MANILA, PHILIPPINES ― Startup support organization IdeaSpace is closing its 2020 acceleration program with investments in three startups―agritech startup Agro-Digital PH, sustainability and circular living startup Humble, and workplace tech startup Workbean. The accelerator is investing Php1 million each in these three startups.
“These three teams have shown tremendous growth throughout the acceleration program. They address urgent and emerging problems while creating new opportunities for industries,” shared IdeaSpace President Butch Meily.
Agro-Digital PH aims to build a fairer ecosystem where the work of farmers is justly rewarded through developing the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to leverage social organization in farmers’ groups and cooperatives, establish standards, and coordinate fulfillment. Humble works to help people practice circular living by taking things that people no longer want or need through online bookings for home collections, with the items being reused by non-profit organizations or upcycled into new pieces. Workbean aims to be Asia’s largest directory of company cultures, helping professionals and companies find the best fit.
IdeaSpace’s 2020 acceleration cohort includes nine other startups: agritech startups Farmvocacy and Urban Greens; edtech startups CerebroLMS and Mash & Co.; medical e-marketplace MedHyve; nonprofit solutions provider Giving Hero, experience gift platform TADAH; outdoor engagement and local marketplace TakeFive Outdoors; and workplace tech Worky.ph. These startups were selected for the acceleration program after three rounds of judging and a six-week pre-acceleration program.
“This year’s batch has proven that the caliber of startups coming out of the Philippine ecosystem has been improving and that local startup support organizations are doing an excellent job at preparing startups for the next phase of their startup journey,” said IdeaSpace Executive Director Diane Eustaquio. “We’re excited to support this cohort’s growth and development with resources from our donors and partners.”
IdeaSpace is now accepting applications for its 2021 program. The accelerator is looking for startups in the following spaces: agritech and foodtech, edtech (basic education, upskilling/reskilling, digital skills, coaching), healthcare, wellness, and wellbeing, e-commerce and logistics, media and entertainment, fintech, and B2B startups.
IdeaSpace will continue to hold a 100% virtual acceleration program for 2021, and it is also encouraging applications from Filipino founders based abroad who are looking to set up their business in the Philippines and do business with the Philippine market.
For more information on IdeaSpace and its startup support programs, interested applicants can visit ideaspacefoundation.org.
