Founders Launchpad, Kaya Founders team up to launch flagship accelerator program

FOUNDERS Launchpad and Kaya Founders have teamed up in a joint venture to launch a united accelerator program for startups. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the local startup landscape, as two key players in the industry come together to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“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,” said Managing Director Raya Buensuceso. With this partnership came Kaya’s decision to roll up its existing accelerator program, the Manila Venture Program (MVP), under the Founders Launchpad brand.

The newly formed partnership leverages the strengths and expertise of both firms to create a comprehensive accelerator program designed to offer more funding and better mentorship to startups in the Philippines. Founders Launchpad brings its extensive hands-on support, while Kaya Founders contributes its investment expertise and strong operational guidance. Together, they aim to provide unparalleled support and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential.

Over the past year, Founders Launchpad has quickly made a name for themselves in the local startup scene by launching an ecosystemdisrupting accelerator program and investing in six promising ventures—the first in what is envisioned to be a larger, Philippine-focused portfolio. Prior to their Demo Day in September, the startups went through a tailor-fit program with deep operational support, designed to achieve their respective objectives.

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.”

Kaya Founders is one of the leading early-stage venture capital firms in the country, dedicated to investing in the next wave of industry-shaping digital companies in the Philippines. In June 2023, Kaya Founders announced that it has closed $12 million in funding across two new funds, bringing its total committed capital to $16.5 million, with a target of $25 million. Kaya sees the accelerator as a strong deal flow pipeline and is committed to extending the same 360° support it provides its portfolio companies to the upcoming cohort.

The accelerator program is industry-agnostic and open to early-stage startups within the Philippines. With its bespoke hands-on approach, each founder joining the next cohort will benefit from a tailor-fit curriculum created by the minds at FL and Kaya, and get access to an incredible network of investors, founders, and industry leaders.

Guaranteed investment: Startups accepted into the program will have access to funding, with the possibility of receiving funding from either Kaya, FL or both.

Mentorship and hands-on guidance: Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by both the FL and Kaya teams, and the extensive networks that include potential investors, partners, and customers. The accelerator will help startups navigate challenges and execute with pace.

Co-working and co-living space: Accepted startups will gain access to a highly founder-dense building with co-working and co-living spaces in the heart of Poblacion. The building is dedicated to the local founder community and will be the place where the magic happens.

Post-program support: After the program, the portfolio companies will have weekly or monthly touchpoints, as needed. Founders Launchpad will facilitate strategic networking opportunities for startups to connect with relevant people via our exclusive events, workshops, and networking sessions throughout the year.

Startups in the FL program will benefit from support and guidance from two of the most relevant institutional players in the country’s startup ecosystem.

Jay Haendler (Co-founder at FL) marks, “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 official website: www. founderslaunchpad.vc