Bridging Filipino Founders & Funders — From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
Bridging Filipino Founders and Funders — From Brain Drain to Brain Gain
This event is co-presented by the Filipino American Community at Stanford, PhilDev Foundation, and Dream Bigger Squad.
Agenda:
3:00pm - Registration & Networking Roundtables
🚀 Founders with Christeen Green
💰 Funders with Eric Valle
🤝 Ecosystem Builders / Students with Stanford Filipino American Community
3:50pm - Opening Remarks by PhilDev & Stanford
4:15pm - Funders Panel Moderated by Regina Manzana-Sawhney
Mona Lisa Yuchengco, Philanthropist/Activist/Publisher
Kendra Viloria, Angel Investor at Kapwa Capital
Eric Valle, GP at Foundery1
5:00pm - Founders Showcase Co-hosted by Christeen & Joe Green in partnership with Founders Live
🎤 Four Filipino American founders pitch LIVE
❓ Interactive audience Q&A session
🗳️ Vote for your favorite pitch!
🎉 Fun, engaging community segment
5:45pm - Closing Remarks & Winner Announced
6:00pm - Networking Reception (light Filipino appetizers)
Description:
Roughly one in ten Filipinos live or work overseas—a testament to talent and resilience, but also a signal of the opportunity gap at home. This Filipino American History Month, Stanford convenes Filipino American founders, funders and ecosystem builders to shift the story from brain drain to brain gain. Building on the example of leaders like Dado Banatao and the work of PhilDev—and in partnership with Dream Bigger—we will explore how diaspora talent, capital, mentorship, and research partnerships can catalyze high-value jobs, homegrown startups, and globally competitive industries in the Philippines and beyond.
Our goal is simple: connect Filipino American founders, funders, and builder with students, scholars, and the FACS community to create pathways for Filipino talent to thrive in the Philippines—and to mobilize not just remittances, but relationships, know-how, and long-term capital for a shared future.
Who should come:
This gathering is designed for Filipino American business founders, nonprofit founders, investors, philanthropists, students and builders of all kinds—across industries, generations, and sectors. Whether you are aspiring to launch a venture, leading a venture, funding impact-driven initiatives, or building community infrastructure, your voice and vision belong here.
What to expect:
Honest conversations about the needs, goals, and opportunities facing our community.
Connections across industries, generations, and sectors.
Stories and insights on how entrepreneurship, investing, and philanthropy can create lasting impact.
An inclusive and collaborative environment designed to spark partnerships and momentum.
Why come:
This is more than a networking event—it’s a step toward shaping the future of Filipino innovation and impact. Together, we will build the relationships and shared vision needed to fuel a larger 2026 Filipino Founders, Funders & Builders Summit in Seattle, WA. Your presence today helps shape what’s possible tomorrow. Let’s dream bigger and build, together.
Co-Presented By:
Filipino American Community at Stanford
In Partnership With:
Want to partner?
Email [email protected].
Stay in touch
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