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The Gobi-Core Philippine Fund was established in 2018 as a joint venture between founding partners Jason Gaisano, Ken Ngo, and Carlo Chen-Delantar, in collaboration with the Pan-Asian venture capital firm Gobi Partners. Headquartered in Manila, it serves as Gobi's official office in the Philippines. The fund focuses on investing in technology and technology-enabled startups across the country, aiming to build market leaders in the region. In 2023, Gobi-Core became the first Co-Investment Partner of the Philippine government’s Startup Venture Fund, which supports investments in local startups.
As of now, Gobi-Core manages a fund size of $10 million and has invested in nine companies. The firm employs a multi-investment stack approach, targeting various stages of development including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A. The fund's strategy is designed to leverage the Philippines' young population and increasing interest in tech entrepreneurship, thereby supporting the digital transformation of the country.
Gobi-Core has established itself as a significant player in the Philippine startup ecosystem, actively engaging with local entrepreneurs and providing strategic support through its extensive network and partnerships. The firm has also published annual ecosystem reports, enhancing its reputation as a thought leader in the region.
Gobi-Core invests in technology and technology-enabled startups at various stages of development within the Philippines. The fund's investment strategy employs a multi-investment stack approach, targeting sectors such as healthcare, edtech, consumer, AI, fintech, digital marketing, e-commerce, esports, financial services, food and beverage, internet solutions, social media, and waste management. This diverse sector focus allows Gobi-Core to tap into multiple growth opportunities within the Philippine market.
The firm aims to support the digital transformation of the Philippines by leveraging the country's young population and increasing interest in tech entrepreneurship. Gobi-Core looks for founders who demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, a clear vision for their business, and the ability to execute their plans effectively. The fund prefers to engage in co-investment opportunities, particularly through its partnership with the Philippine government’s Startup Venture Fund, which enhances its ability to facilitate growth and innovation within the local startup ecosystem.
Gobi-Core's portfolio includes nine notable companies across various sectors:
This diverse portfolio reflects Gobi-Core's commitment to investing in technology-driven solutions that address various market needs in the Philippines. The firm actively seeks to support companies that have the potential to become market leaders in their respective sectors.
Jason Gaisano: Managing Partner. Jason has extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having co-founded several successful startups in the Philippines. He focuses on identifying high-potential investment opportunities within the local market.
Ken Ngo: Partner. Ken brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has a strong background in finance. He plays a key role in evaluating potential investments and supporting portfolio companies.
Carlo Chen-Delantar: Partner. Carlo has a background in investment banking and private equity, providing valuable insights into deal structuring and financial analysis.
Thomas G. Tsao: General Partner. Thomas has over 20 years of experience in venture capital across Asia, with a focus on technology and consumer sectors.
Dan Chong: Partner. Dan specializes in early-stage investments and has a keen interest in the Philippine startup ecosystem.
Phoebe Fontanilla: Senior Investment Manager. Phoebe is responsible for managing the fund's portfolio and providing support to portfolio companies.
Justine Ngo: Value Creation Associate. Justine focuses on enhancing the value of portfolio companies through strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
Niccolo “Nuki” Almario: Value Creation Associate. Nuki works closely with startups to identify growth opportunities and optimize business operations.
To pitch to Gobi-Core, startups should use the contact form available on their website at gobicore.vc/contact. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. Founders should also outline their team's expertise and any traction achieved to date.
Response times may vary, but startups can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Gobi-Core prefers warm introductions, so leveraging connections within their network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In 2023, Gobi-Core became the first Co-Investment Partner of the Philippine government’s Startup Venture Fund, officially recognized for its role in supporting local startup investments. This partnership enhances Gobi-Core's ability to facilitate growth and innovation within the Philippine startup ecosystem.
In 2024, Gobi-Core invested in Humble Sustainability, a leading e-waste management company in the Philippines, further expanding its portfolio in the sustainability sector.
The firm has also been actively involved in public-private collaborations, including a partnership with the National Development Company (NDC) to enhance investment opportunities in the region.
Gobi-Core published the
What are Gobi-Core's investment criteria?
Gobi-Core focuses on technology and technology-enabled startups at various stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A. The firm targets sectors such as healthcare, edtech, fintech, and consumer technology.
How can startups apply or pitch to Gobi-Core?
Startups can reach out through the contact form available on their website at gobicore.vc/contact. The firm welcomes inquiries from startups, investors, and collaborators.
What makes Gobi-Core different from other venture capital firms?
Gobi-Core is distinguished by its role as the first Co-Investment Partner of the Philippine government’s Startup Venture Fund, which provides unique access to government-backed deal flow and resources.
What is Gobi-Core's geographic focus?
The fund primarily invests in startups based in the Philippines, with a potential for ASEAN expansion as portfolio companies grow.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Gobi-Core invests across various stages, indicating flexibility in funding amounts based on the startup's needs and growth potential.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Gobi-Core have?
Gobi-Core provides strategic support to its portfolio companies through access to a vast network of industry connections, expertise in technology and market trends, and insights from its partnership with the Philippine government.
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