"A startup is nothing but a collection of talent. In 99.9% of companies and startups these days, it's a matter of the team you're able to build, and how you're able to lead and inspire them. Those are professional skills you learn that ultimately set you up for success in the long term." - Paulo Campos
"We provide advice, we provide capital, we provide network, and we can open doors. But most importantly, we provide courage. If seasoned executives and proven founders tell you your business is a good idea, you're going to feel 10 feet tall. You're going to feel like you can punch through walls, and that's the courage that we all need to build great companies." - Paulo Campos
"The Philippines is the youngest country in Southeast Asia, with a median age of 25. You will really see more leapfrogging and adoption progress here. The value you get as an investor—between the real customer traction we are seeing in these emerging companies and the reasonable valuations they command—makes it a great time to both build and invest in the Philippines." - Paulo Campos
00:00 - Introduction & Kaya Founders Overview
03:17 - Family Legacy & The Mission to Create Jobs in the Philippines
07:45 - Early Career at Ayala Group & Building Regional Context at BCG
16:00 - The Harvard Business School Experience & Career Crossroads
23:40 - Leaving Consulting to Build ZALORA Philippines from Scratch
29:40 - Pioneering E-commerce via In-House Cash-on-Delivery
34:50 - Pandemic Pivot & The "Cambrian Explosion" of Philippine Startups
41:00 - Why the Philippines is the Next Great Venture Frontier
44:20 - The Power of English Fluency & The Filipino Diaspora
51:50 - Providing Courage: The Real Role of Early-Stage Investors
Keywords: Southeast Asia Venture Capital, Kaya Founders, Paulo Campos, ZALORA Philippines Origin Story, Cash on Delivery E-commerce, Emerging Markets Tech Investing
