Quezon City, Philippines - Likhaan, the trailblazing platform for Filipino creators, has successfully passed the rigorous selection and evaluation process of StartUp QC, joining six other trailblazing startups in the program's 2nd cohort. Likhaan, alongside Eco-Uling by Project Lily Inc., Forent, Hibla PH, Kippap Learning, and Zaxxun’s Boxmatic, demonstrated exceptional potential and innovation. This culminated in a victorious performance during the final pitch event on December 1, 2023, where five startups, including Likhaan, emerged victorious, each winning a Php 1,000,000 grant.
About StartUp QC (Quezon City) Cohort
The StartUp QC program, which began in mid-October after screening hundreds of applicants, provided six accepted startups with a comprehensive support system. This included coaching, mentoring, industry exposure, and networking opportunities, all facilitated by StartUp QC’s esteemed partners, including prominent QC-based educational institutions, government offices, and private companies.
Throughout the program, Likhaan and its fellow cohort members underwent various training and mentoring sessions, refining their business strategies and product development plans.
This culminated in the highly anticipated Demo Day last December 1, 2023, where the startups presented their pitches to a distinguished audience of angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts. The event served as a pivotal platform for the startups to secure potential partnerships and funding opportunities.
Our Likhaan women founders, Isis Umali (left) and Aileen Adalid (right).
December's Demo Day
Out of the six finalists, five startups - Eco-Uling by Project Lily Inc., Forent, Hibla PH, Kippap Learning, and Likhaan - emerged victorious, each receiving a Php 1 million equity-free financial grant. In addition to the financial support, the winning startups will benefit from ongoing business and product development assistance.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the significance of the StartUp QC initiative, stating, "Our startup initiative aims to create new jobs and opportunities, stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit, promote innovation, and strengthen the startup ecosystem in Quezon City."
The Quezon City Public Information Office (PIO) also highlighted the diversity of the chosen finalists, which span various industries such as e-commerce, sustainable goods, and digital platforms.
The StartUp QC Program collaborates with prestigious institutions, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Quezon City University (QCU), Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU), Miriam College (MC), Thames International, Technological Institute of the Philippines (T.I.P.), and the University of the Philippines, Diliman (UPD).
It also partners with StartUp Village and Launchgarage, providing a robust network of support for budding entrepreneurs.
Likhaan’s participation and success in the StartUp QC program align perfectly with its mission to uplift the Philippine art scene, offering sustainable opportunities for Filipino creators. Through the 17-82-1 campaign, Likhaan aims to digitize creators across 17 regions and 82 provinces, preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the Philippines on a global scale.
