KMC Startup Awards 2025: Innovation Without Limits

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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