More Cities Adopt Coworking Model Due to Cost, Convenience and Efficiency

Advancements in mobile technology and modern personal devices have changed the way people work. Working remotely has become more viable and has enabled both employees and employers to work outside the confines of a traditional office space without compromising work product. This has been a major factor in the development of business models and work set-ups designed to bring out the best in the workforce. In the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, coworking is becoming more and more popular.

Coworking in the Philippines is a trend popularized by the tech savvy millennial generation, who comprise the bulk of the metropolitan sector. Coworking provides an alternative work environment that is conducive for work- without the rigidity of a traditional office.

The demand for coworking spaces in Metro Manila is increasing from freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, small corporations, IT firms, BPOs, and even multinational corporations.

The benefits of cost, increased productivity and convenience are some of the main reasons why coworking has become a viable option for businesses.

Cost is one of the premier reasons why coworking has become popular. Firms looking for office space but need to conserve money, are becoming more and more aware that coworking spaces do not require long term lease contracts; come equipped with fundamental amenities, furniture and equipment of modern offices; and, are more cost effective than traditional office spaces.

Another major factor for the growing demand in coworking spaces is that it increases productivity. Coworking spaces are designed to foster collaboration, cooperation, innovation, creativity and a spirit of community by exposing people to new business concepts and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

Convenience is also a significant consideration why coworking spaces in the country are in high demand. MNCs that mostly use office spaces as temporary or swing spaces are recognizing that coworking spaces are convenient and provide them with the ability to move in and out of an office space at short notice and avoid complicated contract negotiations, fit out work, and dealings with brokers, landlords, and property managers.

The real estate industry in the Philippines is growing rapidly and coworking spaces have become a significant driver of property demand. In fact, both foreign and local flexible space operators as well as real estate developers have recognized this opportunity and are developing all types of coworking spaces around Metro Manila.

Lobien Realty Group (LRG) says Makati and BGC are currently the preferred locations for establishing coworking sites and have the largest number of coworking spaces because of the heavy concentration of businesses in these areas. Currently, the five companies handling the biggest chunk of the country’s coworking spaces have, more or less, 33 thousand seats on the market. LRG, for one, is currently handling Work Studios located at the Infinity Tower in BGC. With a total of 172 seats, it also boasts of 122 private studios, 3 meeting rooms, 31 dedicated desks, 19 hot desks, 18 breakout areas, and 27 lounges.

And as the trend of coworking gets more and more popular, LRG predicts that the property markets in Quezon City, Ortigas and Alabang will benefit next.

36 Philippine Companies Joins the World's Biggest Food Trade Fair - Anuga 2019

Cologne, Germany---In the efforts of DTI’s aggressive move towards trade promotions of exportable food and fruit products with the aim to further boost Philippine export industry, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) delegation led by Trade Promotions Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman is currently together with 36 Philippine food producers and manufacturers in the much-awaited leading trade fair for food and beverage industry, Anuga 2019 running 5-9 of October in Koelmesse, Cologne Germany.

“This gathering signal a strong ‘One DTI’–an agency united by a common cause to uphold the quality of our local businesses and the export competitiveness of the Philippines in the global trade”, Usec Macatoman said during the Ceremonial Opening.

The Philippines highlighted the country’s premium commodities – banana, coconut, mango, and tuna along with other top-notch products in the said trade fair.

Speaking of trade, the Philippines and European countries have always maintained a solid partnership in matters of trade and investments. In terms of region, the European Union or EU is currently the Philippines’ 4th largest trading partner, 3rd largest import source and 4th largest export market in 2018 with Germany as our top 7 export country destination.

The Philippines also continues to enjoy zero tariff benefits from the EU under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences or GSP+. The GSP+ coverage was implemented in 2014 and currently gives duty-free privileges in 6, 274 product tariff lines from the Philippines.

The EU Commission’s 2018 mid-term GSP evaluation showed that the Philippines has the second most diversified export portfolio under EU-GSP+ with 3,047 tariff lines covered under EU-GSP+ from 2014-2016. The same report also indicated that the Philippines has an average EU-GSP+ utilization rate of 68.9 percent from 2014 to 2016.

“With the overwhelming response from our previous participation, we have brought this year our biggest delegation yet in Anuga with 36 companies under the FoodPhilippines banner as part of the Philippine government’s initiative to strengthen the Philippine and European relations in matters of trade and investment, It is through events like Anuga, which offers a platform for business opportunities and partnerships through the exchange of culture and flavors, that this trade relation continues to grow even further.”, Macatoman said.

“We are thankful to our European partners for this privilege since around 25 percent of total Philippine exports to the EU benefit from the EU GSP+ trade preference. As of 2017, An estimate of more than 2-billion-euro worth of Philippine exports has benefited from GSP+ trade preference. “, Macatoman emphasized.

This year, the Philippine delegation was graced by Madam Cielito “Honeylet” Avancena, who has been a long-time business woman and an advocate of the micro-, small- and medium-enterprises (MSMEs).

The Philippine participation in Anuga 2019 is spearheaded by DTI-CITEM and Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTIC) Berlin, Germany.

DOST Gives P33 Million Grant to QBO Innovation Hub to Build Stronger Startup Ecosystem in PH

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña and PLDT and PLDT Chairman and CEO and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan reinforced their commitment to Filipino startups at a joint appearance last week sealing DOST’s P33 million grant to QBO Innovation Hub, a public private sector partnership among DOST, the Department of Trade and Industry, J.P. Morgan and IdeaSpace, the innovation foundation of the MVP group.  The grant calls for QBO to raise the level of 12 Technology Business Incubators (TBI) around the country. Also present at the event were staunch supporters and partners of QBO Carlos Ma. G. Mendoza, Senior Country Officer for J.P. Morgan Philippines and Patricia Anne Javier-Gutierrez, J.P. Morgan Philippines Head of Communications.

Working towards the vision of creating over a thousand innovative startups around the country, and seeing the emergence of a Filipino unicorn in the next five years, the grant will support QBO in carrying out a nationwide project to strengthen TBIs. The grant also serves to help them develop more programs that will create an enabling environment for Filipino tech founders to scale their businesses and become globally competitive.

“I really appreciate that in addition to our own initiatives, we have a collaboration with QBO. The signing of the Innovative Startup Act authorizes us, together with DTI and DICT, to support and assist Filipino startups. So, thank you to IdeaSpace and most especially to QBO for inspiring us to help Filipino startups,” said Secretary de la Peña.

"It’s about time to focus on science and innovation and there are  efforts for that — thanks to DOST," said Pangilinan, who is also the chairman of the board of IdeaSpace Foundation. "We believe that with our stronger commitment, we will be able to put Philippine technopreneurs on par with its regional, if not global, counterparts."

"The DOST grant recognizes the enormous progress achieved by the public private sector partnership that produced QBO,” said Rene Meily, president of QBO and IdeaSpace. “DOST has been continuously holding activities with QBO, IdeaSpace and other partners to discover the Philippines' next unicorn and we are grateful to them for their support. I hope that the golden era for Philippine startups may be just within reach.”

DOST has been working side by side with QBO since it was established in 2016. Since its inception, QBO has grown to have more than 5,000 members and over 300 tech startups representing various verticals. On top of implementing hundreds of startup development programs, including mentorship and specialized coaching and consultation sessions that have opened global opportunities for the founders, QBO, together with DOST, DTI, and J.P. Morgan, has also yielded gains in multimillion-peso funding and revenue raised for startups.

To learn more about QBO and its projects for startups, visit https://www.qbo.com.ph/.


About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

High-Impact Tech Startups Get Boost Rrom INQBATION Startup Showcase 2019

There is no problem too difficult for a plucky startup with a purpose.

Startups have gained increasing recognition for offering solutions to problems, and startups in the Philippines are no exception. Tech startups that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities are also gaining ground, with some setting their sights on regional expansion even in the early years of their inception.

Kumu, a livestream and community platform, which only started last year, has exhibited an explosive 2000% growth rate since it started. The app has been downloaded almost one million times and is currently the only Filipino company to be included in Google Play’s Top 10 grossing social apps. Roland Ros, the company’s co-founder, shared that revenue has been exponentially growing 300% quarter on quarter, as it has found a way to monetize global Filipino millennial and Gen Z users. Hundreds of content creators are now earning part time income on the app as well, with a growing base of full-time creators earning as much as 50,000 pesos a month.

Senti, a data and sentiment analysis platform, started as a one-man university research project that sought to better understand local jargon and dialects. The company has since grown to become one of the most highly-recognized AI and natural language processing companies in the Philippines. Ralph Regalado’s brainchild is now home to half of the country’s Google Developer experts and is helping to create high-value tech jobs in the lucrative AI field in the Philippines. Senti has since expanded to Singapore and Malaysia because of its success.

Another startup that has made a positive impact is Investagrams, a social fintech platform which helps Filipinos invest in the stock market through in-app tutorials, virtual trading, social networking, and other tools designed to make investing in equities more accessible, easy and fun. Only three years old, Investagrams now has over 360,000 users. Investagrams caters not only to seasoned traders and investors but also to regular Filipinos, from millennials to retirees, and even overseas workers seeking to increase the value of their savings. The startup also regularly conducts programs on financial literacy and equities investing that has attracted thousands of participants, with the goal of increasing participation in the stock market among Filipinos (currently at less than 1%) to at least 5% in the next five years. The fintech startup founder and CEO John Christian Bisnar announced that the company is expanding to Singapore.

Kumu, Senti, and Investagrams, along with 12 other startups, are just some of the rising stars in the Filipino startup scene featured in INQBATION Startup Showcase 2019.

“The INQBATION Startup Showcase draws attention to awesome Filipino startups that are creating innovative and scalable solutions for real world problems, and we hope that investors, corporations and partners across the globe will take notice,” said Katrina Chan, Director of QBO. “The startups we featured today grew with QBO and J.P. Morgan through the INQBATION program and are creating tremendous impact. We’re glad to give them the spotlight they deserve and invite more partners to join us in uplifting our burgeoning local startup community.”

The event is organized by QBO Innovation Hub, a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow, that was created through the joint effort of the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, IdeaSpace, and J.P. Morgan.

“It was a privilege and a pleasure to help create opportunities for these startups,” said Carlos Ma. G. Mendoza, Senior Country Officer for J.P. Morgan Philippines. “We are proud to have supported this program as it enabled small businesses and positively impacted underserved communities.”

“The vision for this program is for QBO and J.P. Morgan, as well as other partners, to open up more opportunities for startups and founders to grow,” explained Rene “Butch” Meily, President of QBO. “We want to give people who are creating scalable, positive impact through their startups a better shot at success.”

Meily added that by showcasing startups that have the potential to change lives as well as succeed as a business, they hope to get more companies and institutions to realize the value of supporting local startup ecosystem.

Aside from the startups mentioned, the showcase also featured AdMov, Cropital, Pushkart.ph, Exora, Learntalk, OneWatt, Payo, Lexmeet, Streetby, Washub, Container Living, and MAD Travel.

QBO said that it will continue to support startups in different ways including INQBATION, an acceleration program where the country’s most promising but underserved startup founders receive mentorship, training, exposure, resources and other support tailor fit to their needs. The INQBATION program was created in order to help highly promising Filipino tech startup companies scale up, fundraise and become globally competitive-- in the process generating jobs, developing the technology sector and creating impact.

QBO envisions more organizations becoming more involved with Filipino startup companies— whether as mentors, investors, or customers—and being able to help more local startups attain success.

For more information about the INQBATION Startup Showcase 2019, visit https://www.qbo.com.ph/incubation/.


About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available atwww.jpmorganchase.com.

QBO's Ecosystem Mapping Effort Calls for Stronger Support for PH Startups

The Philippine startup industry is reaching new heights but aspiring tech entrepreneurs still face certain challenges—from business conditions to regulatory requirements and gender disparity.

To assess the country’s current startup ecosystem, QBO Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted a Startup Ecosystem Mapping exercise which identifies areas that need to be improved and available resources in order to help make the Philippines a globally competitive place for startups. The initiative is also part of QBO’s Startup Pinay program that encourages and supports increased female participation in the startup industry.

“DTI acknowledges the importance of a thrivig, science and technology-based startup ecosystem to achieve the country's goal of growing globally competitive and innovative industries. Our focus is on S&T-based solutions in sectors that need innovative solutions such as communications, agriculture, health, AI, IoT, among others. and covering not only software but also hardware and business model. Having an innovative tech and services industry contributes to inclusive growth and employment generation of the Philippines as a whole," said DTI Undersecretary of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group Rafaelita M. Aldaba. "We partnered with QBO to support startup development by building the startup ecosystem; bridge the gap between innovative technological seeds and commercialization; and help create global Philippine startups."

In 2016, only two cities—Manila and Cebu—were mapped. But with Philippines startup exhibiting growth in other areas, the 2019 Startup Ecosystem Mapping extended to three other cities: Legazpi, Bohol, and Naga. Similar mapping efforts are to be conducted in Zamboanga City, Puerto Princesa, Pangasinan, and Dumaguete by the Department of Information and Communications Technology with Ideaspace Foundation, making it an unprecedented countrywide effort.

The mapping sessions were participated by startup representatives, accelerators, public and private incubators, community builders, venture capitalists, angel investors, government, and private companies. The cities were categorized based on Techstars’ 7 Stages of Startup Communities: Nascent, Foundational, Accelerating, Established, High Functioning, Progressive, and Aspirational.

“Aside from assessing the health of the startup communities in these cities, we also put together a set of recommendations after each mapping session to help them move to the next stage,” said QBO President Rene “Butch” Meily. “We’ve seen remarkable changes from 2016 to 2019 and ultimately, our goal is to promote and encourage collaboration to address the pain points experienced by startup founders and identify initiatives that will enable them to grow.”

Manila: A Place Where Startups Accelerate and Thrive

Home to most successful startup stories in the country, Manila’s landscape has improved remarkably. The 2018 Startup Ecosystem Canvas revealed Manila as having an “Accelerating Ecosystem” because of the increasing support it is getting from the government, investment groups, and other stakeholders. Recent exits from startups such as ChatbotPH, Teko, and Coins.ph have also contributed to the stronger awareness about startups in the city. Recent findings of the 2019 StartupBlink Report revealed the Philippines ranking 54th among 202 countries, with the strongest startup ecosystem, Manila, as its frontrunner breaching the global top 100 for the first time.

“In order for Manila to move to the next stage, we recommend verticalization of support programs that specialize in specific industries such as FinTech, HealthTech, and PropTech and creation of a density center or cluster for housing, services, and spaces to increase collaboration among startups and ramp up their productivity,” said Meily. “Corporate engagement must also be strengthened and entrepreneurs must be engaged in the development of a favorable regulatory environment that addresses concerns relevant to the tech industry.”

Cebu, Bohol, Naga, Legazpi: The Next Wave Cities for Startups?

Aside from Manila, four other cities exhibited growth potential in their respective startup economies: Cebu, Legazpi, Bohol, and Naga.

Cebu is categorized under the Foundational Ecosystem due to an increasing density of startups, considerable number of co-working spaces, and strong regional networks with connections with Manila, the rest of Southeast Asia, and Silicon Valley. The city also benefits from the strong support from the government, with local officials taking the lead in developing the local startup ecosystem. To further elevate Cebu’s ranking, recommended key actions include the establishment of local incubators with accessible mentor networks, stronger support for local businesses, as well as more dynamic engagement with universities.

Bohol’s potential to be a travel tech hub is also evident with efforts to develop the local talent and inspire Boholanos to be more involved in tech. The mapping effort revealed that these programs must be made sustainable for Bohol to reach its full potential. “Bohol has a lot of potential and this can be fully achieved by inspiring and mentoring young talents to build their own startups,” added Meily. Currently, Bohol is categorized as a Nascent Ecosystem characterized by a group of passionate people pushing to build a stronger startup community.

Visible support from local businesses and involvement of local universities is pushing Naga to be categorized as a Foundational Ecosystem. Additionally, the efforts of Naga’s local government units contribute to its fast-growing startups. Similarly, Legazpi’s startups are benefitting from programs with fund allocation and support from different government agencies. To continue this momentum, recommended actions include putting up an online information portal related to the local startup ecosystem and organizing more collaborative and networking events.

“The Philippines has a lot of potential hubs for startups—all it takes is for all stakeholders to come together and realize that great ideas can come from everywhere. To achieve our goal of advancing the Philippines’ startup ecosystem, there must be a concerted effort not just from Manila but from the countryside as well to cultivate talent and support burgeoning businesses locally” said Meily.

For inquiries on how you can map out your own city, visit www.qbo.com.ph or email hello@qbo.com.ph. To learn more about the QBO’s ecosystem mapping efforts, visit  https://www.facebook.com/QBOphilippines/.


About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

Hone the Next Big Startup with QBO's Startup Roadshow

The future of Philippine startups looks bright with the Philippines national ranking up by 16 positions, according to the recently released StartupBlink Ecosystem Ranking Report. To continue this momentum, QBO Innovation Hub, the Philippines’ first public-private sector initiative which aims to connect, transform, and empower Filipino startups, holds the Startup Roadshow starting this May.

The roadshow aims to inspire innovators and enable communities throughout the country through sessions on startup business concepts and tools, ideation, design thinking, business model canvas, and local ecosystem mapping. Facilitated by highly experienced QBO members and startup founders, the workshops are designed to be fun and engaging to spark the participants’ creativity as they kickoff their startup journey. The event also features panel discussions and networking opportunities for those wanting to connect with fellow tech leaders.

“The local startup ecosystem continues to grow due to sustained confidence in the country’s economy, technological advancements, and newly-introduced regulations such as the ‘Innovative Startup Act’ which seeks to promote ease of doing business in the Philippines,” says Katrina Chan, Director of QBO Innovation Hub. “While it’s all helpful in creating a healthy business environment for Filipino entrepreneurs, there are more opportunities to bring cutting-edge ideas to life.”
This is the second time that QBO Innovation Hub is holding the roadshow across major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In 2018, 13 cities and over 1,300 participants joined the first run of the roadshow. Government organizations signed partnerships with QBO to contribute to countryside development efforts. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) was among the first to get on board, sponsoring programs in 7 cities last year.

QBO hopes to make this year’s roadshow bigger through the support of more partners, communities, and business owners. Interested partners who want to bring the workshop to their respective communities, schools, or cities can host an introductory workshop using QBO’s set module. Partners wanting to learn specific skills or learn more about certain topics can have custom-made workshops as well.

“We saw the impact of last year’s roadshow in answering what most aspiring startup founders want to know: ‘Where do we start?’ We want to help them figure out the answer,” adds Chan. “We’d also like for more partners to come on board with us to help discover the next wave of homegrown startups that will put our country on the global innovation map. Who knows? The next big thing may be in your school, your community, or your city.”
To learn more about the Startup Roadshow, visit http://www.qbo.com.ph/ and https://www.facebook.com/QBOphilippines/ or email karla@qbo.com.ph.


About QBO

QBO (‘ku-bo’) is an innovation hub or a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. It provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. QBO is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership between IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.
Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

The Edge of Owning an Office Space

The 32-storey Parkway Corporate Center is now opening its doors to investors who want to give their businesses the singular advantage of occupying a corporate space in an intelligent, green-oriented building at Filinvest City in Alabang.

For business owners, an office space which they can call their own signifies they have achieved a major corporate milestone. With its enviable location at the gateway of the garden central business district in the Metro South and state-of-the-art design features and amenities, Filinvest’s Parkway Corporate Center makes for an ideal office as it allows you to move up when you move in.

As an investor or entrepreneur, ownership lets you capitalize on your asset, as opposed to merely being a tenant. Ownership of your office space gives you the freedom to fit out and customize your unit’s amenities, depending on your business operation’s needs and specifications. Ownership also offers long-term financial advantages and investment potentials, including tax savings and better cash flow management.

With a long-term fixed-rate mortgage, you can anticipate your monthly expenditures without fear of annual rent increases or, worse, lease expiration. You continue your operations worry-free.

Parkway Corporate Center’s impressive building features and amenities are bound to attract top tenants, giving you utmost peace of mind knowing that you are dealing with reputable locators. You acquire an office unit at a low cost. Typically, you can also demand higher rent that creates increased profits. And as landbank options in major central business districts (CBDs) decrease, and with the shortage of office spaces in Metro Manila, capital values and rents are experiencing an upsurge, with multinational tenants seeking longer lease terms for up to five to 10 years, allowing for longevity of guaranteed income and the assurance of steady and continuous returns.

With Parkway Corporate Center as your business address, you get outstanding building characteristics. To best suit your corporate needs, it employs intelligent space planning with flexible and combinable office units averaging 36 square meters. Whole floor options for larger companies are available.

Modern building facilities include six high-speed elevators, 24-hour security with CCTV cameras in strategic areas, 100 percent back-up power and advanced fiber optic backbone. Other exceptional amenities include an elegant main lobby, a retail plaza at the ground floor, a fully-equipped business center for meetings and other small business functions, podium deck garden, balconies on every five levels, plus eight levels of secured parking. 

In keeping with Parkway Corporate Center’s green orientation, its glass curtain wall is double-glazed with a low e-coating to reduce heat and UV (ultra-violet) radiation, reducing cost while raising energy efficiency and sustainability.

Having your business offices in Filinvest City in Alabang gives you great advantages with its increasing land values, allowing for continuous growth. Alabang also has a strong client base, enabling you to tap new markets and gain more customers, and a talented labor pool, making businesses thrive even further.

Additionally, Filinvest City puts you at a prime, strategic, and prestigious setting where a full spectrum of offerings—from premium lifestyle and retail facilities to one-of-a-kind residential concepts—are at hand for a true genuine work-live-play environment.

You also get to enjoy greater accessibility as Filinvest City has an efficient public transportation hub South Station and easily connects to the North and CALABARZON area through Skyway, South Luzon Expressway and Daang Hari Road. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just ten kilometers away.

Owning an office space at Parkway Corporate Center at the premier CBD in the south, Filinvest City, truly has numerous benefits.

For more information, call (02) 8096517 or visit www.parkwaycorporate.com.

Local Startups Show Corporate Business Leaders their Prospects for Growth

MANILA, Philippines - Business leaders have found key learnings from the local startup industry on how to pivot as technologies and demands evolve continuously.

At the INQBATION Startup Showcase arranged by QBO Innovation Hub (QBO) and hosted by J.P. Morgan at their BGC Taguig office, six high performing local startups presented their business models and plans on how to scale up their operations to corporate partners J.P. Morgan, Smart, PLDT, investors, and other startup stakeholders.
The first three startups that presented were representatives of fellow startup enablers, namely Magpie, Innovantage, and Taxumo, while the last three startups are currently under QBO and J.P. Morgan’s Incubation Program, in which the most promising, innovative and scalable ventures are given the opportunity to develop impactful programs while experiencing dedicated mentorship from some of the country’s top executives.

The incubatees who participated in the showcase presented their business models and growth plans. Said startups are AdMov, an advertising platform that uses location data with facial recognition to generate and deliver personalized content and advertising; Cropital, a crowdfunding platform connecting anyone to help finance our farmers; and Pushkart.ph, an online grocery delivery service.
The INQBATION Startup Showcase also featured an exhibit and business matching area where other startup incubatees and ecosystem stakeholders were able to display their businesses. This includes fellow startup enabler, Launchgarage and other QBO incubatees, namely Exora, an online bidding platform that lets businesses connect with retail electricity suppliers; Senti, a social media monitoring platform that analyzes content including local dialects and colloquial language; MAD Travel, a tourism platform that provides alternative and meaningful experiences to marginalized communities; and OneWatt, a non-invasive predictive motor health monitoring system.
QBO President, Butch Meily passionately shared how important it is that the private and public-sector support startups.
“The economic multiplier effect of startups is indisputable. The largest companies in the world today like Google and Facebook are companies we never heard of a few years ago. With just a relatively small investment, we have created a whole new sector of the economy - one that will foster thousands of jobs. We have created this platform to not only to help promising startups grow but to also aide them as the industries they operate in begin to shift. We will teach them how to survive.”
Companies like J.P. Morgan also acknowledge the potential and impact of tech startups and are invested in helping them scale up.
“The startup industry in the Philippines, while young, shows potential to shape industries of the future. We remain committed to supporting local entrepreneurs as they become engines of job growth and economic vitality across the communities they serve,” said J.P. Morgan’s Managing Director and Senior Country Officer, Roberto L. Panlilio.

The J.P. Morgan Incubation program prioritizes startups who are from or cater to underserved communities. They are exposed to curated workshops, have access to professional services from government agencies, the Philippine Stock Exchange, and major investors, and receive assistance to exiting. The founders are also connected to local and international mentors who are either investors, executives, or successful startup founders.

About QBO

QBO Innovation Hub is a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. QBO (‘kubo’) provides startups with support and resources through events and capacity building programs as well as focused interventions designed to improve access to markets, knowledge, capital, and talent. It is the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, created through a partnership among IdeaSpace, J.P. Morgan, DOST, and DTI. Spurred on by the vision of Filipinos startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

For more information on QBO, please visit www.qbo.com.ph or send an inquiry to hello@qbo.com.ph

A United Vision - QBO Innovation Hub

The founding partners of QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, were all present for QBO QNNECT: The QBO App Launch, the official unveiling of a virtual hub developed by QBO with the vision of uniting the Filipino startup ecosystem in the digital sphere. (From L-R: Secretary Fortunato “Boy” de la Peña, the Department of Science and Technology; Katrina Chan, Director, QBO; Assistant Secretary Rafaelita “Fita” Aldaba, the Department of Trade and Industry; Patricia Javier-Gutierrez, Executive Director and Head of Communications, J.P. Morgan; Diane Eustaquio, Executive Director, IdeaSpace Foundation Inc.; and Rene “Butch” Meily, President, QBO.)

QBO Innovation Hub launches new QBO App, now available on iOS and Android

QBO Innovation Hub, the Philippines’ first public-private sector platform for startup companies today launched the QBO App, a new and convenient way for QBO’s community to connect with each other and access QBO’s programs and services, at the City Garden Grand Hotel.  

QBO is supported by a consortium composed of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), J.P. Morgan, and IdeaSpace Foundation Inc., a leading incubator of early stage startups established by the First Pacific, PLDT and Metro Pacific group of companies.

The launch was headlined by speakers such as Secretary Fortunato dela Peña of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Roberto Panlilio, Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan Philippines; Chito Bustamante, founder of Chikka; Justin Hall, Principal Investor at Singaporean venture capital firm, Golden Gate Ventures; and Katrina Chan, Director of QBO. These speakers represent the bleeding-edge pioneers in the local startup ecosystem.

The event was attended by both notable startups in the local ecosystem and top executives and officials from QBO’s partners including Butch Meily and Diane Eustaquio of IdeaSpace Foundation Inc. and Chris Young of First Pacific among others. 

The QBO App is a virtual hub that allows startups to connect with a broader range of entrepreneurs, investors, partners, and other potential resource persons. It’s also an avenue for users to engage in startup-related discussions as well as stay updated with QBO’s events and services. Not bound by geographical or physical limitations, the QBO App enables users to discover and connect with potential partners from regions outside of Metro Manila. 

“This is an exciting time for us, and indeed for the local startup community as a whole. With our app, never has it been easier for our entrepreneurs to access the essential services and resources that will help them take their companies to the next level,” said Katrina Chan, QBO Innovation Hub Director. Chan also added that the app will act as an avenue to more conveniently connect with QBO's roster of experienced mentors and consultants. 

The QBO App features three primary functions. Its QNNECT feature provides access to QBO’s network and connects users with people with whom they can create meaningful partnerships. Through QNNECT, founders can meet other industry players and potential partners; startup enthusiasts can find ways to get started in the industry, or otherwise stay on top of the latest news; and mentors and investors can find new businesses and other potential investments. 

The QLLABORATE feature enables a more active startup community through the QBO App. Through it, users can discover startup-related events across the country, participate in groups to seek advice, discuss trendy topics, and communicate with special guests and speakers. Important resources like government forms, speaker presentations, and other documents can also be downloaded through QLLABORATE.

Finally, with QNTRIBUTE, users can become active members of the startup ecosystem, sharing their news, pushing their own products, and posting photos, links, videos and other startup-related content on a social media-like timeline, as well as give feedback to QBO’s programs and services.  

“Our goal is to help provide opportunities and mentorship for our budding startups, especially those driven by young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. The convenience of an app will be very appealing to them, and eminently helpful,” said Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara of DOST.

QBO’s partners share its passion for supporting local startups. Its collaboration with J.P. Morgan has led to the creation of the elite INQBATION Program, that seeks to develop select, high-potential startups – empowering underserved founders and creating impact for the community.

“With mobile technology continuing to disrupt the business landscape, connectivity helps level the playing field for many of our startups – in terms of access to resources and partners that they can tap as they develop and grow their business. Launching this app is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.   

The QBO App is only the latest development in QBO’s vision of Filipino startups changing the world, and it is available and ready for use on both iOS and Android devices.

For more information about QBO, visit www.qbo.com.ph.

QBO Innovation Hub, The Country's First Public-Private Initiative for Startups, is Set to Launch virtual Hub

The Philippines’ first public-private sector initiative for startups, QBO Innovation Hub (QBO), will launch its own app where startups can connect with top-notch mentors and consultants who can help them grow their business on March 1 at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati.
QBO (‘ku-bo’) was formed through a partnership between Ideaspace Foundation Inc., J.P. Morgan, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It is a platform for the startup community to collaborate, develop talent, and grow. Spurred on by the vision of Filipino startups changing the world, QBO’s mission is to create a globally competitive startup ecosystem in the Philippines. The QBO App is an extension of QBO’s on-ground efforts.
“In this fast-paced, always-on world, we saw the need for startups to get easy access to our services and resources. This is why we created the app,” said Katrina Chan, Director, QBO Innovation Hub.
The QBO App is downloadable on iOS and Android devices (search for ‘QBO Innovation Hub’). It is a digital space where startups and entrepreneurs can come together to connect and collaborate with other players in the startup ecosystem and contribute their own knowledge with the community.

QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, is set to launch virtual hub


Access to top-notch mentors

QBO recently launched its impressive mentor roster, consisting of successful startup founders, experienced venture capitalists, and veteran company leaders, among others. They were selected to provide mentorship to startups that qualify for the INQBATION program, which was created in partnership with J.P. Morgan.
The INQBATION program was designed to support highly promising yet underserved Philippine startup companies. Once selected for the program, startups gain access to a customized development program that provides targeted interventions to help them achieve their unique goals, overcome barriers to growth, and scale.
“A significant number of startups fail, and the reasons vary. Among the most common include lack of focus and lack of motivation or commitment. However, there is one factor that proves to be even more dangerous to the success of a startup: the lack of mentorship,” said Rene “Butch” Meily, President, QBO Innovation Hub.
“We didn’t want to waste the great potential we see in a lot of local startups. And we believe that our mentors can help them move forward and grow,” Chan said.
Here are the seven mentors, and why they’re perfect for Philippine startups:
Chito Bustamante, CEO, Chikka Asia, Inc.
The Silicon Valley engineer has enabled Chikka to grow and develop into what it is today. During his term, Chikka was awarded triple ISO certifications and a rare CMMI maturity level 5, which is the highest in the industry. Aside from being a CEO, Bustamante is actively taking on mentorship roles to help young startup founders succeed. 


QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, is set to launch virtual hub


Ambar Machfoedy, Managing Partner, Rekanext Venture Capital Partners.
In his current role, Machfoedy manages a Singapore-based Venture Capital firm that is focused on a portfolio of technology ventures that target Southeast Asian markets. Machfoedy is also well versed in analyzing and assessing deals, conducting due diligence, and executing exit strategies via IPOs/M&As, all of which are important for any startup founder. 


Joey Vilar, Head of Marketing Services & OIC of Market Education, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Running a successful startup requires a good understanding of financial matters. Recruiting a mentor who has a strong background in finance spells the difference between a successful startup and a floundering one. Vilar, who has been at the helm of the PSE’s marketing services and market education for 10 years, is the perfect match for any startup that wants access to financial knowledge. 


Jojy Azurin, Founder and CEO of Horsepower.ph. Azurin has co-founded a number of startups as well as IT companies. He has pioneered tech companies in the fields of BPO, IT outsourcing, online content publishing, and eCommerce. He is also co-director at Manila Chapter of Founder Institute, the world’s largest startup incubator. A seasoned leader and entrepreneur like him can definitely help any startup founder navigate the choppy startup waters.

Francis Simisim, CEO of Social Light, Inc.
Simisim’s experience as an entrepreneur through various startups such as WhenInManila, Blogapalooza, and Social Light, Inc. is valuable to any fledgling startup. His current position as partner at a Philippine-based VC firm, Original Pitch Venture Capital, can give startup founders invaluable insight when it comes to pitching to potential investors and coming up with out-of-the-box creative solutions. 

QBO Innovation Hub, the country’s first public-private initiative for startups, is set to launch virtual hub


Noel Lorenzana, a Venture Capitalist with years of experience in key leadership positions 
Insight from someone who has successful experience in various posts as CEO, COO, President, and Managing Director and served in various roles across functions in General Management, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Innovation Management is gold for anyone who is just starting out. Lorenzana has weathered many challenges as an executive, making him the perfect mentor for newbie founders. 


Joseph Lacson, Chief Investment Officer at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Lacson has accrued various leadership experiences spanning a wide range of departments in his 20 years of professional experience. Currently, he is the CIO of Metro Pacific Investments. He has also been at the helm of many sales and marketing departments, as well as strategy and business development. Insights from someone who has experience in moving and growing various companies can prove helpful to anyone just starting out.
Starting March 1, QBO startups will have unfettered access to these mentors and more through the QBO App.

For more information about QBO’s INQBATION program, please visit www.qbo.com.ph.

*This is Press Release

Office of the Future by Regus

Even how we do business is changing along the continuous evolution of the workforce. To keep up with the pace, Regus is introducing out-of-the-box work stations custom fit to answer the needs of the young and millennial entrepreneurs.

Established 1999, Regus Philippines now has offices in key cities such as Manila, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Clark and Cebu.

With over 3,000 locations in 900 cities worldwide, Regus leads the workplace revolution by constantly studying the trends and addressing the challenges of doing business. Perfect for all types of businesses, whether startups, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or even big corporations, serviced offices can help a business start or expand.

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One of Regus’ products is Businessworld, an exclusive membership scheme offering four levels of service. Business lounges, shared or private office space, meeting areas, a professional surrounding for printing, emailing and more and business support from Regus are just some of the perks that entrepreneurs can enjoy.

The flexible terms and different membership levels of Regus’ products and services is designed to suit the needs of every working class from homeworkers to CEO’s and is well adapted to the norms of the modern society. Instead of putting up a venture from ground up and furnishing it with necessary equipment, serviced offices is now a viable option. It is already equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and connection ready spaces. A highly trained staff will man your office and you can also boast of a premium business address.

“Managing a remote team, or being an employee of a team that works remotely, should not be a hindrance to success at the workplace,” said Lars Wittig, Country Manager of Regus Philippines.
Harnessing one’s abilities and recognizing where and how they work best is the key to success in this constantly evolving workplace, he added.

To ensure the quality and reliability of their offerings, Regus conducts regular researches and surveys. One of Regus’ global business surveys has found that 57.3 percent of people in Philippines and 52 percent worldwide now work remotely for at least half their working week. For Filipinos, this can be attributed to various factors like heavy traffic and the availability of modern technology that enable modern-day employees to work from virtually anywhere at any time.

“Owning a property, be it office real estate or any other, can be complicated and it is crucial to recognize the key components of a great office real estate investment to ensure it is indeed a profitable property. This is why serviced offices can be a more cost-effective and flexible office space solution to drive business especially for startups and SMEs,” shared Jacqueline Van Den Ende, Managing Director and CEO of Lamudi Philippines.

ABOUT REGUS

Regus, the world’s largest provider of workspace, provides business owners and office managers with flexible workspaces that more than meet the basic criteria for optimum worker well-being. It is present in 3,000 locations in 900 cities and 120 countries across the globe. The company’s diverse clientele include Google, Toshiba, and GlaxoSmithKline. Regus’ offers workspace solutions for all ranges of business types, in leasing periods of as little as a few minutes to as much as several years.

Visit Regus Philippines on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

ABOUT LAMUDI

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 34 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 800,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. For more information, please visit http://www.lamudi.com.ph

Visit Lamudi Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn

*This is Press Release