Early Stage VC Firm Kaya Founders Announces New Roster of Partners
Local early stage venture capital company Kaya Founders is introducing a new set of partners in an effort to expand its reach and technical know-how in bolstering the local Philippine tech and startup ecosystem.
In a statement, the firm said its expanded Venture Partner Program consists of a more diverse group of seasoned tech players, former founders, and experienced angel investors.
“Kaya Founders’ renewed Venture Partner Program reflects the firm’s broader commitment to identifying, investing in, and scaling the next generation of Philippine-focused startups,” the company said, adding that its latest cohort of Venture Partners includes a diverse group of former founders, seasoned tech operators, and experienced angel investors.
Also Read
Manila-Based VC Kaya Founders Raises P671 Million to Invest in Local Startups
The Esquire Trailblazers List 2025: 40+ Philippine Startups
Kaya Founders' New Partners
Starting out the new slate of seasoned partners is Kendrick Kho, the founding general partner of venture capital company Hyperparameter, which focuses on US-based artificial intelligence applications. He has also invested in global companies like Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Stripe, and Boom Supersonic. Kho’s priorities will include linking the Philippine startup and tech ecosystem through global AI innovation via cross-border education, investment access, and startup linkups.
Google DeepMind startup advisor Martin Gonzalez also joins the list, bringing with him his knowledge on organizational development. He was also one of the authors of The Bonfire Moment, which is about building and handling teams of various sizes within startups. Gonzales also teaches at Stanford, Wharton and INSEAD.
Also bringing tech-expertise to the partner pool is Senior Director of Global Web Projects at Minor Hotels Mandy Arbilo, who has also worked as senior vice precise for program management at Cenergy Innovation (Central Digital Office), where he was responsible for rolling out e-commerce initiatives in Thailand.
Calanthia Mei is a founding member of PayPal’s venture arm and is the co-founder of the Masa Network or a decentralized data network for AI. She helped scale a fintech startup to a $130 million raise before its acquisition, with her work being featured in Forbes, CNBC, NYSE, and NASDAQ TV.
Another new partner is Rhea See, CEO and co-founder of She Loves Tech, the world’s leading network of women entrepreneurs. See and her colleagues at She Loves Tech have helped more than 15,000 women-led startups in 80 countries raise over $600 million.
Gelo Torres, CEO of Fronted, connects remote companies with global talent. He is expected to bring a wealth of ecommerce and logistics know-how to Kaya Founders.
Rounding off the list is PropertyGuru Group Vice President Alex de Leon, who will bring technical expertise in full-funnel marketing, digital growth and consultative sales to the table.
Manila contonues to be a hub for startup growth, posting about $1 billion in funding for startups each year in the past two years, based on a report by Foxmont Capital Partners and BCG.
