEO, Mr. Jojo Malolos. The afternoon was then dedicated to learning sessions about the requirements and strategies for international startups to set up shop in the Philippines. Speakers included the CEO of Startup Law, Atty. Raymond Rodis who discussed the basic laws that govern startups in the country, and the Vice President for People and Culture of KMC Solutions, Mr. Philip Amores who then spoke about the ins and outs of the human resources aspect of having a business in the Philippines.

Some of the Malaysian delegates during the Pitching (Left) and the Business Matching (Right)

On the 2nd day, the Malaysian startups were given a chance to pitch in front of established Philippine investors and companies such as Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, Kaya Founders, Penbrothers, Ideaspace Ventures, QBO Innovation, Vortex Ventures, and many more. Then in the afternoon, the attendees and the startups participated in a Business Matching session.  

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The Malaysian delegates and Brainsparks founders with DTI Innovation and Collaboration Division Chief, Mr. Karl Lyndon Pacolor (6th from the right); DICT Director III Dr. Jhino B. Ilano (5th from the right); BOI Asia Division Supervising Investments Specialist, Ms. China Pring (7th from the left); and QBO Innovation Hub Program Manager - Community & Ecosystem, Ms. Szachi Ducusin (8th from the left). 

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And finally, on the 3rd day, the delegates listened and discussed opportunities with representatives from the government. In attendance were the Innovation and Collaboration Division Chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mr. Karl Lyndon Pacolor; the Asia Division Supervising Investments Specialist of the Board of Investments (BOI), Ms. China Pring; the Director III of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Dr. Jhino B. Ilano. Also in attendance was the Program Manager - Community & Ecosystem of QBO Innovation Hub, Ms. Szachi Ducusin. 

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Brainsparks continues on its mission of Turning Dreamers into Founders. That’s why the company does not only foster relationships with the local startup community, but also through engaging the international startup ecosystem.