Copy - Copy - Class 36 Concept Guide V3

Building an Initial Team

Objective: Learn what is needed to form the Dream Team

Ecosystem Support

Risks of an Imbalanced Team

Startup Culture and the Team you need

Skills of a Balanced Team

TEAM DELIVERABLE:Define your Venture Team Requirements

When and how to build a team

CONCEPT PRIMER

• Speciallised skills
• Experienced resources

• Industry Experience
• Wide Network
• Credibility
• Reputation

• Skills and Expertise
• Culture Fit
• Adaptability
• Growth Mindset

• Complementary Skills
• Shared Vision & Values
• Trust and communication

GIG WORKERS

MENTORS & ADVISORS

FOUNDING TEAM

COFOUNDERS

Building a team at the startup idea stage requires careful consideration of the evolving needs of the business.

When and how to build a team

Strategic Thinking

Operations & Finance

Market Positioning & Sales

Product Development

VALUE FOR STARTUP

OPERATIONS BACKGROUND

BUSINESS/MARKETING EXPERIENCE

TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND

INDUSTRY DOMAIN /KNOWLEDGE

SKILLS IN A BALANCED TEAM

Investors/Mentors discriminate against founders who pitch in Taglish

Investors look down upon Tier-2/3 founders

One needs a degree from top universities like UP, Ateneo, or La Salle to succeed as a founder

TEAM MYTHS

RISKS OF AN IMBALANCED TEAM

CLOSED CULTURE

EGO BATTLES

POOR MARKET IMPACT

LIMITED INNOVATION

Effective Recruitment Channels

The Dream Team

Team Players

Flexible

Problem-Solvers

Passionate

• Diversity

• Open Communication

• Flexibility and Autonomy

• Learning Opportunities

• Recognition and Rewards

The right culture is all about creating an environment where employees feel connected to the company's goals, supported in their careers, and valued for their contributions.

STARTUP CULTURE AND THE TEAM YOU NEED

What role can Incubators play?

Hackathons and Competitions

Specialized Platforms

Industry Specific Events

Social Media and Forums

Networking expands your pool of potential co-founders and mentors, increasing the likelihood of finding individuals with the complementary skills and expertise needed for your startup. Diverse backgrounds and experiences can provide valuable insights and innovative ideas, enhancing the overall quality of your team.

Networking Events and Meetups

Incubators and Accelarators

Online Platforms

Universities and College Networks

Ecosystem Support

Opportunities to connect with partners, and clients, as well as other startup founders, facilitating valuable networking opportunities

What do incubators look for in a startup?

Networking

Facilitate connections to potential investors and help startups become investment-ready

Mentors & Advisors

Business Services

Training Programs

Investor Connect

Offer access to experienced mentors and advisors who guide business strategy, product development, marketing, and more.

Workshops, seminars, and training sessions on relevant topics

Provide access to essential business services and tools, such as legal advice, accounting, and HR support

ROLE OF INCUBATORS

• Upload all details in the Venture Activity

Upload

• Prepare a Talent Requirements Table for your startup.

Prepare

• Review your current and future needs of talent covering technology, business, etc.

REVIEW

Steps to Take

Your Deliverable – Table of Requirements

Venture Activity 10.1: Finding Co-Founders and Mentors Venture Activity 10.2: Building an Initial Team

Jan 2025-Sept 2025

Talent Requirements

Cofounders

There isn't a best time to look for co-founders. You can seek them out at various stages, based on your need. Here are some common stages to look for cofounders:

• At the Inception of the Idea, at the very beginning, when you first have a clear concept of your startup idea.
• Another good time to seek co-founders is after you have done some initial validation of your idea.
• Look for co-founders when you identify critical skill gaps that are necessary to move the startup forward.
• At times, seeking a co-founder with specific industry connections or strategic insights can be advantageous.

Co-founders play a critical role in shaping the startup’s vision, providing complementary skills, and sharing the emotional and operational burdens of building a company.

Employees in a startup environment should possess an entrepreneurial spirit, showing initiative, resilience, and a drive to learn.

FLEXIBLE

Founding Team

You may need to build your core team as your product/service reaches product market fit and you start expanding. Before that stage, the founders team, mentors and advisor with the support of gig workers should do the trick. When you start building the core team look for the following: Skills and Expertise: Hire individuals with the necessary skills to develop your product or service. Versatility is key as early team members often wear multiple hats. Cultural Fit: Ensure that team members align with the startup’s culture and values. A positive and collaborative culture fosters innovation and motivation. Adaptability and Growth Mindset: Startups evolve rapidly, so founding team members must be adaptable and eager to learn and grow with the company.

Gig Workers

Leveraging gig workers and freelancers can be an effective way to access specialized skills without long-term commitments and be cost-effective.

• When you're in the early stages of developing your product or service, gig workers can be invaluable.
• When your startup faces peak workloads or seasonal demand, gig workers can help manage the increased volume.
• At times, your startup might require specialized knowledge or expertise that your core team lacks.

Social Media

Offers many opportunities to network

• Facebook Groups: Join Filipino startup-focused groups such as “Philippine Startups,” “Startup PH,” and “Freelancers and Startups PH” for discussions, advice, and networking opportunities.
• Reddit Philippines: Subreddits like r/Philippines and r/PHStartups can be valuable for advice, discussions, and networking with other Filipino entrepreneurs.

Online Platforms

Many online platforms offer great networking opportunities:

• AngelList Philippines: While there’s no specific AngelList for the Philippines, you can still use AngelList’s global platform to find Filipino startups, investors, and potential co-founders.
• LinkedIn: Join Filipino startup and entrepreneurship groups such as “Philippine Startups” or “Philippine Startup Digest” on LinkedIn. Engage with discussions, connect with local entrepreneurs, and stay updated on relevant events.
• CoFoundersLab: CoFoundersLab is also accessible to Philippine users and can be a helpful platform for finding local mentors and co-founders.

Startups typically have a flat hierarchy and a collaborative culture. The ability to work well in a team is important.

TEAM PLAYERS

University & College Networks

Most institutes today encourage entrepreneurship and have several opportunities to network

• Alumni Networks of Philippine Institutes: Universities such as Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle University, and the University of the Philippines have strong alumni networks. Many alumni groups focus on entrepreneurship and networking.
• Entrepreneurship Cells (E-Cells): Major universities in the Philippines, like the University of the Philippines and Ateneo, have entrepreneurship cells or programs. These often host events, pitch competitions, and mentorship programs.

Specialised Platforms

Here are a few:

• QBO Innovation Hub: QBO is a public-private initiative that supports Filipino startups. They offer mentorship, investor networking, and programs for founders.
• IdeaSpace: A Philippine-based incubator and accelerator that provides funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
• Launchgarage: Another incubator based in the Philippines, offering support through mentorship, coworking spaces, and networking with investors.

Industry Specific Events

These are many industry specific events orgainsed that you can participate in. Here are a few examples:

• Health 2.0 Asia – Manila: A health tech event specifically for the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, with networking opportunities in health technology.
• Fintech Philippines Association Events: Regular events by the Fintech Philippines Association connect fintech enthusiasts with industry experts and potential partners.

Incubators & Accelerators

Here are a few examples from Philippines:

1. QBO Innovation Hub – A public-private partnership with IdeaSpace, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It provides mentorship, funding opportunities, and a strong network for early-stage startups. 2. IdeaSpace Foundation – An accelerator supported by the MVP Group, offering mentorship, seed funding, and business support to tech-focused startups. It has helped launch many successful Filipino startups. 3. Launchgarage – Based in Manila, Launchgarage is a tech innovation hub offering incubation, mentorship, and funding for startups. It also connects startups to investors and corporate partners. 4. UP Enterprise (University of the Philippines) – Operates within the University of the Philippines Diliman and focuses on incubation and support for university-affiliated startups, providing mentorship, workspace, and networking. 5. DOST-TBI (Technology Business Incubator) Network – Under the Department of Science and Technology, this network includes multiple incubators across the Philippines, each providing specialized support to startups, particularly those in tech and innovation. 6. Kubo by PhilDev Foundation – Supports social enterprises with mentorship, training, and funding, focusing on startups that have a social impact.

Having team members who can think on their feet and devise innovative solutions is invaluable.

PROBLEM-SOLVERS

Early-stage startups need individuals who are not just looking for a job but are passionate about the mission and vision of the company.

PASSIONATE

• Innovative idea
• Large impact
• Committed and passionate Team
• Business model viability
• Fit with the incubator’s expertise

INCUBATORS

Understand the cost of participation, including any equity the incubator might take. Ensure that the terms are clear and acceptable for your startup's stage and future growth plans.

Here are some examples of events: 1. Go Negosyo Events – Hosted by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, Go Negosyo focuses on empowering Filipino entrepreneurs through various events like Mentor Me on Wheels and Go Negosyo Youth Entrepreneurship Summits. These events are great for networking, mentorship, and gaining insights from successful local entrepreneurs. 2. Philippine Startup Week – Organized in partnership with government agencies like DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and DOST (Department of Science and Technology), this annual event brings together tech startups, investors, and mentors. It includes networking opportunities, pitches, panel discussions, and workshops. 3. QBO Innovation Hub – QBO (pronounced as “kubo”) is a startup enabler that regularly holds networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs. Their InQlounges and QBO QLITAN are popular for bringing together local and international founders, investors, and other industry players. 4. SparkUp’s Spark Series – SparkUp, the business platform by BusinessWorld, organizes events such as Spark Series for young professionals, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The events typically include panel discussions, talks, and networking segments aimed at fostering connections within the business community. 5. Philippine Web3 Festival – Although newer, this festival attracts a growing number of tech enthusiasts, blockchain experts, and startup founders interested in Web3 and blockchain technology. It includes sessions on the latest in tech, networking events, and opportunities to collaborate.

Networking Events and Meetups

Hackathons & Competitions

Some examples:

• Philippine Startup Week: A large-scale annual event that brings together startups, mentors, and investors through workshops, hackathons, and pitch competitions.
• Hack Manila: Another hackathon event where students and entrepreneurs can collaborate and solve real-world problems, ideal for networking and finding co-founders.
• YouthHack Manila: Focused on high school and college students, YouthHack organizes hackathons, workshops, and startup challenges.

Mentors and Advisors

The timing for bringing them on board can vary depending on the stage of your startup and your specific needs. Here are key moments when you should consider seeking mentors and advisors:

• Seeking mentors and advisors during the idea validation stage can provide valuable insights and feedback.
• As you begin to develop and refine your business model, mentors and advisors can offer strategic guidance and industry insights
• When you are preparing to raise funds, having mentors and advisors can be incredibly beneficial as they can leverage their investor connects and help you refine your pitch.
• At various stages, you may encounter specific challenges where the expertise of mentors and advisors can be invaluable.
• When your startup is experiencing rapid growth, mentors and advisors can provide guidance to manage and sustain this growth effectively. They can be invaluable in crafting scaling strategies and provide operational expertise

• Personal / College Network / Placement offices
• Platforms (Linkedin, AngelList)
• Social networks / Incubators
• Networking events / meetups

EFFECTIVE RECRUITMENT CHANNELS