Kickstart Ventures

Kickstart Ventures is the venture capital arm of Globe Telecom, established in March 2012 and headquartered in Makati, Philippines. The firm specializes in supporting the growth of startups and early-stage companies, particularly in the digital technology sector. Its investment focus spans various domains, including telecom, media, data analytics, fintech, health technology, educational technology, and e-commerce. By leveraging the resources and expertise of its parent company, Kickstart Ventures aims to accelerate the launch and scaling of innovative businesses in the Philippines and beyond. The firm provides funding, mentorship, and educational support to foster a vibrant community of technopreneurs, facilitating their path to profitability and market success.

Bettina Capistrano

Senior Analyst, Investment

Mike Maté

Investor

Bit Santos

Associate Vice President of Portfolio Operations

34 past transactions

Edamama

Series A in 2022
Edamama is a Philippine-based e-commerce platform focused on providing a comprehensive range of products for mothers and their children. The platform aims to simplify the decision-making process for parents by offering a variety of baby and mom-related items, including diapers, wipes, safety products, breastfeeding accessories, and bathing and grooming supplies. Additionally, Edamama features garden kits and travel accessories to cater to the diverse needs of families. To further enhance convenience, the company also offers a diaper subscription service, ensuring that parents can easily access essential childcare products from a single source.

Igloohome

Series B in 2022
Igloohome Pte Ltd, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in designing and manufacturing smart security locks for both residential and commercial applications. The company utilizes its proprietary algoPIN technology to create products such as the Deadbolt 2S, Mortise, Smart Keybox, and Smart Padlock. These solutions are particularly beneficial for property owners and short-term rental hosts, offering convenient access control and management. The accompanying Igloohome mobile app enables users to manage multiple locks, perform Bluetooth unlocks, generate one-time PIN codes, and monitor lock battery status. Igloohome distributes its products through various resellers and online channels, integrating its security solutions into everyday property management.

NextPay

Seed Round in 2021
NextPay is an alternative to bank accounts for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Its platform enables companies to collect customer payments via digital invoices, manage their cash, and pay their employees, suppliers, or bills in batches to any bank or e-wallet.

Edamama

Seed Round in 2021
Edamama is a Philippine-based e-commerce platform focused on providing a comprehensive range of products for mothers and their children. The platform aims to simplify the decision-making process for parents by offering a variety of baby and mom-related items, including diapers, wipes, safety products, breastfeeding accessories, and bathing and grooming supplies. Additionally, Edamama features garden kits and travel accessories to cater to the diverse needs of families. To further enhance convenience, the company also offers a diaper subscription service, ensuring that parents can easily access essential childcare products from a single source.

Transcelestial

Venture Round in 2021
Transcelestial Technologies Pte. Ltd., established in 2016 and based in Singapore, specializes in developing a long-distance, point-to-point wireless communication network using laser technology. This innovative infrastructure aims to provide a high-speed space data network applicable to both terrestrial and satellite communication. By leveraging lasers, Transcelestial's network is designed to transmit data at speeds up to 1000 times faster than existing technologies, offering robust connectivity that is resistant to jamming and does not require spectrum pre-allocation or regulatory compliance. Their solutions are intended to enhance global communication capabilities across various sectors, including ground and deep-space applications.

Kumu

Series A in 2020
KumuMedia Technologies, Inc. develops a mobile application for Filipino communities. Its application provides livestream shows, group chats, and a fun way to make money. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Sacramento, California.

Havenly

Series C in 2019
Havenly, Inc. specializes in providing online interior design services that cater to a diverse range of budgets. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with an additional location in Boston, Massachusetts, Havenly connects users with professional interior designers who create personalized designs based on individual style and space. Clients complete online style surveys and can upload photos of their spaces for consultation. Following the design process, users can purchase furniture and decorative items directly through Havenly's platform, which features a wide selection from numerous retailers at competitive prices. The company is recognized as a leading player in the online interior design market, working with a large network of vetted designers across the United States.

Sprout Solutions

Series A in 2019
Sprout Solutions is a payroll and HR software provider that focuses on emerging markets, particularly in the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. The company offers a comprehensive platform that automates various administrative tasks related to HR and payroll, replacing traditional methods such as spreadsheets and printed forms. Its services include a fully automated timekeeping and attendance system utilizing biometrics, single-click payroll processing, and prescriptive analytics. Additionally, Sprout provides a cloud-based human resource information system that consolidates recruitment operations, helping businesses streamline their HR functions and effectively address payroll, human resource, and recruitment challenges. Through its suite of backend services, Sprout Solutions aims to support companies in their growth and operational efficiency.

Yup.gg

Seed Round in 2019
Operator of an online marketplace intended to provide access to marketing opportunities in the esports and gaming industry. The company's platform provides a multitude of organizational features and an immense network for all to connect and learn from their peers as well as a marketing platform to plan, buy, track, and optimize gaming campaigns, enabling clients to connect to target audiences.

Igloohome

Series B in 2019
Igloohome Pte Ltd, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Singapore, specializes in designing and manufacturing smart security locks for both residential and commercial applications. The company utilizes its proprietary algoPIN technology to create products such as the Deadbolt 2S, Mortise, Smart Keybox, and Smart Padlock. These solutions are particularly beneficial for property owners and short-term rental hosts, offering convenient access control and management. The accompanying Igloohome mobile app enables users to manage multiple locks, perform Bluetooth unlocks, generate one-time PIN codes, and monitor lock battery status. Igloohome distributes its products through various resellers and online channels, integrating its security solutions into everyday property management.

Lifetrack Medical Systems

Series A in 2019
Lifetrack Medical Systems is a health-tech company that has created the LifeSys™ platform, a scalable and distributed medical imaging software aimed at enhancing access to healthcare in emerging markets. This innovative system enables large healthcare chains, public health systems, and radiology group practices to efficiently manage and distribute medical images, improving operational efficiency while minimizing costs. By addressing the specific needs of regions with limited resources, Lifetrack seeks to provide simple and intuitive solutions for the healthcare ecosystem, particularly in medical imaging. The company has established a global presence, serving customers in the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the UK, and Nigeria. Lifetrack has secured multiple regulatory approvals, including US FDA 510(k), CE Mark, and ANVISA registration, and holds two patents from the United States Patent Office.

iVideoSmart Pte Ltd

Series A in 2019
iVideoSmart Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in video technology solutions. The firm develops a video-in-a-box platform that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance video recommendation, delivery, and monetization. Its offerings include tools for boosting user engagement, managing content, and identifying artificial content. Additionally, iVideoSmart provides a HotSpot video solution designed for programmatic marketing, focusing on e-commerce affiliate conversions. This solution aims to enable publishers to effectively deliver call-to-action and performance-driven offerings to advertisers, thereby enhancing their marketing capabilities.
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Kalibrr

Venture Round in 2018
Kalibrr, Inc. is a recruitment technology company based in Makati City, Philippines, that offers online job listing and recruitment services for both job seekers and employers. Founded in 2012, Kalibrr provides a comprehensive job search platform catering to various sectors, including accounting, IT, healthcare, and customer service, among others. The company specializes in different employment levels, from internships to executive positions. Kalibrr aims to transform recruitment processes through its end-to-end services, which include a premium job portal, an advanced recruitment system, employer branding, and online assessments powered by artificial intelligence. By focusing on enhancing candidate experiences and streamlining employer recruitment strategies, Kalibrr seeks to foster strong relationships between candidates and companies.

Sprout Solutions

Seed Round in 2018
Sprout Solutions is a payroll and HR software provider that focuses on emerging markets, particularly in the Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia. The company offers a comprehensive platform that automates various administrative tasks related to HR and payroll, replacing traditional methods such as spreadsheets and printed forms. Its services include a fully automated timekeeping and attendance system utilizing biometrics, single-click payroll processing, and prescriptive analytics. Additionally, Sprout provides a cloud-based human resource information system that consolidates recruitment operations, helping businesses streamline their HR functions and effectively address payroll, human resource, and recruitment challenges. Through its suite of backend services, Sprout Solutions aims to support companies in their growth and operational efficiency.

Wattpad

Venture Round in 2018
Wattpad Corp. is an online community platform based in Toronto, Canada, founded in 2006, that facilitates storytelling by connecting readers and writers. The platform allows users to read, write, and share stories in multiple languages, fostering collaboration through comments and multimedia interactions. With over 65 million users who collectively spend more than 20 billion minutes per month engaged in original content, Wattpad enhances the storytelling experience through its flagship app. Additionally, the company offers Tap, a product featuring short, chat-based stories, and Wattpad Studios, which co-produces stories for film, television, and print with industry partners. Wattpad Brand Solutions provides advertising products aimed at engaging Millennial and Gen Z consumers, leveraging the platform's extensive community and technological capabilities to enhance content creation and distribution.

ZAP Group

Seed Round in 2017
ZAP Group, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Pasig, Philippines, specializes in developing loyalty programs for merchants. The company has assisted over 800 businesses in launching customized loyalty solutions that can be tailored to their specific needs. Merchants can choose between card or mobile-based programs, allowing them to create personalized mechanics, build a member database, and utilize data analytics for targeted promotions. Additionally, ZAP Group offers an E-Store platform featuring smart stickers that enable users to earn instant rewards, including cashback points and coupons. This innovative approach helps food and beverage businesses transition to the digital landscape by facilitating online order acceptance, fulfillment, and delivery through their own branded eCommerce websites.

Snapcart

Series A in 2017
Snapcart is a cashback application based in Indonesia that allows consumers to earn rewards by taking photos of their receipts. The app provides brands and retailers with real-time insights into consumer behavior, offering a more accurate measurement than traditional research methods. By incentivizing users to engage with their receipts, Snapcart helps businesses connect with shoppers on a personal level, enhancing brand engagement through crowd-sourced data. This innovative approach enables clients to build stronger relationships with consumers, ultimately driving loyalty and improving marketing strategies. Backed by Ardent Capital, Snapcart aims to transform the way brands understand and interact with their customers.

SwipeRx

Series A in 2017
mClinica develops mobile platforms that strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, generate data, improve patient adherence to medication, and build the capacity of the pharmacy workforce. Since 2017, mClinica has connected 150,000 pharmacy professionals and 40,000 pharmacies through a single digital channel. Their users reach approximately 150 million patients each month. mClinica currently operates across Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore with capacity for expansion. Their team is composed of over 120 team members including experts in public health, data science, and pharmacy. mClinica is supported by impact investors like the Global Innovation Fund (backed by USAID, UKAID, DFAT, Swedish Government, and the Omidyar Network) and Patamar Capital (formerly Unitus Impact) as well as other investors from the US, Europe, and Asia. mClinica implements projects both digitally and on the ground to connect the world’s pharmacies and transform global health. mClinica follows a social enterprise business model in which they seek double-bottom line returns – maximizing both financial returns and social impact. mClinica’s rapid growth and success is increasingly recognized. mClinica was the recipient of the Data Driven Apps Award of the World Government Summit in 2019, USAID-FHI360 Data for Resilience Award, Pierre Fabre Foundation Prize for eHealth Innovation, and Hack Osaka. The company has consistently been recognized as one of the most innovative startups in healthcare in Asia Pacific.

ZipMatch

Venture Round in 2016
ZipMatch is an online marketplace that streamlines the real estate process in the Philippines for buyers, brokers, and property developers. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Taguig City, the platform offers a range of services designed to simplify property transactions. Users can access real estate trends, virtual property tours, and 360-degree home viewings to make informed decisions. Additionally, ZipMatch provides ZipMatch Pro, a suite of digital tools aimed at supporting real estate professionals, including licensed brokers and developers. By addressing the complexities of the real estate market, ZipMatch serves as a property matchmaker, helping users efficiently connect with suitable properties and brokers.

Squadzip

Seed Round in 2015
Squadzip is a mobile-first SaaS solution that brings the familiarity and ease of use of social media apps to sales organisations. By using Squadzip, businesses will be able to locate, monitor, and collaborate with their frontliners in real-time; gather and manage customer intelligence without having to endure lengthy forms; and easily manage sales funnels and project pipelines. And what’s more, Squadzip’s productivity and collaboration tool is implemented without the hassle and training requirements usually associated with enterprise platforms.

Lifetrack Medical Systems

Seed Round in 2015
Lifetrack Medical Systems is a health-tech company that has created the LifeSys™ platform, a scalable and distributed medical imaging software aimed at enhancing access to healthcare in emerging markets. This innovative system enables large healthcare chains, public health systems, and radiology group practices to efficiently manage and distribute medical images, improving operational efficiency while minimizing costs. By addressing the specific needs of regions with limited resources, Lifetrack seeks to provide simple and intuitive solutions for the healthcare ecosystem, particularly in medical imaging. The company has established a global presence, serving customers in the United States, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, the UK, and Nigeria. Lifetrack has secured multiple regulatory approvals, including US FDA 510(k), CE Mark, and ANVISA registration, and holds two patents from the United States Patent Office.

Loansolutions.ph

Seed Round in 2015
LoanSolutions.ph is the largest network of lenders in the Philippines. It facilitates fast and easy access to credit for different financial needs by connecting borrowers to multiple lending partners in single online loan application. Their story began as an answer to their own problem that they know is your problem too. They were frustrated by the traditional lending industry in the Philippines. They decided to launch LoanSolutions.PH as an answer to this problem. Their goal is to empower consumers like you to make the best financial decisions and get the best lending rates available in the market. They developed a process where lenders compete against each other in a fair and open marketplace transparently. Through this process, lenders are able to target the borrowers they want to reach in real-time. It’s a win-win idea where you win and get more access to capital to improve their financial situations. Whether it is buying a new home, financing a new car, sending a child to college, financing your medical bills, LoanSolutions.PH is here to help you! Together, they strive to be an ally for borrowers and lenders alike. They’re here to do the heavy lifting for you if you’re looking to compare and optimize your loan choices- and hey, they’ll lift for you without a price.

Cogito

Seed Round in 2015
Cogito is an IT firm that offers graph-based analytics software and services to its clients. Cogito’s range of services consist of graph technology, graph engine, workbench, graph server, data integration broker, graph query language, and graph analytics. Cogito was founded in 1994 by Paolo Lombardi and is based in Utah.

Kalibrr

Venture Round in 2015
Kalibrr, Inc. is a recruitment technology company based in Makati City, Philippines, that offers online job listing and recruitment services for both job seekers and employers. Founded in 2012, Kalibrr provides a comprehensive job search platform catering to various sectors, including accounting, IT, healthcare, and customer service, among others. The company specializes in different employment levels, from internships to executive positions. Kalibrr aims to transform recruitment processes through its end-to-end services, which include a premium job portal, an advanced recruitment system, employer branding, and online assessments powered by artificial intelligence. By focusing on enhancing candidate experiences and streamlining employer recruitment strategies, Kalibrr seeks to foster strong relationships between candidates and companies.

Lineagen

Series C in 2015
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

SwipeRx

Seed Round in 2014
mClinica develops mobile platforms that strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, generate data, improve patient adherence to medication, and build the capacity of the pharmacy workforce. Since 2017, mClinica has connected 150,000 pharmacy professionals and 40,000 pharmacies through a single digital channel. Their users reach approximately 150 million patients each month. mClinica currently operates across Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore with capacity for expansion. Their team is composed of over 120 team members including experts in public health, data science, and pharmacy. mClinica is supported by impact investors like the Global Innovation Fund (backed by USAID, UKAID, DFAT, Swedish Government, and the Omidyar Network) and Patamar Capital (formerly Unitus Impact) as well as other investors from the US, Europe, and Asia. mClinica implements projects both digitally and on the ground to connect the world’s pharmacies and transform global health. mClinica follows a social enterprise business model in which they seek double-bottom line returns – maximizing both financial returns and social impact. mClinica’s rapid growth and success is increasingly recognized. mClinica was the recipient of the Data Driven Apps Award of the World Government Summit in 2019, USAID-FHI360 Data for Resilience Award, Pierre Fabre Foundation Prize for eHealth Innovation, and Hack Osaka. The company has consistently been recognized as one of the most innovative startups in healthcare in Asia Pacific.

Four Eyes

Seed Round in 2014
They offer quality eyewear at the most affordable rates through their eCommerce store to the Filipino consumers. Prescription glasses, sunglasses, computer glasses can be tried at home using their Home Try-On feature, or through their website using the Virtual Try-On feature. They own the supply chain - from assembly to delivery of the end product.

ZAP Group

Venture Round in 2014
ZAP Group, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Pasig, Philippines, specializes in developing loyalty programs for merchants. The company has assisted over 800 businesses in launching customized loyalty solutions that can be tailored to their specific needs. Merchants can choose between card or mobile-based programs, allowing them to create personalized mechanics, build a member database, and utilize data analytics for targeted promotions. Additionally, ZAP Group offers an E-Store platform featuring smart stickers that enable users to earn instant rewards, including cashback points and coupons. This innovative approach helps food and beverage businesses transition to the digital landscape by facilitating online order acceptance, fulfillment, and delivery through their own branded eCommerce websites.

Kalibrr

Seed Round in 2013
Kalibrr, Inc. is a recruitment technology company based in Makati City, Philippines, that offers online job listing and recruitment services for both job seekers and employers. Founded in 2012, Kalibrr provides a comprehensive job search platform catering to various sectors, including accounting, IT, healthcare, and customer service, among others. The company specializes in different employment levels, from internships to executive positions. Kalibrr aims to transform recruitment processes through its end-to-end services, which include a premium job portal, an advanced recruitment system, employer branding, and online assessments powered by artificial intelligence. By focusing on enhancing candidate experiences and streamlining employer recruitment strategies, Kalibrr seeks to foster strong relationships between candidates and companies.

Lenddo

Venture Round in 2013
Lenddo International operates an online platform that enables users to leverage their social connections to build creditworthiness and access financial services in emerging markets. By utilizing reputation data from social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn, Lenddo helps individuals secure loans for purposes such as education, debt consolidation, and small business ventures. Founded in 2011, the company primarily serves customers in Colombia and the Philippines, with its headquarters in Central, Hong Kong, and additional offices in Manila, Bogotá, and New York City. As of October 2017, Lenddo International is a subsidiary of EFL Global LTD.

GiftLauncher

Seed Round in 2013
GiftLauncher is an online platform designed for group gifting, allowing users to create gift campaigns for friends and family. The platform enables users to set up a collective fund for gifts and share their campaigns on social media. Additionally, users can create gift registries to gather funds for multiple gifts for various occasions. Once the required amount is collected, users can withdraw the funds through bank transfer or PayPal. GiftLauncher also allows users to create wishlists for different events, facilitating communication of their gift preferences to loved ones.

Lifebit

Seed Round in 2012
Lifebit is a social networking platform designed to enhance individuals' lives by promoting happiness and personal growth. The platform features a collection of engaging bucket lists that encourage users to embark on various quests, earning experience points (xp) as they complete activities. This gamified approach allows users to showcase their achievements and interests, such as becoming a level 20 Foodie or a level 15 Runner. Additionally, Lifebit provides a free social journal that enables users to document their experiences and reflect on their journeys, making life more interesting and fulfilling. By blending social interaction with personal development, Lifebit aims to inspire users to explore new passions and create memorable experiences.

ZAP Group

Seed Round in 2012
ZAP Group, Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Pasig, Philippines, specializes in developing loyalty programs for merchants. The company has assisted over 800 businesses in launching customized loyalty solutions that can be tailored to their specific needs. Merchants can choose between card or mobile-based programs, allowing them to create personalized mechanics, build a member database, and utilize data analytics for targeted promotions. Additionally, ZAP Group offers an E-Store platform featuring smart stickers that enable users to earn instant rewards, including cashback points and coupons. This innovative approach helps food and beverage businesses transition to the digital landscape by facilitating online order acceptance, fulfillment, and delivery through their own branded eCommerce websites.
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