SEA The Future: AI & Commerce From The PH
About The Event
January Capital and Kaya Founders are bringing together leading Philippines-based commerce founders for a panel discussion on the evolving intersection of AI and commerce, viewed through the lens of the Philippines as a strategic launchpad into Southeast Asia.
This conversation will explore how AI is shaping the future of commerce—from broad industry use cases to company-specific applications—and what this means for the next wave of PH startups. Founders will also share their perspectives on the AI innovation landscape locally, and how they’re building with regional expansion in mind.
Join us for an evening of insights, strategy, and vision as we unpack how AI is redefining commerce in the Philippines and beyond.
Agenda
6:00PM-7:00PM | Registration and Light Bites
7:00PM-8:00PM | Panel Discussion
8:00PM-9:00PM | Closing & Networking
Speakers
Karl Chan, Founder & CEO, Sourcy
Alexander Friedhoff, Founder & CEO, Etaily
Mel Nava, Co-Founder & CEO, 1Export
Raynard Lao, Investor, January Capital [Moderator]
About January Capital
At January Capital, we look to invest in technology businesses that will power growth in the Asia-Pacific region over the next decade. We are committed to investing in founders who challenge the status quo. We’re inspired by those individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves to solve some of the region’s biggest challenges. We are unwavering in our geographic focus: we invest in South-East Asia, with a secondary focus in Australia and India.
We specialise in providing early-stage venture capital to high growth businesses across a range of geographies. Our portfolio includes Akulaku, Shopback, aCommerce, CoLearn, Cyble, Cialfo and others.
About Kaya Founders
Kaya Founders is an early-stage venture capital firm backing the next generation of tech-enabled companies driving digital transformation in commerce and critical services across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. We invest in Pre-seed to Series A ventures aligned with three core themes:
1. AI-powered B2B platforms transforming major industries
2. Tech-enabled B2C models for the emerging consumer class
3. Embedded credit solutions empowering SMEs and consumers
Our mission is to build impactful companies that improve lives at scale and deliver strong returns for investors. We support our founders with our deep domain expertise and expansive network.