Esquire Apartment: VCs And Startup Founders Talk Investing For The Future

What makes a good investment?  

To a property owner, it could be long-term viability or anticipated market value. To a venture capitalist, it might be the scalability of the business and the size of the market. 

The question may have been asked—and answered—several times and in different ways during Esquire Philippines’ latest edition of Esquire Apartment. In partnership with RLC Residences, Esquire invited industry leaders from the Philippine venture capital and startup ecosystem for a sit-down dinner—the first of its kind—last August 16.

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After enjoying cocktails at the showroom of Le Pont Residences, guests experienced a six-course culinary journey at bocca, an Italian restaurant located in Bridgetowne. It was a feast for the senses from start to finish. Highlights were the Wharf Chowder, Surf and Turf (choice of lamb or beef and salmon or scallops), and Dirty Matcha Tiramisu.

Present at the dinner from the startup community were were Paulo Campos, founding managing general partner of Kaya Founders; Franco Varona, managing partner at Foxmont Capital Ventures; Rene Cuartero, co-founder and CEO of AHG Lab; Minette Navarrete, president and co-founder of Kickstart Ventures; Pia Bernal, manager for strategic partnerships, at Kickstart Ventures; Martin Cu, investor at Brizo Capital; Ramon Garcia, president and CEO of listed company DFNN; Jon Lim, founder and CEO of DragonFi Securities; Dr. Rica Cruz, founder and CEO of sexual wellness startup Unprude; and Richard Juan, entertainment personality and founder and CEO of 28 Squared Studios. 

Also present were officials of RLC Residences led by John Richard Sotelo as well as Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, president and CEO of Summit Media Inc and her husband Berck Cheng.

Many of these names were also present during Esquire Philippines’ annual Build Startup Festival.

The atmosphere at bocca was perfect for indulging in meaningful conversation, whether about business, current events, or investment opportunities. Ample space and good acoustics made mingling an enjoyable experience. Connections were made and new friendships could have easily been forged. 

After dinner, guests were given a guided tour of the Le Pont Residences showroom—a sneak peek into the premium features of the property that is currently rising within the Bridgetowne destination estate that straddles Pasig and Quezon City.

See photos from the Esquire Apartment event here: 

Scale model of Le Pont Residences at Bridgetowne

Paulo Campos, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Richard Sotelo

Two-bedroom showroom of Le Pont Residences

Berck Cheng, Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng, Ramon Garcia

Paulo Campos, Richard Sotelo, Minette Navarrete, Berck Cheng

Paulo Campos, Pia Bernal, Rene Cuartero, Franco Varona, PJ Caña

Martin Cu and Stephanie Anne Go (Vice President and Business Development and Design Head of RLC Residences)

PJ Caña giving the welcome speech

Richard Juan, Dr. Rica Cruz, and Vince Yabyabin Corporate Sales Manager of RLC Residences

Jon Lim

Richard Juan and Somewell Gadiane, Brand Manager of RLC Residences