Iloilo City – The local innovation ecosystem took a bold step forward as FyrLab Accelerator, with the support of Innovate Iloilo, gathered Ilonggo business leaders, startup founders, and enablers for a dynamic session on “Angel Investing 101” last Friday at What’s Up? Lounge in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
The highlight of the evening was the engaging presentation by Ms. Jahleel-An “Yen” Burao, Head of Business Operations at Kaya Founders, a leading early-stage investment firm championing visionary entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. Yen shared practical insights into the fundamentals of angel investing, including what angel investors typically look for in startups, what makes a solution investable, and how founders can position themselves for early-stage funding.
The session wasn’t just a lecture—it sparked meaningful conversations. Attendees raised thought-provoking questions and discussed the exciting possibility of forming a local angel syndicate to support the region’s most promising startups.
Among the distinguished guests were:
💠 Engr. Rowen Gelonga, Regional Director of DOST Region VI
💠 Mr. Mikee Canaman, Executive Director of Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILED)
💠 Engr. Fulbert Woo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter
Also present were representatives from business groups, TBI managers, startup leaders, the Iloilo City LEDIP Office, and DOST VI personnel — showcasing the strong support from both public and private sectors in nurturing Iloilo’s innovation ecosystem. This event forms part of the ongoing private sector-led efforts to strengthen startup development in the region. It reflects a shared vision across multiple stakeholders to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and investable innovation landscape in Western Visayas.
🔍 About the Organizers:
✅ FyrLab Accelerator is a key player in Iloilo’s innovation movement, leading initiatives that support early-stage startups and local ecosystem development.
✅ Kaya Founders backs early-stage startups across Southeast Asia, helping founders scale their ideas into high-impact ventures.
✅ This event was co-organized with Innovate Iloilo, DOST Region VI, UMWAD Western Visayas, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, Iloilo Business Club, and Iloilo Economic Development Foundation.
Let’s build a strong startup ecosystem—together.
#FyrLabAccelerator #AngelInvesting101 #InnovateIloilo #StartupWesternVisayas #StartupPH #StartupIloilo
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