Kickstart Ventures Unveils 2026 Strategy: AI Focus, Portfolio Resilience, and Deeper LP Partnerships in Southeast Asia

Kickstart Ventures, the Philippines' largest technology venture capital firm and a wholly-owned arm of Globe Telecom, has announced its 2026 plans emphasizing portfolio strength and strategic growth.

Managing three funds including the landmark ACTIVE Fund, the firm invests globally in early-to-growth-stage tech startups amid a challenging regional landscape.

Navigating 2025's Tough Market

In 2025, Southeast Asian venture funding plummeted with Philippine equity deals dropping 55% year-over-year to $86.4 million, prompting Kickstart Ventures to focus on founder support and resilience.

A pivotal achievement was the first exit for the ACTIVE Fund, as portfolio company SlashNext was acquired by Varonis to bolster AI-native email security.

Portfolio standouts like Transcelestial, Pickup Coffee, KICKS Crew, LotusFlare, and Featherless demonstrated strong traction despite market headwinds.

The firm also made a seed investment in a US-based AI-driven cybersecurity startup, signaling early global expansion.

Three Pillars for 2026 Success

Adopting a portfolio-first approach, Kickstart Ventures will maintain weekly founder meetings to optimize go-to-market, hiring, and fundraising.

Selective bets will prioritize exceptional AI teams worldwide, seeking synergies with corporate limited partners' needs.

Deepening CVC partnerships aims to facilitate pilots, customer deals, and distribution for measurable value creation.

Historically rooted as a corporate VC pioneer, the firm's impact includes accelerating commercial pathways in a capital-constrained era.

General Partner Joan Yao eyes a healthier survivor set of startups with improved unit economics and clearer liquidity paths ahead.