Is Philippines a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Philippines has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Philippines gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Philippines

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Philippines offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding environment for startups in the Philippines is dynamic, with increasing interest despite facing hurdles. Notable local VC firms like Kickstart Ventures, Foxmont Capital Partners, and Core Capital are active, alongside angel networks such as the Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN). The government also provides support through initiatives like the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Startup Grant Fund and the DICT Startup Grant Fund, established under the Innovative Startup Act. However, challenges persist, including a significant funding gap particularly in the pre-Series A stage, limited funding diversity often concentrated in specific sectors like fintech, and regulatory bottlenecks. While 2024 saw a rebound in startup investment, increasing by 67% from a multiyear low in 2023, the ecosystem is still below its 2022 peak, and securing equity funding remains a challenge for many. Talent migration and a preference for job security over entrepreneurship also contribute to the ecosystem's growing pains.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Philippines has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Philippines has a growing startup and innovation culture, driven by a young, entrepreneurial population and increasing digitalization. Coworking spaces are prevalent, particularly in Metro Manila, offering flexible and affordable options for startups and freelancers. Numerous tech events and conferences, like Philippine Startup Week, foster networking and knowledge sharing. Entrepreneurial activity is diverse, with strengths in fintech, e-commerce, and social enterprises. While the ecosystem is developing, early-stage founders face challenges, including access to funding and mentorship. Government programs and incubators exist to support early-stage startups with grants and resources, aiming to make them investment-ready. However, some reports indicate a preference among local investors for more established businesses, and a need for more robust early-stage funding and personalized support. The ecosystem is working towards providing more tailored assistance alongside standardized programs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Philippines can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Philippines, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Philippines is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

The Philippines has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by numerous educational institutions. Universities like the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila, and De La Salle University are key in producing skilled graduates, particularly in IT, engineering, and entrepreneurship programs. In-demand industry-specific skills include software development (JavaScript, Python, Java), data analysis, cybersecurity, and e-commerce expertise. Local talent, known for strong English proficiency and work ethic, supports entrepreneurial growth by providing a skilled workforce for various sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and increasingly, agritech, edtech, cleantech, and healthtech. Government initiatives and university-based incubators further nurture this talent for the startup ecosystem.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Philippines can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Philippines boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

The Philippines offers a growing infrastructure and support system for startups, including incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces, primarily concentrated in Metro Manila but expanding to other cities. These resources provide mentorship, networking, and sometimes funding access, helping businesses develop and scale. Key government initiatives significantly bolster the ecosystem. The Innovative Startup Act (RA 11337) provides a comprehensive support system with benefits like funding, streamlined registration via the Startup Business One-Stop Shop (SBOSS), and even special visas. Agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) offer various programs, including grant funds, research support, and incubation programs, aiming to foster innovation and economic growth. The recently launched Philippine Innovation Hub by DTI also provides end-to-end support.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Philippines. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Philippines Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Philippines provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in the Philippines face significant challenges. Competition is intense, particularly from established businesses and a growing number of new ventures. Regulatory hurdles are considerable, with bureaucratic red tape, complex procedures, and inconsistent policies making business registration and compliance time-consuming and costly. The cost of launching a startup can be high, influenced by factors like registration fees, labor costs including mandatory benefits, and operational expenses such as expensive electricity rates and logistics across the archipelago. Finding skilled talent can also be difficult due to competition and migration.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Philippines or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Philippines offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash