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CELEBRATE INNOVATION AT THE 2ND ANNUAL KMC STARTUP AWARDS

Join us for an evening dedicated to recognizing the startups and visionary entrepreneurs who are transforming industries. Experience the thrill of winner announcements, connect with industry leaders, and explore groundbreaking innovations. Together, let’s celebrate the brilliance, inspiration, and future of entrepreneurship!

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The KMC Startup Awards is not just an event; it’s a movement that recognizes and honors the relentless drive of startups that dare to dream big. Launched in 2023, this awards program was born out of a desire to spotlight the innovators who are transforming industries and making a lasting impact on society. These awards celebrate the grit, creativity, and passion that define the startup journey. This year, we continue our mission to recognize those who push boundaries and inspire others to do the same.

Event Details

Nomination Open: September 13, 2024

Nomination Ends: October 3, 2024

Awards Night: November 15, 2024

Venue: 6F One Ayala, East Tower

Address: EDSA corner, Ayala Ave, Makati, 1226 Metro Manila

KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Stay ahead of the competition by keeping these important dates in mind. Each milestone is a step closer to gaining the recognition your startup deserves.

October 3

Nominations Close

October 11

Finalists Announced

November 15

Awards Ceremony

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Why Join the KMC Startup Awards?

Prepare for an evening filled with innovation, celebration, and inspiration at the KMC Startup Awards!

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Gain Unmatched Exposure and Credibility

Elevate your startup by shining a spotlight on your achievements. The KMC Startup Awards provide a platform to boost your brand's visibility, enhance your credibility, and set you apart in a competitive market.

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Attract Top Talent

Showcase your innovative success and position your startup as a dynamic, industry-recognized workplace of choice. Participation in these awards signals to potential employees that your company is a place where innovation thrives.

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Receive Valuable Feedback

Benefit from the insights of our esteemed panel of experts and judges. Their feedback offers you actionable guidance, helping you refine your business strategies and accelerate your growth.

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Expand Your Network

Connect with industry leaders, peers, and potential investors in a vibrant networking environment. The KMC Startup Awards create opportunities for meaningful partnerships and investments that can fuel your growth journey.

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Validate Your Business Model

Recognition at the KMC Startup Awards signifies the impact and potential of your business model. This validation can be a game-changer, instilling confidence in your team, investors, and customers, and setting the stage for future success.

Judges

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Alwyn Joy Rosel is an innovation leader with over a decade of experience in the startup industry. As Deputy Director of QBO Innovation, she drives programs and consulting at Ideaspace Foundation, focusing on partnerships, community building, and startup development. She also consults for DOST PCIEERD, advises DOST PCHRD’s HeartNovation Hubs Program, and mentors student ventures globally as a jury member for Wadhwani Foundation's Impact NEN Program.

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Ben has been active in the Philippines startup ecosystem since 2017, first a as a founder, then mentor and ecosystem builder, and today as a venture capital investor. As the Head of Investments at IdeaSpace Ventures, one of this country's leading seed stage VCs, Ben identifies and invests in early-stage Filipino startups with the highest potential for rapid growth.

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Dean Bernales, MSt from Cambridge University, pioneered startup PR in the Philippines, working with VCs, LPs, accelerators, and founders to help startups gain traction and attract investments. Tatler Asia named him 2024 GenT Leader of Tomorrow for his contributions to the local startup scene.

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As MD & Co-founder of KMC Group, Michael McCullough oversees real estate teams handling major tenant representation projects, focusing on delivering scalable and flexible workspace solutions for diverse businesses.

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Quenby is the Executive Director of MAIN and an Honorary Trustee of the Board. With 11 years of investment banking experience, she later founded an interior and visual design studio and a beverage distribution business. She is focused on expanding MAIN's membership and fostering connections with homegrown startups, while advocating for gender-diversified and impact investing to drive positive change in the Philippine startup ecosystem. Quenby also serves on the MIB Program Advisory Board at AIM and the Board of Advisers at John Gokongwei School of Management.

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Ray, General Partner at Kaya Founders, manages the Zero to One Fund with 14 years in e-commerce, including as CEO of Lazada Philippines. He has held roles at Amazon US, aCommerce, and has invested in tech startups in Southeast Asia since 2014. Ray sits on the boards of STI, Philippine Seven Corp, and Paymongo. He holds a B.S. from Ateneo and an MBA from Stanford.

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Steve is the CEO and Founder of Great Deals E-Commerce Corp. Great Deals is the leading e-commerce solution provider in the Philippines and was recognized by the financial times as the fastest growing company in Asia-Pacific. Considered an “Industry Disruptor”, Steve was awarded EY Technology Entrepreneur of the year. He is an Alibaba Business School E Founder Fellow , An endeavor entrepreneur, A Mansmith innovation awardee, one of the Top 100 Filipinos to follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning.

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Raya, Kaya's employee number 1, built its foundations and oversees operations, research, key programs, and ecosystem initiatives. She led pre-seed investments in Mochi, Five Beauty, Pure Culture, and TechUp. She also leads SoGal Foundation's Manila chapter, supporting 70+ Filipina entrepreneurs. Raya graduated Cum Laude from Princeton University with a degree in economics and minors in urban studies and political economy.1

KMC Startup Awards Winners

Meet the exceptional minds behind the triumph of KMC Startup Awards – pioneers who have redefined the future of innovation. Join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements and groundbreaking contributions that continue to shape the landscape of entrepreneurship.

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Categories

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Past Winners

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Last year’s KMC Startup Awards

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Experience the journey of last year’s nominees and winners who transformed their aspirations into remarkable achievements. The 2023 KMC Startup Awards showcased the essence of innovation, featuring startups that broke new ground and left a lasting impact.

Press Release

The KMC Startup Awards offer more than just recognition; they provide a stage where your achievements can shine. Last year's awardees garnered attention from leading media outlets, amplifying their reach and influence. This year, being part of the awards could help your story resonate even further, opening doors to new opportunities and broadening your impact.

Guidelines

Eligibility

The KMC Startup Awards welcome startups from the Philippines with a minimum of one year and a maximum of ten years of operational history as of the submission deadline. Eligibility spans across diverse industries, encompassing technology, healthcare, finance, and more, offering nominees the opportunity to submit entries for multiple award categories, contingent upon meeting the respective category criteria.

Awards Ceremony

The KMC Startup Awards ceremony will take place on November 15, 2024 at KMC One Ayala East Tower, Makati

Finalists and winners will be recognized during the ceremony.

Submission Deadline

All entries must be submitted online by October 3, 2024.

Publicity and Media

Upon submitting an entry, nominees consent to the use of their company name, logo, and other submitted materials by KMC Startup Awards organizers for promotional and media-related purposes associated with the awards event.

Submission Process

All entries must be submitted via the official KMC Startup Awards submission portal and must include all necessary documents and information as outlined for the selected award category.

Feedback and Inquiries

For any questions or inquiries regarding the submission process or the awards event, nominees can contact the KMC Startup Awards organizers at kmcawards@kmc.solutions

Confidential Information

To safeguard sensitive or confidential information within the submission, nominees are encouraged to clearly indicate it by using highlighting or red font color. The KMC Startup Awards organizers will implement measures to ensure the protection of such confidential content.

Categories and Criteria

Nominees are encouraged to carefully review the award categories and their specific criteria before submitting entries.

Notification of Nominees

Nominees will be notified of their status as finalists in advance of the awards ceremony.

Submission Deadline Extension

Any request for an extension of the submission deadline must be made in writing to the KMC Startup Awards organizers well in advance of the original deadline.

FAQs

1.What is the KMC Startup Awards event?

The KMC Startup Awards is an event that celebrates and recognizes outstanding startups and visionary entrepreneurs in the Philippines. It showcases the innovation, excellence, and contributions of startups to various industries.​​

2.Who can participate in the KMC Startup Awards?

The KMC Startup Awards is open to startups based in the Philippines. Startups should have been in operation for a minimum of one year as of the submission deadline.

3.How can I submit my startup for consideration in the awards?

To submit your startup for consideration, please visit the official KMC Startup Awards submission portal and follow the guidelines for your chosen award category.

4.Are there entry fees for the KMC Startup Awards?

No, there is no entry fee. Your participation includes access to the event as well as complimentary food and cocktails.

5.What are the award categories available for nomination?

The award categories vary from year to year and may include categories such as Startup of the Year, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year, Tech Innovator Award, and more. Please refer to the official KMC Startup Awards website for the most up-to-date list of categories.

6.Who judges the entries for the KMC Startup Awards?

Entries are evaluated by a panel of expert judges with extensive experience in the startup ecosystem and relevant industries. The judges' decisions are final and binding.

7.When and where will the KMC Startup Awards ceremony take place?

The KMC Startup Awards happens on November 15, 2024, 6:00PM-10:00PM at KMC One Ayala East Tower Makati.

8.Is there a process for appealing the judges' decisions?

No, the judges' decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

9.How can I stay updated on the latest news and updates about the KMC Startup Awards?

For any questions or inquiries regarding the submission process or the awards event, nominees can contact the KMC Startup Awards organizers at kmcawards@kmc.solutions