Launchgarage: Giving Filipino Startups The Opportunity to Accelerate

LaunchGarage is an innovation hub and startup accelerator based in the Philippines,  serving as a launchpad for promising startups, helping them navigate the challenges of the market and increasing their chances of success. It aims to support and nurture early-stage to mature startups by providing them with resources, mentorship, and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. This includes mentorship from industry experts, networking opportunities, access to funding, and connections to potential partners and investors. The organization actively collaborates with corporate partners, government agencies, and the startup community to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. With that, why don’t you join me in learning more about Launchgarage with its Programs and Partnerships Lead, Dondon Cabacuñgan.

What is LaunchGarage and what are its missions and visions for the startup ecosystem? 

LaunchGarage is a tech startup accelerator and innovation hub in the Philippines and was built on a philosophy of innovation from the grassroots. We started way back in 2016 with our founders, Jay Fajardo and Jojo Flores. Jay is also the CEO of ProudCloud, a full-stack deep-tech development shop in the Philippines. He has been a serial tech entrepreneur since the mid-eighties. He sold his first computer program when he was still 15 years old, and he has founded many tech startups over the years. He was already building these small companies, and one of them, where he found success, was the WiFi hotspot network called Airborne Access, which was later acquired by PLDT and Smart in 2008. Jojo is also one of our founders and the COO of Launchgarage. He is also the co-founder of Plug and Play Tech Center, which is the world’s leading innovation platform serving Fortune 500 companies. When Jojo came back to the Philippines, he reconnected with Jay and convinced him to make something similar to what Jojo did in Silicon Valley, which is the Plug and Play Tech Center. That's why they created Launchgarage Innovation Hub, designed for Filipinos.

Launchgarage is for Filipino startup companies, and as an innovation hub, we provide a venue for open collaboration, event sharing, acceleration, and a landing pad for global players. We accelerate startups through various programs, mentorship, and network reach. We design programs according to the startup’s objectives and needs. Moreover, if the startups are ready to scale globally or regionally, Launchgarage can be the springboard for these startups to expand. We are able to connect them to our partners in the APAC region and the Americas. Our vision is to be part of the journey of our homegrown startup unicorn in the Philippines.

What do you do as the Program and Partnerships Lead at LaunchGarage and how does it contribute to the mission of Launchgarage which you previously mentioned? 

I primarily handle programs and partnerships. I help design and facilitate the program together with our clients and partners. Our programs are tailored to the goals and objectives of our partners and usually run for 3 to 6 months. I'm also the partnerships lead since, as an accelerator, we can only do so much for our startups, and we believe in open collaboration. I reach out to different partners locally and abroad that can help support our programs and startups. For instance, if our program revolves around IMPACT, we look for partners that are aligned with IMPACT. We look for partners in these types of industries, both locally and abroad. Moreover, if the startups in the cohort need tools for team management, product development, or additional credits for their web hosting, we look for partners that can really help, sustain, and make them grow. We really look for the right partners that can help startups with their current season. Not all startups face the same challenges and they get in touch with the program at different stages of their growth. With this, we customize the help we can provide for them.

What makes Launchgarage different from other accelerators and innovation hubs in the Philippines?

We always say that Launchgarage is an accelerator built by founders for founders since Jay is the co-founder of multiple startups and Jojo co-founded Plug and Play Tech Center, which has over 30+ startup unicorns as of date. They are very familiar with the lingo and the challenges of startups since they have been in the startup industry for more than 25 years. Their experience can give unique insights regarding some of the needs of our startups and also provide meaningful connections through their global network. We are able to provide the opportunity to build collaborations in other innovation ecosystems around the world. This is what makes us unique among the other incubators or accelerators in the country.

What specific programs or initiatives does LaunchGarage offer to support startups?

We help startups through different programs and community events. We also provide different events, mentorship, and network reach. We have around 16 active startups in our portfolio. One of our portfolio startups is Tangere, which participated in The Final Pitch and received a partnership with Mega Global Corporation. Through Jay and Jojo, they provide mentorship and guidance through their startup journey. For example, they need help with investments. We look for investors with the right investment thesis that fits their startup. If there are also opportunities locally and abroad, we consciously fit in and provide these opportunities. For other programs, we partner with government agencies. For example, in one program that we did with DTI, specifically the Philippine Trade and Training Center (PTTC), we helped them with their program called Push:Start. The Push:Start program was designed to connect and prepare startup companies to work with MSMEs across the country. It's an incubation program where we help source different startups across the country that can help digitize MSMEs. Around 30  startups were incubated during that program.

We also provide a soft landing program for our global partners, such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). The EXPAND PH program provides Malaysian startup companies with an overview of the Philippine market. We linked them up with our partners here in the Philippines to kickstart their expansion. 

Launchgarage is also a program partner of the StartUp QC Program spearheaded by the Quezon City LGU. StartUp QC helps startups based in Quezon City by giving them an opportunity to be mentored by industry leaders, connected to partners and stakeholders, and receive a grant of up to P1M. Applications are ongoing for the second cohort, so for those who have solutions for the city, we encourage you to apply now. 

Dondon Cabacuñgan is the Programs and Partnerships Lead of Launchgarage. Given his role, his primary task is to design and implement various programs and activities that support the growth and development of startups within LaunchGarage's ecosystem. He collaborates closely with startup founders, mentors, and industry experts to curate and deliver relevant programs, workshops, and events. Dondon is also involved in establishing and nurturing partnerships with external organizations, including corporate entities, investors, government agencies, and other stakeholders within the startup ecosystem. Dondon is passionate about giving each and every startup the opportunity to transform into an investable company.

Visit www.techshake.asia if you would like to know and connect more with Launchgarage.