Endeavor Philippines helps e-commerce entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding

It aims to create a lasting impact on the country's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
 

Endeavor Philippines is helping e-commerce entrepreneurs to scale their businesses through mentorship, capital, customers, and platforms.

Speaking with Retail Asia, Manny Ayala, co-founder and managing director of Endeavor Philippines, highlighted how the organisation is empowering entrepreneurs by offering access to valuable resources.

He said that Endeavor connects entrepreneurs with a network of over 50 top business leaders and entrepreneurs, both in the Philippines and internationally. These mentors engage with entrepreneurs through one-on-one sessions and group programs, tailored to the entrepreneurs' specific needs.

In addition to mentorship, Endeavor provides access to capital. Through its own fund and partnerships with venture capital and private equity firms, Endeavor organizes events that facilitate connections between startups and investors. One such event is Match Cap, held annually, where entrepreneurs and investors meet for one-on-one discussions.

Endeavor also connects entrepreneurs with customers through its Match Biz program. This initiative facilitates meetings between startups and large corporations. In 2023, 20 corporate partners met with 20 startups, offering these businesses valuable opportunities to scale and access new markets.

The organisation also encourages entrepreneurs to share their success stories through major events and media outlets, as well as mentor and invest in others. This cycle of support ensures that successful entrepreneurs help the next generation grow, fostering continuous innovation and impact.

“We’re looking for entrepreneurs who have a desire to pay it forward,” said Ayala. “In other words, they will receive help from other people, can they do the same to the next generation of entrepreneurs? Can they help them by investing in them, by mentoring them, by sharing their network with them?"

In its 2024 Impact Report, titled “10 Years of Multiplier Effect,” Endeavor also highlighted its approach to fostering entrepreneurial growth and how it has supported entrepreneurs across sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and logistics since its launch in 2015.

The organisation has assisted 46 entrepreneurs across 33 companies, generating over $900m in revenue, creating 66,000 jobs, and raising $1b in capital in 2023 alone.

It also spotlighted successful e-commerce companies like Angkas, BillEase, and CloudEats, which have benefited from Endeavor’s support and are now mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.