TNB Aura to Invest $30 Million in Philippine Startups Over Three Years

Southeast Asia-focused venture capital firm TNB Aura plans to invest around $30 million in startups in the Philippines over the next three years. The company is optimistic about the country’s startup ecosystem’s growth potential, believing it will soon align with more developed markets.

TNB Aura co-founder and managing partner Vicknesh Pillay noted that the firm intends to allot approximately 20% of its latest fund to ventures in the Philippines. “We are very enthusiastic about the trends we are observing in the Philippines, and we look forward to playing a more significant role here,” he stated.

David Bonifacio, managing partner and head of the Philippines, expressed his views on the country’s growth prospects, pointing out the opportunities in sectors like healthcare, financial services, and education.

TNB Aura aims to be a sector-agnostic investor, focusing on startups with the potential for transformative growth. Its existing portfolio includes Philippine companies such as AcadArena and Salmon Group.

Bonifacio highlighted that the young demographic in the Philippines, combined with a rising entrepreneurial spirit, is a crucial factor driving optimism in the market. He emphasized the firm’s interest in collaborating with founders who can develop meaningful businesses addressing the nation’s challenges.

While the Philippine startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, Bonifacio believes that the market has much room for growth. He mentioned that although the deals may currently be smaller compared to those in more developed regions, he expects the quality of startups to improve as execution enhances, paving the way for more investments in the future.

David Bonifacio commented on the partnership, indicating that they anticipate several new deals next year. “I think you can expect a couple more deals next year that we’ll both do together. Hopefully, a lot more deals,” he stated.

Bonifacio underscored the significance of combining a strong local fund with a regional fund, which he believes will enhance support for startups. He mentioned that this collaboration aims to create better opportunities and foster growth in the local startup ecosystem, ultimately benefiting founders and investors alike.

Also Read:

• Innovation Exchange Program Feat. Investor of the Month, Rachel Lau
• Kagome Launches $50M AgriTech Fund in Partnership with SVG Ventures
• AdOnMo Secures $25 Million to Expand Digital Advertising Reach Across India
• AI-Powered Efficiency: Restoke.ai Gains $5.1 Million in Funding for U.S. Expansion
• Bridging Equity and Debt: Rachel Lau’s Insights on Venture Debt Financing