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.
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.
Here are the seven mentors: Chito Bustamante, CEO, Chikka Asia, Inc.; Ambar Machfoedy, Managing Partner, Rekanext Venture Capital Partners; Joey Vilar, Head of Marketing Services & OIC of Market Education, Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE); Jojy Azurin, Founder and CEO of Horsepower.ph; Francis Simisim, CEO of Social Light, Inc.; Noel Lorenzana, a Venture Capitalist with years of experience in key leadership positions and Joseph Lacson, Chief Investment Officer at Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.
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.
