917Ventures’ people-first approach
IDEAS ignite change, but it’s people who fuel that transformation. This belief drives 917Ventures, one of the largest venture builders in Southeast Asia. It knows lasting success isn’t just about metrics — it’s about nurturing talent, sparking creativity and building a culture where innovation flourishes. This dedication is apparent in its track record: it has carefully evaluated over 900 ideas, launched 29 ventures and developed a robust portfolio of 13 companies.
My conversation with Rase Eustaquio, head of People at 917Ventures, highlighted their emphasis on employee development, a culture of growth and their comprehensive approach to talent management.
People-driven innovation
To ensure every employee flourishes within the organization, 917Ventures actively creates avenues for growth. Eustaquio explains the strategy: “We aim to bring in talent that combines core [experience with connectivity] and non-core skills, incorporating ideas from the outside.” This blend of skill sets cultivates a dynamic workspace where out-of-the-box thinking meets industry expertise.
The company embraces technology’s influence on workflows while emphasizing the human element of creativity and problem-solving. The company’s unique venture-building initiatives, such as KodeGo, embody this philosophy. KodeGo’s QV-Q8-week boot camp teaches people who lack tech backgrounds — from college graduates to former delivery drivers — to code, paving their way into the industry.
The 917V code
“Our talent management approach embraces the ‘917V Code,’ which consists of the five Cs: collaborate, care, coach, connect and celebrate,” Eustaquio said. This framework promotes a collaborative and caring work environment, encourages continuous learning, and celebrates successes and learning opportunities. It’s a holistic approach that balances technical prowess with soft skills, shaping future leaders.
The company understands that employee wellbeing and work performance are interconnected. Hybrid work options offer flexibility, and regular “town hall” events and an inviting communal area enhance workplace social bonds and communication.
Eustaquio remarked, “Face-to-face interaction is better . ... We’re a startup and bootstrapping it . ... On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, we let the ventures or early startups use the office because that’s our way of helping.”
Overcoming expansion challenges
Scaling comes with its challenges, Eustaquio notes. However, he states that focusing on finding new talent willing to navigate ambiguity within a disruptive business environment is critical for expansion.
“It’s inviting talents who are courageous enough to embrace ambiguity because in our industry, where we try to build it at [the] same time and unlearn things or try to figure out the unknown … we need to have talents who are strong enough to embrace the ambiguity,” he says.
Its entrepreneurial initiatives lie in eight focus areas as the guiding pillars: fintech, health care, ecommerce, social enterprises, education, ad tech/data, climate tech, and media and entertainment. With this clear direction and the commitment to attracting skilled employees motivated by disruption, the organization appears primed for continued growth.
Beyond benefits
Beyond traditional perks, the venture builder believes in empowering its people through mentorship, leadership development and the chance to take ownership of projects. Its Entrepreneurs in Residence program is a prime example — it connects experienced entrepreneurs with budding talent, sparking invaluable collaboration and knowledge sharing. This program encourages employees to adopt a founder’s mindset, driving innovation and ownership.
“Whenever we start something ... we trust and empower them to make decisions,” highlights Eustaquio. Programs designed in partnership with educational leaders like the Kellogg School of Management and Harvard Business School provide access to world-class training opportunities.
The next 5 years, embracing new tech
When discussing 917Ventures’ outlook, Eustaquio expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AI. While some organizations may see AI as a threat, 917Ventures encourages employees to use technologies like ChatGPT to enhance learning and creativity. In addition, QualifAI, an innovative AI platform, will improve and streamline the hiring process for 917Ventures and its associated companies.
Eustaquio foresees the core of 917Ventures’ talent philosophy remaining stable for the foreseeable future: “It’s expected to remain consistent for at least the next five years.” It’s a testament to the strength of its current principles of collaboration, care, coaching, connection and celebration.
In a world increasingly focused on technology, 917Ventures’ emphasis on the human element highlights the importance of this factor in business success. Its strategic adoption of AI and other new technologies demonstrates an understanding of the evolving landscape. Observing its evolution in the ever-changing tech landscape of Southeast Asia will undoubtedly provide valuable insights.