Startup accelerator Founders Launchpad and early-stage investment firm Kaya Founders announced they are teaming up to launch a united accelerator program for startups.
The new program is industry-agnostic and open to early-stage startups within the Philippines. Founders Launchpad provides hands-on support, while Kaya Founders brings investment expertise and operational guidance.
Due to the partnership, Kaya Founders will discontinue its current accelerator program, the Manila Venture Program (MVP), with the assets of MVP now going into Founders Launchpad.
“We’ve decided to join forces with the Founders Launchpad team to consolidate our efforts to attract the most exceptional talent eager to make a difference in the Philippines,” says Kaya Founders Managing Director Raya Buensuceso.
Simon Bauer, Co-Founder at Founders Launchpad, says: “We at FL are very excited for this close partnership as it will allow us to offer more value in terms of funding, mentorship, and support to the founders joining our program, which is our main objective at FL.”
In June 2023, Kaya Founders announced that it had closed $12 million in funding across two new funds, bringing its total committed capital to $16.5 million, with a target of $25 million.
Founders Launchpad previously completed a 12-week incubation program for startups in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communication Technology and QBO Innovation Hub. Selected from a pool of over 270+ applicants, Founders Launchpad’s program provided participants with a USD$50,000 investment, mentorship, resources, and accommodation at Draper Startup House Manila.
Joining the program opens doors to a tailored accelerator experience for early-stage startups across industries in the Philippines. Each founder in the upcoming cohort can expect a personalized curriculum crafted by the experts at Founder’s Launchpad and Kaya, along with access to a vast network of investors, founders, and industry leaders. Accepted startups are assured funding opportunities from Kaya, Founder’s Launchpad, or both, alongside mentorship from both teams, aiding in navigating challenges and fostering rapid execution. Moreover, startups will thrive in a vibrant co-working and co-living space in Poblacion provided by Founder’s Launchpad, fostering community and collaboration. Post-program, portfolio companies receive ongoing support through strategic networking opportunities and exclusive events facilitated by Founder’s Launchpad.
Founder’s Launchpad Co-Founder Jay Haendler concludes, “This is the start of our commitment to establishing the best accelerator program possible. This partnership will help us continue to attract top-quality founders and give them even better guidance, network, and resources than we were able to before.”
Interested startups can apply through Founders Launchpad’s official website: http://www.founderslaunchpad.vc