Tech accelerator Launchgarage once again joined hands with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to host the second cohort for EXPAND Philippines, a structured three-week market access program for Malaysian companies seeking to test and validate their products and services in the archipelago. In collaboration with UnionBank, the consortium hosted the second Demo Day which featured six Malaysian companies and their products and services.

“We look forward to opportunities to enable foreign companies entering the Philippines,” said Arvie de Vera, SVP and Head, Fintech Business Group of UnionBank of The Philippines.

This year’s cohort is a collection of experienced entrepreneurs running late-stage companies that underwent a month-long selection process, an intensive week of webinar sessions about the local ecosystem with mentors, online introductions to key stakeholders in their respective industries and an on-site immersion which comprises of deal flow facilitation between them and potential investors, clients and strategic partners in the Philippines.

“We are proud to announce that we have inked an exclusive deal with our Malaysian counterparts to continue co-hosting these market access programs, which provides value and accelerates their validation process when entering the Philippine market,” said Jojo Flores, COO, Launchgarage.

The cross border collaboration between Launchgarage Philippines and MDEC has created market access opportunities for Malaysian startups to expand their network and services to the Philippines,” said Keasavan Hari Krishnan, lead, Market Engagement, Growth Ecosystem Development, MDEC. “This program would not have been possible without our partner, Launchgarage.”