PH investing map seeks to close funding gap for women founders

Kerubin Capital, in partnership with Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian government, has introduced the country's first Gender-Smart Investing Map, a free online directory connecting women entrepreneurs with investors, business incubators, corporations and policy organizations.

The platform seeks to address fragmented information and limited access to investment networks, which industry leaders identified as major obstacles preventing women-led enterprises from securing funding and expanding their operations, Kerubin Capital explained in a statement.

Across Southeast Asia, women-led startups have historically received less than 6 percent of total venture capital funding, highlighting the challenges female entrepreneurs face in attracting investment.

Kerubin Capital CEO Tina Di Cicco said improving connections between investors and women entrepreneurs could help unlock business opportunities and strengthen investment performance.

“Twenty to 25 percent gender-balanced organizations yield 20 to 25 percent in better performance. But the problem is that women only get 6 percent of the ecosystem funding. So, this is the problem we’re trying to solve today with having a gender-smart investing directory and map,” Di Cicco said.

The directory provides verified information intended to help entrepreneurs identify investors whose funding priorities align with their businesses, while giving capital providers greater visibility into potential investment opportunities.

It covers five categories: investors, startups, ecosystem supporters, policy bodies and corporations promoting gender equity.

Participating investors include angel networks, venture capital firms, private equity companies and development finance institutions.

Established in 2021 with backing from the Manila Angel Investors Network (MAIN) and Investing in Women, Kerubin Capital operates through a catalytic financing model designed to attract additional private investment.

According to the company, every peso it invests mobilizes more than P3.30 in external co-investments, expanding the funding available to participating enterprises.

Di Cicco emphasized the need to address barriers that prevent women entrepreneurs from accessing financing beyond the early stages of business development, particularly traditional collateral requirements and reliance on informal investment networks.

The initiative also highlights the role of technology companies in helping startups strengthen financial management, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.

Among the participating industry leaders was Taxumo CEO and co-founder Ginger Arboleda, whose company provides automated tax calculation and filing services to help small businesses improve financial compliance.

UNAWA board director John Sybuenasenso also participated in the event. The legal technology company provides digital tools, including NotarizeIT, an accredited electronic notarization facility operating under Supreme Court guidelines.

Such services can help businesses streamline documentation, contract execution and due diligence requirements when seeking institutional investments.

The Gender-Smart Investing Map is accessible to the public, with submissions and partner registrations accepted through kerubincapital.gendersmartinvestingmap.org. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma