Philippines

US’s Chemonics invests $5M in Philippine venture builder Talino Venture Studios

United States consulting firm Chemonics International announced Monday that it has invested $5 million in Philippine venture builder Talino Venture Studios. Supported by the investment, the two firms will work together to build groundbreaking, impact-driven, scalable technology solutions for individuals and communities in emerging markets and beyond.

Smart Communications dials into Google Cloud AI to help personalize digital services for Filipinos

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the mobile services arm of PLDT Group, and Google Cloud have on Wednesday announced a collaboration to improve the accessibility of essential digital services for Filipinos, with Searce providing technical implementation support.

917Ventures creates MSME ecosystem to address digitalization woes

917Ventures, a venture builder in the Philippines, has established six startups dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their digital transformation efforts, from securing funding and upskilling to expanding their customer reach.

Y Combinator-backed stock trading platform Cera rolls out in the Philippines

Cera, a United States stock trading platform backed by Y Combinator, in partnership with Fireblocks, announced its Beta launch, allowing Filipinos and anyone anywhere in the world to invest in US stocks using stablecoins.

Philippines’ top crypto traders form association to advocate crypto investment literacy

As crypto adoption continues to grow in the country, top cryptocurrency traders have formally announced the formation of the Innovative Movement of the Philippine Association of Crypto Traders (IMPACT).

Altara Ventures and Gentree Fund co-lead $3M seed round into Philippine startup Kita

Philippine agritech startup Kita has closed its oversubscribed $3 million seed round with Gentree Fund and Altara Ventures as co-lead investors. With the fundraising proceeds, the firm aims to digitize the agriculture supply chain through big data and artificial intelligence (AI).

Grab, GrabFood

Antitrust approval could be biggest hurdle for Grab’s potential acquisition of Foodpanda’s business, analysts say

Momentum Works, a venture outfit, estimated Foodpanda's Southeast Asia GMV at $3.1 billion in 2022. According to the same report, Foodpanda ranked second by market share in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, and third in Thailand in 2022.

Philippine’s NDC partners Quest Ventures to strengthen startup ecosystem

The National Development Company (NDC), a Philippine state-owned enterprise investing in diverse industries, has signed a series of agreements with Singapore-based venture capital firm Quest Ventures to bolster the vibrant emerging startup and innovation ecosystem in the country.

Filipino fintech startup Packworks seals partnership to provide unbanked mom-and-pop shops access to financing

Filipino fintech startup Packworks said Tuesday that the firm has sealed partnerships to provide unbanked mom-and-pop shops access to microfinancing, financial services to boost growth. The firm has recently penned partnerships with Cebuana Lhuillier and 1Sari Financing Corporation to provide sari-sari stores access to secure, reliable, and affordable…

GCash parent Mynt acquires ECPay for $40.6M – report

The acquisition will help GCash improve its services in the fintech space and further democratize financial access, Globe said.