Why do so many Philippine startups fail — even with great ideas, funding, and passionate founders?

In this episode of KwentuOne Podcast, we talk to Rene Cuartero, CEO and Co-founder of AHG Lab, one of the country’s leading venture builders. Rene shares the hard truths behind startup struggles in the Philippines — from founder mindsets and challenges due to government regulations, to the hidden risks of raising money too early.

We delve into the realities of startup life: how AHG Lab selects founders to back, what distinguishes those who succeed, and why disappointed customers can be more detrimental than unhappy ones.

If you’re a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or part of the Philippine tech community, this episode is your real-world guide to surviving and thriving in today’s startup ecosystem.

🎙 Hosted by OneCFO, the KwentuOne Podcast brings you raw, practical, and inspiring conversations with the people shaping business in the Philippines.

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Is the real innovation in the Philippines happening outside of Manila?

In this episode, we sit down with Janni Boydon, host of the "Start Up Podcast PH," to challenge the conventional view of the PH startup scene. Janni shares his firsthand experience interviewing countless founders and reveals a powerful, grassroots ecosystem thriving in the provinces.

This is more than a discussion—it's an eye-opening conversation about why resilience and community might just be the most valuable assets a startup can have.

Get ready to rethink what makes a startup truly successful.

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Frustrated your business isn't growing as it should? Learn to scale without burnout! Ian Sanchez, CTO & growth specialist, shares actionable insights and reveals Flow21's system for efficiency and impact.

👉 Ready for consistent growth? Press play to hear how.

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Ever feel like you need a "silver spoon" to launch a successful startup? Think again. 🤔 In KwentuOne Episode 17, we chat with Ron Baetiong, a serial entrepreneur who defied every expectation, building and exiting multiple ventures from literally nothing.

Ron's not just sharing another story; he's giving us the real talk on how founders truly thrive even without privilege. You'll learn: what investors really look for, the mindset and grit needed to beat tough challenges, how to build your own strong support system, smart ways to hire the right team, and simple tips for managing your money so your startup scales.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned founders alike. Ron's journey proves that with enough grit, discipline, and the right know-how, you can achieve incredible success.

Ready to build your dream, no matter where you start? Hit play now! ▶️

Thinking that fast growth is always good? Think again! ⚠️ Many businesses chase growth at breakneck speed, only to hit financial trouble. 

For businesses in the Philippines, hitting revenue targets without truly knowing their costs can be disastrous long-term. Sound familiar?

In this powerful episode of the KwentuOne Podcast, we cut through this hype and show you how to really thrive and survive, even when things get tough.  We're joined by Jared Valarao, an exceptional CFO with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies and masterminding successful business turnarounds.

Discover invaluable hacks for business survival and true revenue growth, including how to:

• Find Hidden Costs: Learn to spot those sneaky cost drivers in everyday products that eat into your profits.
• Smart pricing tricks: Get insights into "price laddering" and "price waterfalls" (a trick from e-commerce!) to seriously boost your profit.
• Handle big crises: Get a behind-the-scenes look at steering a major airline like AirAsia through tough post-pandemic times.

This episode is a must-watch for any business owner, entrepreneur, or finance professional looking to build a resilient and genuinely profitable enterprise. Get the CFO's perspective that transforms challenges into strategic advantages.

Tune in now and equip your business with the financial wisdom to survive, grow, and conquer!

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Are you a Filipino founder or SME struggling to secure funding through traditional channels? 

In this powerful KwentuOne Podcast episode, we unlock the secrets of crowdfunding as a game-changing alternative for Philippine businesses. Join us as we sit down with Brandon Leong of Round One, the Philippines' first equity crowdfunding platform, to get real about smarter fundraising.

This conversation isn't just about getting money; it's about building a solid foundation and attracting the right investors. 

Join us as we dive deep into:

• Building an Investible Business: How to strategically prepare your startup to appeal to potential investors before you even ask for funds.
• Visibility & Connection: Discover how platforms like Round One boost your visibility, making it easier for both businesses and investors to find their perfect match.
• The Power of Transparency: Learn why showing your true financial picture, even the struggles, can actually strengthen investor relations and make them more eager to help you succeed.
• Why Crowdfunding Works: Understand why this is rapidly becoming one of the most effective and accessible alternative solutions for raising capital in the Philippines.

If you're ready to rethink your fundraising strategy and explore a more transparent, effective path to securing capital, this episode is a must-watch. Gain insights directly from a pioneer in the Philippine equity crowdfunding space!

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Feeling stuck? 🤔 Discover why many Filipino entrepreneurs hit a wall – and how YOU can break through!

In this game-changing KwentuOne episode, Artie Lopez, co-founder of NextPay and the man behind Brainsparks, reveals the unseen traps holding startups and SMEs from growing big. 

With his extensive experience, Artie shares straightforward, real talk for founders and entrepreneurs – the good, the bad, and everything in between! 🤣

Learn how to cultivate confidence, dream bigger, and truly rewire your mindset for unstoppable growth. This isn't just talk; it's about shifting your entire approach to running a business!

Watch until the very end for Artie's ultimate advice on how to start succeeding NOW! 🚀

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Are you making sales in your online business but still struggling with profitability? 🚧 Many e-commerce sellers are losing money without even realizing it! In this must-watch episode, we're diving deep to UNLOCK E-Commerce Roadblocks and reveal the secrets to real online growth.

Join us as we talk with Guita Gopalan, a seasoned e-commerce expert and Founder and CEO of Agyle Brands. From her early days in tech, Guita has transformed a personal care brand from modest six figures to a staggering eight figures in monthly sales. Her expertise extends beyond her own success, as she has assisted various brands in thriving online, making her a true powerhouse in the industry! She shares how her unique approach, focusing on complete business strategy (not just marketing!), helps brands truly thrive online.

What you'll discover in this episode:

• How Guita stepped into the then-new e-commerce scene in the Philippines.
• The shocking truth about making sales but losing money (a real-life case study you need to hear!).
• Why understanding your business's financials (like Unit Economics!) is more critical than just focusing on marketing.
• How Agyle Brands helps small and struggling businesses find their path to massive growth.
• The difference between quick wins and long-term strategies for online success.

Don't let hidden costs or missed opportunities hold your online business back! Watch this episode to gain clarity, discover actionable solutions, and unlock your path to true e-commerce profitability.

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