College Founders Changing the Game

Is launching a startup in college too ambitious? Not for these go-getters.

These young founders are smashing age-related stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a startup founder.

They are not waiting for opportunities; they are creating them. Their ventures are more than just business ideas; they're bold statements that determination know no age limits.

As we dive into their stories, prepare to be captivated by this new generation of disruptors, dreamers, and doers!

While pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Management at the Ateneo de Manila University, Dave is also busy building Cheko, an EdTech platform connecting students with subject experts for homework help. No fancy funding, no marketing budget – just hustle and a Wi-Fi connection.

Zero outside capital? Challenge accepted. Cheko grew organically, fueled by determination and expanded by net income. The result? Over 6,000 tasks tackled, 2,000+ happy students across 40 universities (local and international!), and a network of 300 subject experts!

But wait, there’s more! While scaling his EdTech startup, he also managed D'Vendo, a nationwide chain of gumball machines offering a twist on winning (you could snag 1, 2, 3, 4, or even 5 gumballs with just one coin!). Talk about juggling!

So, what's Dave's secret sauce? A potent blend of hard work, smart action, relentless practice, and a healthy dose of risk-taking. These are the ingredients he throws into everything he does, from building businesses to navigating life.

Forget everything you think you know about 21-year-olds. Justin is a proof that ambition doesn't need a filter. He’s the Co-Founder and COO of NexHire by day, passionately leads his project Juan PH by night, and acing his accounting exams at De La Salle University - Manila in between (because, why not?).

NexHire, his brainchild, isn't just another startup. It's a talent marketplace built on the power of good karma, a referral-based talent marketplace that rewards contributors in the hiring process.

But there’s more to him than that! He is the silent hero behind Juan PH, delivering over P1 million in relief aid to more than 10+ communities in Vis-Min. Deeply committed to championing social welfare, he truly makes an impact!

Take the first step. Justin understands that many people are scared of risks, often waiting until later in life when they have stability to take that first step. He, however, encourages everyone to take that leap.

Jed (aka TraderKreios) a fourth-year computer science student at UP Diliman has cracked the code to building thriving communities (over 23,000 strong on TikTok, no less!) and empowering people to trade forex and crypto.

He's not just your average crypto bro, though. As TraderKreios, he's touched over many lives by sharing his powerful trading skills, turning financial anxiety into empowered independence. With his talent, passion, and community, the only way is up — and he's taking us all along for the ride.

But that’s just tip of the iceberg! Jed's not just teaching, he's building. Jed is creating KreiosLabs, a cryptocurrency screener that will allow people to fully take advantage of the roaring bull market. Imagine making smarter and data-driven trades with this powered tool, helping us maximize our earning potential!

Ever dreamed of apartment hunting with zero drama? Alyssa made it a reality with Dormy, a marketplace for residential leasing – connecting renters, landlords, and services in one platform. This is while pursuing an Economics degree at De La Salle University - Manila (girl-boss on the rise!)

But that’s just the first wave, buckle up for more! She crushed it as a top 10 finalist in the SheLovesTech 2023 Philippines Round and now shakes things up as a member of the ASEAN Business Youth Association!

Proudest moment? National TV glory! As a solopreneur before Dormy, GMA invited her to share her vision. She snagged new clients, loyal customers, and unexpected friendships, ticking off a career bucket list earlier than expected, and empowering her to love doing business more at a young age!

Her secret weapon? A head full of economic smarts and data science allowing her to read market trends like a book and disrupt industries with data-driven insights.

Remember that viral thesis video that exploded online with its next-level AgriTech innovation? Yeah, that was Dennis. A recent graduate in Computer Engineering from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology and a dedicated AgriTech enthusiast, he is just getting started!

Way beyond farming likes on social media! Dennis founded FrescoGreenovations and All.g startups, where he's channeling his passion for IoT and AI/Data Analytics into making farms smarter, greener, and way more productive — an agriculture 2.0.

His graduation was more than a cap and gown. He snagged the "Best Thesis" award, propelling him onto the international stage. He conquered an international conference, wowed the judges with his presentation, and walked away with the coveted "Best Presenter” title.

As fertile as the fields he works with, just after graduating 6-months ago, he is making headlines from local news to international conferences, there’s an upcoming GMA feature with Kuya Kim!

While others are building startups, this college student is investing! Jason from Ateneo de Manila University, strives to empower students by founding Nila Capital, the country's first and only student venture fund at a cap of $10,000 per round.

But it's not just money – Jason's vision stretches far beyond mere capital. Nila Capital is a game-changer, focused on backing talented founders lacking access and resources, offering young founders the opportunity to be part of an expansive network of Gen Z entrepreneurs.

This wasn't always the plan, though. Once a passionate software engineer, Jason saw firsthand the power of technology to create positive change. But it wasn't enough. He yearned to level the playing field, to make that change accessible to even the most underestimated dreamers. So, Nila Capital was born!

Funding startups is just the beginning. Jason's true mission is to ignite a ripple effect of empowerment. Every young founder Nila Capital touches fuels his dream of a future where opportunity knocks on every door, not just a select few!

Iyana, a former batch president of the college of business at De La Salle University - Manila is taking pride in how she turned her life to a surprising full-360. From settling for basic goals and once satisfied with "good enough” attitude, she is now busy building Serbiz.

Forget settling for ordinary! Iyana created Serbiz, a local web talent marketplace that is on its on-going public beta testing program before officially launching live in early 2024.

But she's not just the boss, she's the brains behind the beauty. She also does front-end development and creates UI/UX designs both out of passion. Other than that, she finds herself building networks and crafting pitches (she lives and breathes startups!)