Two Filipino startups join global mentorship network

Endeavor Network

Endeavor, a global organization that selects, mentors and accelerates high-impact entrepreneurs, announces that it welcomed two Filipino companies into their network as its international selection panel (ISP) held an inaugural meeting in Manila recently.

Lay Bare’s Paolo Hilario and Zark’s Burgers’ Rolandrei Viktor “Zark” Varona are the new additions to the global Endeavor network. They were accepted based on their achievements as entrepreneurs and their companies’ potential for exponential growth.

Together with his sisters, Hilario launched Lay Bare, the country’s first waxing-only boutique, in 2006 after seeing an opportunity to provide quality hair removal services. In two years, they started opening their business to franchising and, to date, Lay Bare has already over 100 branches nationwide which employ over 800 Filipinos.

Varona, who has a flair and passion for the culinary arts, founded Zark’s Burgers in 2009. He has been successful in growing the footprint of Zark’s Burgers across 23 cities, having been able to put up 42 branches in less than nine years.

The success of the leading homegrown, casual burger chain in the country lies in how it is able to offer consumers the best value for their money.

“Lay Bare and Zark’s Burgers’ introduction to Endeavor proves the diversity of our members, and our recognition of the merits of traditional brick and mortar businesses who have proven their high-impact value over the years,” says Endeavor Philippines Managing Director Manny Ayala.

At the end of the ISP—the final step of Endeavor’s multi-step selection process to identify entrepreneurs who have the potential to boost an ecosystem of entrepreneurship—16 candidates were unanimously selected by ISP panelists to be part of the network. Joining Hilario and Varona are: Leonardo Castelo and Leandro Castelo of Ecoville (Brazil); Diego Túlio Tomaz Gomes, Edmar Ferreira, and Vitor Peçanha of Rock Content (Brazil); Kirsten Pearson and Michael Ambrose of DocNetwork (USA); Tokushi Nakashima and Kazumasa Nakashima of Global Mobility Service (Japan); Samuel Gikandi and Bilha Ndirangu of Africa’s Talking (Kenya); Mark Franco of MXD Process (USA); and Mark Koay and Wee Jonn Leow of Photobook (Malaysia).

“There’s no better time to host an International Selection Panel in the Philippines than today. The country is touted to have one of the fastest growing economies in Asia. This gives potential entrepreneurs the confidence to start businesses in the country. The economic environment also allows startups in neighboring countries to see the country as a viable option to invest their operations in,” Ayala said.

In the past, markets have experienced the high impact of Endeavor entrepreneurs as they have been instrumental in creating more jobs at a rate that is 5.4 times faster compared to the countries from the World Bank dataset. Thus, Endeavor and its network have fueled economic growth and kept the entrepreneurial ecosystem thriving.

Entrepreneurs part of the Endeavor network are also responsible for creating over 700,000 jobs across 30 growth markets. As of 2016, they have generated a total of $10B in revenues.

Endeavor says it continues to welcome more high-impact entrepreneurs into the network in order to fulfill its mission of catalyzing economic growth. Endeavor entrepreneurs receive support from global and local business mentors from Fortune 500 consulting firms, access to world-class professional and customized services, and growth capital.

Endeavor Philippines's ISP delegates include Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Jasen T. Ko, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, Eugenio L. Lopez III, Manny Ayala, Jaime Augusto M. Zobel de Ayala and Anton T. Huang.

In the Philippines, Endeavor’s board members include Chairman Jaime Augusto M. Zobel de Ayala, Vice Chairman Jasen T. Ko, Cezar P. Consing, Anton T. Huang, Eugenio L. Lopez III, Roberto L. Panlilio, Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, and Julio Sy, Jr.

Endeavor is a global non-profit that supports high-impact entrepreneurs around the world. Its “mentor capitalist” model breaks down economic and cultural barrier to entrepreneurship through advising from our network of business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors.

Endeavor now supports 1,637 entrepreneurs leading 1,023 companies in 30 growth markets around the world who have created over 700,000 jobs generating $10 billion in revenues.

Endeavor Philippines, launched in January 2015, currently supports 16 high-impact entrepreneurs and 14 companies in various industries. Entrepreneurs are selected through a rigorous screening process involving local and global mentors. Upon selection, entrepreneurs receive support from global and local business mentors, access to professional services, and growth capital.

18 April 2018

 

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