The ‘Open Edition’ aims to promote inclusivity and democratize access to opportunities for entrepreneurs beyond tech startups
The highly anticipated ninth season of “The Final Pitch,” the Philippines’ leading business reality TV show, is set to return on CNN Philippines with an exciting new theme: “Open Edition.” This season aims to provide opportunities for entrepreneurs, innovators, and startups from all industries to showcase their innovative business solutions to a diverse panel of investor-judges, who are eager to fund and support their ventures.
Hosted by the show’s creator, John Aguilar, the “Open Edition” season aims to emphasize the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the business world, specifically for non-technology startups seeking investment and partnership opportunities to propel their businesses to new heights.
Aguilar shared, “We have decided to make this an ‘Open Edition’ to give entrepreneurs of different sizes, industries, and verticals the chance to participate in the fundraising, mentoring, and market reach that The Final Pitch has been able to offer. This also allows us to democratize access to everything the show stands for, going beyond the traditionally dominant tech startups.”
This season’s panel of investor-judges brings together experts from various industries, providing unique perspectives and valuable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. The esteemed lineup includes Rico Bautista, President and CEO of Etiqa Life & General Assurance Philippines; Brian Poe-Llamanzares, President of Pantheon Holdings; Henry Aguda, President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank and Member-convenor of GoDigital Pilipinas; Robert Scott, Vice President-Hotel Operations of Okada Manila; and, for the first time, judges from the diplomatic corps, His Excellency Ilan Fluss, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, and Her Excellency Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines. These judges not only offer investment potential but also serve as strategic partners for the contestants.
During a virtual press launch, Rico Bautista expressed his interest in collaborating with entrepreneurs who possess strategic, feasible, and technological ideas with clear business opportunities. Bautista mentioned that he is particularly interested in startups that can help expand Etiqa’s business, focusing on areas such as insurance, customer service, and distribution. He also highlighted the importance of finding passionate leaders and strong business teams capable of combining art with technology.
Brian Poe-Llamanzares shared that he is looking for innovative solutions that address real problems and have a positive impact on the general public. He also stressed the significance of investing in entrepreneurs themselves, believing that the person behind the venture ultimately determines its success. Poe-Llamanzares expressed his excitement to engage with entrepreneurs who have a clear vision for their companies’ growth and can benefit from technological solutions, marketing assistance, and networking opportunities.
Henry Aguda, representing UnionDigital Bank, aims to provide banking services to the under-banked, unbanked, and SMEs. He expressed his excitement about discovering potential “diamonds in the rough” among the contestants—an SME that could become a unicorn in the future. Aguda is particularly interested in ideas that can transform industries and provide solutions to the government’s challenges.
Additionally, this season of “The Final Pitch” introduces an exciting opportunity for participants outside the program. The mentoring sessions, previously exclusive to the show’s contestants, will be open to students, startups, and other organizations. The Open House Mentoring Day episode, taking place on May 23 at Thames International Business School, will offer a one-day learning experience where participants can interact with a diverse group of business mentors. These mentors include Dean Bernales, Chris Peralta, Vince Golangco, Atty. Marlon Valderama, Joel Santos, and Paolo Rentero. Furthermore, John Aguilar himself will provide a pitching masterclass based on his best-selling book, “The Art and Science of the Pitch.”
Aguilar expressed enthusiasm about providing diverse entrepreneurs and startups with the opportunity to benefit from The Final Pitch Open Edition’s fundraising, mentoring, and market reach. This season aims to promote inclusivity and diversity on the show, and Aguilar is eagerly anticipating the emergence of incredible concepts and companies.
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in The Final Pitch can apply by filling out an online entry form on the official website TheFinalPitch.ph/application. The application deadline is May 13, 2023. Participants who want to attend the Open House Mentoring Day on May 23 can register at https://TheFinalPitchOpenMentorship.eventbrite.co.uk or visit The Final Pitch’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more information.
