Young Filipino Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

by Venchito Tampon | Last Updated on June 14, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of the Philippines, a new generation of young Filipino entrepreneurs is making waves and inspiring others with their entrepreneurial journeys.

From the bustling streets of Manila to the serene provinces, these Filipino entrepreneurs have carved their paths to success. They are now sharing their stories to motivate and guide aspiring individuals. This article presents a curated list of the country’s most influential and sought-after Filipino entrepreneurs. 

Their tales of perseverance, innovation, and triumph will ignite the spark within you, encouraging you to pursue your dreams and embark on your entrepreneurial adventure. 

Get inspired as we showcase the remarkable individuals shaping the business future in the Philippines.

Best Young Filipino Entrepreneurs in the Philippines

Alvin Ong, CEO of Fredley Group of Companies

Photo credit to CEO Magazine

Alvin Ong, a young Filipino entrepreneur, has carved his path to success as the founder and CEO of the Fredley Group of Companies. His journey began humbly as he devoted himself to packing and assembling hangers to support his family. At the tender age of seven, he ventured into tutoring, displaying his eagerness to learn and share knowledge.

Equipped with an MBA degree from Ateneo de Manila University and ESSCA-École de Management in Budapest, Hungary, Alvin Ong’s educational achievements testify to his relentless pursuit of excellence. His De La Salle University honors degree further solidifies his dedication to acquiring knowledge. With invaluable experience gained from working with Deutsche Bank on a global scale, Alvin, at just 28 years old, emerged as a self-made entrepreneur of extraordinary caliber. In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, he was honored as an Injap Sia Outstanding Young Entrepreneur in 2018, an accolade that further fueled his determination to achieve greatness.

Alvin Ong’s exceptional talents have not gone unnoticed. Asian Dragon Magazine and The CEO Magazine hailed him as a young visionary restaurateur, acknowledging his excellent skills and innovative mindset. His story has been featured in various publications, highlighting his remarkable achievements in the industry.

Alvin oversees 180 restaurants and café branches across the Philippines, providing employment opportunities for over 1,000 individuals. The Fredley Group of Companies boasts an impressive portfolio of nine distinct brands, including renowned names such as Macao Imperial Tea, Nabe Japanese Izakaya and Hot Pot, 107 Co-working, Mitasu Yakiniku, New York Fries and Dips, Liang Crispy Roll, and Hosaku International Buffet. 

Recent accomplishments include the acquisition of Café Kitsuné from Paris, France, further expanding the group’s international presence.

Even in the current global pandemic, Alvin Ong remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence. Undeterred by the challenges, he envisions a future where his enterprise thrives. His unwavering ambition is evident as he strives to establish 250 branches by 2021, a testament to his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of success.

 

Venchito Tampon, CEO of SharpRocket and Hills & Valleys Cafe

Venchito Tampon, a trailblazing entrepreneur from the Philippines, has made a remarkable impact in the digital marketing and food and beverage industries. As the founder of SharpRocket, a leading digital marketing company, Venchito has successfully served clients across the globe, helping them skyrocket their online revenue through effective SEO and social media campaigns. 

His expertise and thought leadership in the field have gained recognition from prestigious publications like Inc. Asia, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Moz, establishing him as a respected professional.

Not limited to the digital realm, Venchito’s entrepreneurial spirit also extends to the realm of coffee. He is the Founder and Business Developer of Hills & Valleys Cafe, a beloved coffee brand known for its premium quality, affordability, and exceptional customer service. With his strategic marketing initiatives, Venchito has strengthened brand awareness and enhanced the in-store experience, solidifying Hills & Valleys Cafe as a go-to destination for coffee enthusiasts.

In 2023, Venchito embarked on a new venture with Blend N Sips®, a company dedicated to empowering aspiring food and beverage entrepreneurs. As the authorized dealer of renowned brands such as Breville and Gemili, Blend N Sips® supplies essential equipment and quality products to budding coffee and milk tea businesses, ensuring their success and customer satisfaction.

Recognized as an influential speaker and mentor, Venchito has shared his marketing, career development, and entrepreneurship expertise at numerous conferences, seminars, and conventions. He has represented the Philippines in global events such as Affiliate Summit Asia Pacific, engaging with industry leaders and inspiring audiences worldwide.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Venchito actively contributes to the Philippine business ecosystem’s growth as a GoNegosyo mentor. Through this organization, he advocates for a change in mindset and encourages individuals to embrace entrepreneurship to address poverty and create positive change in the country. Additionally, Venchito’s book, “Career Crossover,” has empowered professionals and businesspeople alike to succeed in today’s dynamic job market, equipping them with critical skills and productivity strategies.

Venchito Tampon’s journey as a Filipino entrepreneur embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting others. His achievements and contributions are a testament to the remarkable potential of young entrepreneurs in the Philippines, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, make a difference, and thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Mica Tan, CEO of MFT Group 

Photo credit to MFT Group

Mica Tan, a dynamic young entrepreneur, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Philippines as the founder of MFT Group, a highly successful private equity firm. At 19, Mica boldly embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Today, at 27, her firm operates in nine countries and 18 cities worldwide, amassing assets valued at over US$61 million.

An unexpected catalyst spurred Mica’s path to entrepreneurship: her first heartbreak. Faced with a pivotal crossroads, she chose to stay in the Philippines and establish her own company instead of pursuing a finance education in New York. Motivated by her determination to prove herself, Mica poured her energy into her career, aspiring for a day when her former flame would regret his decision to part ways. Interestingly, destiny had other plans, as the man who broke her heart eventually became her husband.

Throughout her journey, Mica encountered numerous challenges and was often underestimated, partly due to her petite stature of 5 feet 1 inch (155cm). However, she refused to let others’ opinions define her. Instead, she focused unwaveringly on delivering exceptional results, using her achievements as her ultimate testament during meetings and discussions.

One of Mica’s notable accomplishments is her strategic focus on legacy businesses within MFT Group. She recognized the significance of family-owned enterprises as the backbone of economies, especially in the Philippines, and sought to leverage their potential. Mica observed that family businesses offer better governance and have proven more profitable and reliable in generating revenues. 

While some firms shy away from legacy businesses due to concerns about inheritance disputes, Mica recognized the lower probability of internal legal risks and saw it as an opportunity to attract more investors.

As a millennial CEO surrounded by a predominantly older generation, Mica embraces the challenges and advantages of bridging generational gaps. Growing up as the youngest among her siblings, who belonged to Gen X and baby boomer cohorts, she developed adaptability early on. In her company, she values and addresses each generation’s diverse values and expectations, fostering an environment where managers understand and accommodate these differences without disadvantaging older employees.

While Mica has achieved remarkable success at a young age, she acknowledges women’s gender-specific challenges in leadership positions. Despite not experiencing severe obstacles in the Philippines, where female presidents and CEOs have paved the way, she remains aware of the disparities encountered while traveling abroad. Mica believes that preparation, humility, and confidence in one’s abilities are crucial for overcoming gender-related hurdles.

Mica’s philosophy revolves around “failing forward.” She views failures as opportunities for growth and emphasizes the importance of surrounding herself with individuals who excel in areas where she may fall short. By learning from those around her and building a strong team, she strives to avoid repeating past mistakes and continuously bounce back.

Throughout her career, Mica has gained valuable insights and advice. She advocates for selecting battles wisely, understanding that not all conflicts are worth the time and effort. She directs her energy towards more meaningful pursuits by focusing on her vision, dreams, and ideas.

Choosing to start her own business at 19, Mica encourages others to break away from social norms and embrace calculated risks. She believes playing it safe can be riskier in the long run, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and enjoying the journey, regardless of the chosen path.

Mica attributes her success to the guidance she received from various mentors. Her oncologist father instilled in her the value of attention to detail, while her mother, a jeweler, taught her to navigate life with grace and build meaningful relationships. Additionally, influential business leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping Mica’s career include a patriarch of one of the largest pawn shop chains in the Philippines. 

This individual introduced her to the strengths and potential of family legacy businesses, which became a core focus of MFT Group. Another mentor in Mica’s life is the president of one of the largest banks, from whom she is learning valuable lessons in efficient corporate governance, strategic growth through mergers and acquisitions, and staying ahead in the dynamic business landscape.

Mica envisions the next disruptor in the private equity industry. With a keen eye for value creation opportunities, she recognizes that specific disruption has become prevalent. The competitive landscape of private equity has evolved, with differentiation becoming more challenging. Mica emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and investing in opportunities to gather and analyze valuable insights. Data has become a key driver of industry disruption, revolutionizing how investments are evaluated.

Francis Plaza, CEO of Paymongo 

Francis Plaza, a prominent figure in the realm of Filipino entrepreneurs, is the co-founder and CEO of PayMongo, an esteemed online payments processing platform based in the Philippines. 2022 marked a significant milestone for PayMongo as it graduated from the prestigious Y Combinator and swiftly garnered attention and support. 

Within months of its launch, the startup secured an impressive $2.7 million seed funding from notable investors such as Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, the San Francisco-based VC firm Founders Fund, and fintech unicorn Stripe.

Before embarking on the journey with PayMongo, Francis Plaza’s career trajectory demonstrated his exceptional aptitude and passion for technology. With a solid background as a software engineer at Oracle, Plaza honed his skills in the tech industry. Additionally, he co-founded Muber, an online marketplace, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset.

Francis Plaza’s academic achievements are equally remarkable. Plaza’s exceptional talent was recognized at a young age after graduating from the esteemed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering. At the remarkable age of 16, he gained admission to MIT, firmly establishing himself as an extraordinary individual.

PayMongo, under Plaza’s visionary leadership, has emerged as a transformative force in the digital economy of the Philippines. The platform enables businesses nationwide to accept online payments seamlessly through multiple channels. Plaza envisions PayMongo as an invisible commerce engine, propelling firms and entrepreneurs toward success in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The growth and accomplishments of PayMongo bear witness to its exceptional trajectory. As one of the fastest-growing fintech startups in Southeast Asia, the platform witnessed a staggering 40-fold expansion in 2020 alone. Moreover, PayMongo has raised nearly US$15 million to date, reflecting the confidence and support it has garnered from investors.

Francis Plaza’s journey as an entrepreneur and technology innovator exemplifies the power of ambition, expertise, and vision. His contributions to the digital economy of the Philippines through PayMongo have paved the way for countless businesses to thrive online. 

With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to empowering others, Francis Plaza continues to shape the landscape of Filipino entrepreneurship and inspire aspiring innovators throughout the country.

The entrepreneurial landscape in the Philippines is experiencing a remarkable transformation thanks to the exceptional talents and visionary minds of young Filipino entrepreneurs. These individuals have defied societal norms, embraced risks, and harnessed the power of technology to create groundbreaking businesses that profoundly impact the country’s economy. 

The future of entrepreneurship in the Philippines looks brighter than ever as these young trailblazers lead the way toward a thriving and dynamic business landscape.