In a move set to revolutionize the Filipino startup scene, AHG Lab, the country’s leading independent venture builder, recently secured $4 million in a Pre-Series A funding round.
The funding is primarily aimed at fortifying AHG Lab’s venture-building endeavors and its associated portfolio, thereby solidifying the country’s startup ecosystem.
CEO Rene Cuartero announced the ambitious plans following the successful investment round. He articulated the company’s vision of enhancing the operational, strategic, and funding frameworks for the startups under their wing.
Moreover, the funds will be directed towards initiatives like the Founders Launchpad, AHG Lab’s incubator and accelerator program, reinforcing its pivotal role in nurturing Filipino startups.
Emphasizing AHG Lab’s unique venture-building approach, Cuartero highlighted their commitment to offering industry-specific strategic advice and dedicated operational support for their portfolio companies. A notable part of their ethos revolves around fostering collaboration between startups to collaboratively address business challenges.
Among AHG Lab’s illustrious portfolio are successful startups like Shoppable Business, GoGym, DOON, and Founders Launchpad. The traction these ventures have gained in their respective industries is testament to AHG Lab’s value proposition to both entrepreneurs and investors.
Interestingly, while the Philippines has witnessed a surge in startup funding, there remain substantial operational challenges to address. A 2023 Asian Development Bank report indicated that while Filipino founders benefited from incubator programs, issues related to capital access and regulatory constraints persist.
It’s this operational vacuum AHG Lab aims to fill, with a vision to help ventures achieve product-market alignment and sustainable scalability. The recent funding round saw participation from investors like the Rufino Family, David Leechiu, Seaborne Capital, and Imagine If Partners, among others.
Rene Cuartero’s leadership and global experience in ecosystem-building will be vital in steering AHG Lab’s mission. Having previously been involved in scaling startups and currently lecturing at De La Salle University in Manila, his insights are instrumental in shaping AHG Lab’s direction.
Conclusively, for Filipino startups, the journey isn’t just about securing capital but navigating the intricate operational challenges. AHG Lab’s strategic direction, supported by this recent funding, is poised to make a transformative impact on the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.
BusinessNewsAsia