‘The Final Pitch’ to fund innovative businesses in new normal
WHILE businesses unfortunately slowed down or, totally stopped, for others, 2020 still determined Filipinos who turned their ideas into real deal businesses.
They may have started small — selling homecooked food, facemaks and so on — but given a new year with new hope, they may just be unstoppable in taking up their well-earned success a notch higher.
Enter season six of business reality show “The Final Pitch.”
Called the “Heroes Edition,” the reality show looks at ideas that could be needed in the new normal to help the country move forward. Startups, non-profit organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals who have new solutions to address the economic and social impact of Covid-19 are invited to submit their pitches.
This year's panel of investors or judges are UBX President and CEO John Januszczak, FWD Insurance President and CEO Li Hao Zhuang, Thames International Business School President Joel Santos, and 917Ventures Managing Director Vince Yamat. The judges are all looking forward to seeing the next great and unique business idea that will impact society positively.
Unlike in previous editions of the show, the contestants will no longer take part in challenges to prove themselves. Additionally, the judges will only choose one startup rather than four. There will also be lesser interactions.
Asked about what they are looking for, Yamat someone who is a venture builder or someone with grit and the right attitude who is passionate about solving a problem.
“We just need the right idea and the right attitude, and we will provide the advantage of marketing, logistics, and product development. We will work with you as we solve a big problem and improve the lives of the Filipino people together,”Yamat elaborated.
Zuang, on the other hand, is looking to support individuals or organizations
with a social mission, “We are looking for entrepreneurs with a bayanihan spirit who want to change the world, who have a distinct offering and concept, and a commercially viable plan.”
Januszczak said that the panel is interested in investing in ideas, founders, and entrepreneurs. Through his work at the company, they can also help
small teams. “We will provide individuals with a framework and assistance that will validate it, and give capital and resources to bring it to scale.”
Finally, Santos, who in previous seasons of the show has served as a mentor, now comes in as a judge who will be lending his strategic insights and his extensive network to provide support
to entrepreneurs, “We are ready to offer our programs in Thames, plus personal mentoring depending on the gap they need to fill to be able to scale up their enterprise. This includes possible strategic partnerships across the region that we hope to help facilitate.”
QBO Innovation Hub Executive Director Katrina Chan also joins the show as a mentor.
Show host and creator John Aguilar expressed, “This season is a chance to prove that despite our current challenges, we can work strategically given our limited resources to move the country forward and provide solutions and opportunities during and after a crisis. We look forward to discovering new startups and talented individuals who, together with our mentors and investors, will help to rebuild the nation.”
Aguilar further noted that they are open to other investors and groups who would like to work with the show behind the scenes, and help connect them to prospective startups.
“The Final Pitch” is now accepting applications, with shoots starting on the first week of March. Online entries and oneminute pitch videos can be submitted via TheFinalPitch.ph/application. Interested investors and corporate partners may also reach the show through submit@TheFinalPitch.ph or 0917-813-6674.