MFT CEO Sparks Passion of Pinoy Startups

Inspiring the Filipino startup community, MFT Group of Companies CEO Mica F. Tan graced the annual SparkUp Summit 2019, aptly themed “The Bayanihan Ecosystem: Cultivating Philippine Startups,” recently held in Quezon City.

Tan—who spoke before founders, incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists, and startup mentors—talked about a “Founder’s guide to funding,” where she shared tips on how to get investors to say “yes.”

“Investors will say ‘yes’ if you don’t make rookie mistakes, if you articulate how they can strategically help you in addition to just the money, and if your numbers are compelling,” explained Tan.

The young, accomplished CEO also discussed her successful journey to building MFT as one of the youngest players in the business of private equity in the country, but that which have “the biggest goals.”

Highlighting the difference between the business of private equity and strategic buying, Tan said, “Private equities invest in management teams and are generally interested in keeping and growing management teams in place; as opposed to strategic buyers who are more interested in terminating management teams with different investing philosophy.”

Tan—who has always been an advocate of empowering the Filipino startup community—shares the same vision with SparkUp Summit 2019—to power innovations and disruptions through collaborative entrepreneurship opportunities for each member of the community.