TECH GIANT Google is partnering with IdeaSpace, the largest and longest-running early-stage start-up accelerator in the Philippines, to help tech entrepreneurs and improve the country’s startup ecosystem.
Google said in a statement on Monday that through its Google Developers Launchpad, which operates a global acceleration program for startups, it will be working with IdeaSpace “to top accelerators around the world to leverage their best practices and resources.”
The partnership will allow IdeaSpace to access Google’s global network, insights from the company’s Silicon Valley-based startup programs, and relevant studies.
“Google believes in empowering startup communities around the world, and helping them leverage each other for insights and resource sharing. We are thrilled to partner with IdeaSpace to support more startups and fuel the local ecosystem’s growth over the long term,” Google Philippines market lead Samuel Jeanblanc was quoted as saying in the statement.
For his part, IdeaSpace President Butch Meily said: “We’re excited to be a Powered by Launchpad partner for the Philippines, because it represents an influx of talent, knowledge, experience, and resources into the Philippine start-up ecosystem.”
“As our start-ups grow in number and mature, we need to ensure that we have the resources necessary to support their growth and development. We look forward to working with Google and our fellow Powered by Launchpad accelerators across Asia and around the world,” he added.
Google said further that through this partnership, IdeaSpace and its startup portfolio will join a growing network of “thriving independent accelerators across Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.”
Last July, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11337, or the Innovative Startup Act, that provides tax breaks and removes barriers to the founding of start-up companies.
The law qualifies for incentives “any person or registered entity in the Philippines which aims to develop an innovative product, process, or business model.”
The incentives include full or partial subsidies for business registration, application, and permit processing costs, among others. — Arjay L. Balinbin
