Professional network LinkedIn released its first Top Startups in the Philippines list with Tier One Entertainment, an esports and video gaming-oriented entertainment agency, topping the list. LinkedIn analyzed data across four pillars to compile the list: employee growth, jobseeker interest, the attraction of top talent, and engagement with the company’s LinkedIn page and its employees.

The complete list of the top 10 startups in the Philippines are:

1. Tier One Entertainment
2. SariSuki
3. Shoppertainment Live
4. Kumu
5. Edamama
6. GrowSari
7. PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange)
8. Edukasyon.ph
9. Peddlr
10. Prosperna

Employment growth is measured as a percentage headcount increase over the methodology time frame, which must be a minimum of 10%.

LinkedIn’s top PH companies for 2022 value mental health, inclusivity
PH companies go for skills over education in recruitment — LinkedIn

Engagement looks at non-employee views and follows of the company’s LinkedIn page, as well as how many non-employees view employees at that startup.

Job interest counts the rate at which people view and apply to jobs at the company, including paid and unpaid postings.

Attraction of top talent measures how many employees the startup has recruited away from LinkedIn Top Companies as a percentage of the startup’s total workforce.

“In the Philippines, we see a diverse mix in sectors such as e-commerce, education, and entertainment, which continue to lead the way in the future of skills by embracing innovation and attracting top talent with their robust cultures,” said Satoshi Ebitani, senior managing editor, LinkedIn News. “Through this list, we hope to spark meaningful conversations surrounding the future of work and inspire professionals to equip themselves with the necessary skills to thrive, no matter the headwinds.”

New era of entrepreneurship

The pandemic further propelled its growth as Filipinos embarked on micro or solo entrepreneurship to augment their income and overcome financial challenges. This new class of entrepreneurs behind startups such as SariSuki, Shoppertainment Live, Edamama, Growsari, Peddlr, and Prosperna met opportunities to respond to the demands of the times.

The success of the live-streaming platform Kumu, led by local creatives and talent, highlights the country’s growing demand for innovative and interactive digital entertainment that champions Filipino voices and perspectives. Meanwhile, gaming and e-sports company Tier One Entertainment shows the unique potential of this lucrative industry by investing in talent and technology.

“Investing in automation, the right people, and experienced leaders who are open to feedback and the ever-changing status quo of our industry was key for surviving and growing during the pandemic. Pivoting quickly through setbacks is vital to survival in these times,” Tryke Gutierrez, co-founder and CEO of Tier One Entertainment, said. “LinkedIn has helped us tell our story to the world. We’re able to share more long-form content that isn’t as readily digestible on other social media platforms to an audience that is more open to serious or nuanced discussion,” he added.

Education technology (Edtech) platform Edukasyon.ph (#8) saw an opportunity to be of service in response to the disruption in the education sector and emerging concerns about the future readiness of today’s youth.

As digital finance becomes more mainstream in the Philippines, the rise of PDAX (Philippine Digital Asset Exchange) (#7), a homegrown cryptocurrency exchange, indicates the Filipinos’ growing interest in exploring new frontiers in personal finance and investments to diversify and optimize their portfolios, navigate the current economic climate, and benefit from future growth potential.