Philippines–Japan Startup & Business Investment Forum

Monday, September 1, 2025 | 2:00–5:00 PM (GMT+8)

Koala Workspace, McKinley Town Center, Taguig City

Forum Overview

Koala Workspace welcomed a 45-member Japanese university delegation for a half-day forum spotlighting the Philippine startup landscape, market-entry pathways, and fundraising routes.

Co-hosted with PYEA, the program blended market briefings, founder exchanges, and investor perspectives—cementing Koala as the Official Venue & Market-Entry Partner for cross-border entrepreneurship.

Gateway to PH startups

Guests saw firsthand how startups and SMEs fuel PH growth—and how Koala helps new players navigate registration, compliance, and set-up with ease.

Practical fundraising insights

Round One unpacked crowdfunding as a compliant, SEC-recognized option for early-stage hustlers.

Regional investor lens

Genesia Ventures revealed how Japanese VCs assess SEA opportunities, turning theory into boardroom-ready practice.

Chamber perspective

PCCI spotlighted networks and programs that help SMEs and delegations build trusted business bridges.

Program Highlights

Event Collage

Welcome & Context

  • Consul Bryan L. Ang (PCCI, Trade Facilitation / CSR / Youth Committee)
  • Ms. Loj Toñacao (VP for Membership, PYEA)

Special Remarks

  • Ruben J. Pascual (Secretary-General, PCCI): Strengthening PH–JP linkages, chambers’ role, SME internationalization.

Session 1 – Starting Up in the Philippines

  • Mr. Jose Siraj Murad (CEO, Koala): Market entry, workspaces, accounting enablement.
  • Ms. Charmaine Co (Marketing Head, Round One): Fundraising & PH crowdfunding in practice.
  • Q&A with Mr. Murad, Mr. Gabriel O. Dela Cruz (Koala), and Ms. Co.

Session 2 – Investor Perspective

  • Mr. Takahiro Suzuki (Genesia Ventures): What VCs look for, JP–SEA growth tips, and strategic investment playbooks.

Closing & Networking

  • Mr. Gio Ortiz Luis (National President, PYEA): Closing notes.
  • Structured networking with Koala community & guests.
  • Moderator: Ms. Mirabelle Agudo (Associate, PYEA)
  • Secretariat: Ms. Xy Rabadon

Key Takeaways for the Delegation

  • Market entry is doable with the right partners—Koala is your integrated landing pad.
  • Funding routes are diversifying: beyond angels & VCs, PH crowdfunding is rising.
  • Chambers = convenors. PCCI connects foreign delegations with credible partners.
  • JP–PH synergy is real: Japan’s product rigor + PH’s digital market & talent base.

About Our Event Partners

PYEA

PYEA

National network connecting young entrepreneurs with mentors, markets, and opportunities.

PCCI

PCCI

Largest business org in PH, fostering linkages and enabling SME growth.

Genesia Ventures

Genesia Ventures

Tokyo-based VC backing seed and early-stage teams across JP & SEA.

Round One (ESDC)

Round One (ESDC)

SEC-recognized crowdfunding platform for compliant startup fundraising.

Exploring the Philippine market?

Koala Workspace hosts delegations, learning visits, and soft-landing programs. Ready to explore?