Cebu City, Philippines – The vibrant startup ecosystem of Cebu City is set to gain a significant boost with the announcement of an exclusive Pitching Competition, co-organized by Inclusion Japan (ICJ) and The Company Cebu. This event aims to provide local startups with a platform to showcase their innovations, secure funding, and access mentorship opportunities. The competition is scheduled to take place at The Company Cebu Mandaue on August 28, 2024, at 4 PM.

Event Highlights

The event promises exciting opportunities for the participating startups, with a $2000 cash prize for the winner and $1000 for the runner-up. Given the exclusive nature of the event, only invitees will attend, ensuring a focused and high-quality networking environment. Startups interested in participating can apply via this link.

Esteemed Panel of Judges

The competition will be judged by a distinguished panel, including representatives from ICJ, Lady Fair Pazon, the Employee-of-Record Executive at The Company Cebu, and Joy Garingo, the General Manager of The Company Cebu. This panel will not only evaluate the pitches but also provide invaluable feedback and potential investment opportunities for the startups.

Joy Garingo emphasized the importance of the partnership with ICJ, stating, “Partnering with ICJ for this event is a natural fit, as both organizations share a deep commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Our collaboration is focused on providing local startups with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. ICJ’s expertise in supporting ESG-focused startups and their investment experience aligns perfectly with our mission to support sustainable business growth in Cebu.”

Empowering Local Startups

This competition is a strategic initiative by The Company Cebu and ICJ to bridge the funding gap in the Philippine startup ecosystem. Access to funding remains a critical challenge for many startups in the region. According to a 2019 report, limited access to capital is one of the biggest hurdles for Filipino startups, which this event aims to address by offering significant cash prizes and exposure to potential investors.

Lady Fair Pazon highlighted the broader impact of the competition, stating, “This pitching competition is more than just a contest; it’s an opportunity for startups to access crucial funding and mentorship. By partnering with ICJ, we aim to bridge the gap in funding and support, helping startups to scale faster and succeed in the global market.”

Christine Diano-Dalondonan, the Branch Manager of The Company Cebu Mandaue, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the event, saying, “Hosting this competition at our Mandaue branch, where we’ve fostered numerous community-led efforts, is a proud moment for us. We’ve seen firsthand how local startups can thrive with the right support, and we’re excited to see what innovative ideas will come from this event.”

A Broader Vision for the Future

Masaki Suguro, CEO of The Company Cebu and manager of Fukuoka Growth Next, elaborated on the strategic vision behind the event. “The Company Cebu is deeply committed to nurturing the startup ecosystem. Our support extends beyond providing workspace; we actively engage with startups through various initiatives, connecting them with global opportunities. Our collaboration with Fukuoka Growth Next allows us to offer a unique bridge for startups in Cebu to access international markets, especially in Japan. We believe in the power of innovation to drive economic growth and societal change.”

About The Company Cebu

The Company Cebu is a leading co-working space provider and Employer-of-Record service, helping startups scale globally. With over 10 locations worldwide, including Hawaii, Japan, and Vietnam, The Company Cebu offers a robust network for entrepreneurs. Since 2017, The Company Cebu has actively supported the local startup community through initiatives like Startup Island PH’s free Mentoring Program, Startup Mixers by DTI, Startup Island PH & DOHE Cebu, and Geeks on a Beach.

About ICJ

Inclusion Japan (ICJ) is a venture capital firm with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. ICJ has supported the growth of innovative companies like Instalimb and Impact Circle, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable business practices and the startup ecosystem in the Philippines.

Join Us

This exclusive, invite-only event offers startups a unique chance to connect with potential investors and mentors. Startups interested in participating can apply via this link. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your startup and join a vibrant community of innovators.

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