New QBO App, now available on iOS and Android
QBO
Innovation Hub, the Philippines’ first public-private sector platform for
startup companies today launched the QBO App, a new and convenient way for
QBO’s community to connect with each other and access QBO’s programs and
services, at the City Garden Grand Hotel.
QBO is supported by a consortium composed of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), J.P.
Morgan, and IdeaSpace Foundation Inc., a leading incubator of early stage
startups established by the First Pacific, PLDT and Metro Pacific group of
companies.
The
launch was headlined by speakers such as Secretary Fortunato dela Peña of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Roberto Panlilio, Senior Country
Officer of J.P. Morgan Philippines; Chito Bustamante, founder of Chikka; Justin
Hall, Principal Investor at Singaporean venture capital firm, Golden Gate
Ventures; and Katrina Chan, Director of QBO. These speakers represent the
bleeding-edge pioneers in the local startup ecosystem.
The
event was attended by both notable startups in the local ecosystem and top
executives and officials from QBO’s partners including Butch Meily and Diane
Eustaquio of IdeaSpace Foundation Inc. and Chris Young of First Pacific among
others.
The
QBO App is a virtual hub that allows startups to connect with a broader range
of entrepreneurs, investors, partners, and other potential resource persons.
It’s also an avenue for users to engage in startup-related discussions as well
as stay updated with
QBO’s
events and services. Not bound by geographical or physical limitations, the QBO
App enables users to discover and connect with potential partners from regions
outside of Metro Manila.
“This
is an exciting time for us, and indeed for the local startup community as a
whole. With our app, never has it been easier for our entrepreneurs to access
the essential services and resources that will help them take their companies
to the next level,” said Katrina Chan, QBO Innovation Hub Director. Chan also
added that the app will act as an avenue to more conveniently connect with
QBO's roster of experienced mentors and consultants.
The
QBO App features three primary functions. Its QNNECT feature provides access to
QBO’s network and connects users with people with whom they can create
meaningful partnerships. Through QNNECT, founders can meet other industry
players and potential partners; startup enthusiasts can find ways to get
started in the industry, or otherwise stay on top of the latest news; and
mentors and investors can find new businesses and other potential investments.
The
QLLABORATE feature enables a more active startup community through the QBO App.
Through it, users can discover startup-related events across the country,
participate in groups to seek advice, discuss trendy topics, and communicate
with special guests and speakers. Important resources like government forms,
speaker presentations, and other documents can also be downloaded through
QLLABORATE.
Finally,
with QNTRIBUTE, users can become active members of the startup ecosystem,
sharing their news, pushing their own products, and posting photos, links,
videos and other startup-related content on a social media-like timeline, as
well as give feedback to QBO’s programs and services.
“Our
goal is to help provide opportunities and mentorship for our budding startups,
especially those driven by young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs. The convenience of
an app will be very appealing to them, and eminently helpful,” said
Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara of DOST.
QBO’s
partners share its passion for supporting local startups. Its collaboration
with J.P. Morgan has led to the creation of the elite INQBATION Program, that seeks
to develop select, high-potential startups – empowering underserved founders
and creating impact for the community.
“With
mobile technology continuing to disrupt the business landscape, connectivity
helps level the playing field for many of our startups – in terms of access to
resources and partners that they can tap as they develop and grow their
business. Launching this app is certainly a step in the right direction,” said
Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.
The
QBO App is only the latest development in QBO’s vision of Filipino startups
changing the world, and it is available and ready for use on both iOS and
Android devices.
For more information about
QBO, visit www.qbo.com.ph.
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