Kickstart Ventures logo

Kickstart Ventures

Asia, Manila, Philippines, Makati

Description

Kickstart Ventures, established in 2012, serves as the corporate venture capital arm of Globe Telecom, a leading telecommunications company in the Philippines. Based in Makati, Kickstart's mission is to foster the growth of digital startups by providing not only capital but also strategic support, facilities, and crucial business connections. While its primary focus is on the burgeoning Philippine startup ecosystem, the firm also extends its investments to promising ventures across Southeast Asia and globally, reflecting a broad mandate to drive digital innovation.

The firm is known for its stage-agnostic investment approach, deploying capital from Seed to Series C rounds. Kickstart Ventures manages multiple funds, with its total assets under management exceeding $250 million. A significant milestone was the launch of its third and largest fund, the ACTIVE Fund, in 2021, which secured $180 million. This fund specifically targets Series A to Series C investments, allowing Kickstart to write larger checks and support companies through more advanced growth stages. Typical initial investments from Kickstart Ventures range from as little as $100,000 for early-stage ventures up to $10,000,000 for later-stage opportunities.

Beyond financial backing, Kickstart Ventures leverages its deep connections within Globe Telecom and its extensive network to provide portfolio companies with invaluable market access, operational expertise, and mentorship. Its strategic position as a CVC allows it to align investments with the broader digital transformation goals of its parent company, creating synergistic opportunities for startups. This comprehensive support model aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, digital media, and enterprise solutions, contributing significantly to the digital economy in the Philippines and beyond.

Investor Profile

Kickstart Ventures has backed more than 21 startups, with 3 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 1 rounds, about 5% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series A, Seed, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Philippines, Singapore, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on FinTech, Health Care, Financial Services.
  • Led 1 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $100K – $10M.

Stage Focus

  • Series A (33%)
  • Seed (29%)
  • Series C (19%)
  • Series Unknown (14%)
  • Convertible Note (5%)

Country Focus

  • Philippines (33%)
  • Singapore (29%)
  • United States (14%)
  • Canada (14%)
  • Indonesia (10%)

Industry Focus

  • Fintech
  • Health Care
  • Financial Services
  • E-commerce
  • Software
  • Apps
  • Big Data
  • Mobile
  • Insurtech
  • Employment
circle-line
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Kickstart Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Saison Capital
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 2
Foxmont Capital Partners
Asia, Manila, Philippines, Makati
Co-Investments: 3
Gentree Fund
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
Endeavor Catalyst
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
500 Global
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Wavemaker Partners
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 4
Golden Gate Ventures
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 2
Airbus Ventures
North America, California, United States, Menlo Park
Co-Investments: 2
Experian
Europe, Dublin, Ireland, Dublin
Co-Investments: 2
DEG
North America, Kansas, United States, Overland Park
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Kickstart Ventures often collaborate with?

Chinmay Chauhan
Asia, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia, Jakarta
Shared Deals: 1
TA
Europe, Harjumaa, Estonia, Tallinn
Shared Deals: 1
Lisa Gokongwei
Asia, Cavite, Philippines, Mandaluyong
Shared Deals: 2
Abhinay Peddisetty
Asia, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia, Jakarta
Shared Deals: 1
Roland Navarro de Ros
Asia, Manila, Philippines
Shared Deals: 1
JS
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
Rohit Mulani
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Kickstart Ventures?

Featherless.ai

San Francisco, California, United States

Featherless.ai is a serverless AI hosting provider with GPU orchestration system.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Cloud ComputingDatabase
SeedMar 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $5,000,000
Lydia.ai

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Lydia AI is an artificial intelligence platform for heath insurers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Enterprise SoftwareFinTechHealth CareInsurTechMachine Learning
Series UnknownDec 27, 2024
SRTX

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

SRTX Labs creates breakthrough materials and software solutions for textiles, emphasizing durability, sustainability, and smart production.

FashionManufacturingTextilesWearablesWomen's
Convertible NoteDec 3, 2024
Amount Raised: $25,000,000
PickUp Coffee

Taguig, Rizal, Philippines

PickUp Coffee is a start-up that aims to increase the accessibility of espresso and milk-based beverages.

BrewingCoffeeFood and Beverage
Series AApr 13, 2023
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
Transcelestial Technologies

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Transcelestial is a laser communications startup that provides point-to-point wireless communication network.

Communications InfrastructureOptical CommunicationSatellite CommunicationWireless
Series AFeb 17, 2023
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Edamama

Philippine, Benguet, Philippines

Edamama is a Philippine based e-commerce platform designed for mothers.

Consumer GoodsE-CommerceRetail
Series AAug 12, 2022
Amount Raised: $20,000,000
NextPay

Makati, Manila, Philippines

NextPay is a digital banking platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Financial ServicesFinTechPayments
SeedJul 28, 2021
Amount Raised: $1,595,086
Havenly

Denver, Colorado, United States

Havenly is an online interior design company and e-commerce platform.

ConsumerE-CommerceHome DecorInterior Design
Series COct 15, 2019
Amount Raised: $32,000,000
Sprout Solutions

Manila, Manila, Philippines

Sprout is an HR solution that automates essential operations across the employee lifecycle.

Enterprise SoftwareHuman ResourcesProductivity Tools
Series AOct 13, 2019
Amount Raised: $6,000,000
yup.gg

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

yup.gg is a marketing platform providing access to the gaming and e-sports audience in the emerging markets.

Digital MediaeSportsMarketingVideo Games
SeedSep 29, 2019