After attending last year’s startup exhibition, Ezra Ferraz, a former correspondent for Tech-in-Asia and Business Columnist for Rappler, thought of bringing startup mentality and entrepreneurship closer to Filipino culture by writing a book. A year later, Ezra published the book, The Finishers, which documents the successful exits and entrepreneurs in the Philippines.
During the launch of his book last August 9, he said, “Why are we trying to follow the successful entrepreneurs based in the US? Filipinos have different sets of needs and problems.”
He added, “If our founders want to build a tech company in the Philippines, there is only so much we can get from the heroes of Silicon Valley. What would serve us best are our own success stories. By celebrating our entrepreneurs who have succeeded right here at home, we can learn what it takes to survive and indeed thrive in this unique business landscape.”
It was a long and arduous task for Ferraz to complete his book. He had to interview and assess entrepreneurs in the country to come up with a credible list. He, eventually, put up a list, which consists of 11 successful exits:
- Airborne Access co-founder Jay Fajardo
- Anino Games founder Niel Dagondon
- BuyBitCoin.ph co-founder Sam Kaddoura
- Chikka leadership Dennis Mendiola, Chito Bustamante, and June Agcaoili
- GlobalOne co-founder John Orrock
- HeyKuya founder Shabab Shabibi
- MyProperty.ph managing director Butz de Castro
- PinoyMail.com co-founders Dominick Danao and Josephine Romero
- Social Light co-founders Francis and Annabelle Simisim, Franz Alfonso, and Erwin Lee
- Socialytics co-founders Jonas de los Reyes, Donald Lim, and Mon Lizardo
- Sulit co-founders RJ and Arianne David
The government recognized Ferraz’s effort of compiling successful entrepreneurship stories in the Philippines. As ASIEA celebrates its 50th anniversary, part of the gifts received by delegates around the region is The Finishers. This was confirmed by DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim who also graced the nationwide book launch.
The book is now available for PhP499 at Fully Booked stores nationwide.
Founded in 2009 by Gian Viterbo, Gadget Pilipinas is one of Philippines’ top sources for news, tutorials, reviews and tips about the latest trends in technology, gadgets, games, social and digital media and cyber culture.
