Ecosystem Stories: TechShake, Connecting Philippine startups across borders

The Filipino Startup Ecosystem Mapping gives us the big picture, but behind every name on the map is a story of people, programs, and purpose.

In this series, we sit down with the enablers shaping the future of Filipino innovation.

This time, StellarPH caught up with Riane Abundo, Community & Partnership Associate at TechShake, to talk about scaling startups across borders, making collisions count, and what it really takes to build an ecosystem that works.

Let’s start with the big one. What exactly does TechShake do?

Riane:
We build ecosystems, and we build them with intention.
TechShake connects startups to markets, people, and programs across Asia. Whether it’s market entry, venture building, or talent development, our focus is helping startups grow on purpose, not just fast.

We’re here to make the Philippine tech scene more connected, more inclusive, and globally competitive.

And how do you bring that to life?

Riane:
Through experiences that create real connections.
Our flagship event, IGNITE, brings in over 1,000 founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders from around the world.
We run Innovation Tours across Manila, Tokyo, and ASEAN cities, giving people a close-up view of thriving startup scenes.
And our Innovators’ Dinners are more intimate, just founders, investors, and a table full of opportunities.

We also host pitch competitions, corporate innovation programs, and business matching. Everything we do is designed to move ideas forward.

The ecosystem moves fast. How do you keep your work relevant?

Riane:
We listen to the market, to our partners, to founders.
We’re active in both local and international spaces. By staying close to what’s happening globally, we can spot what’s next.
But we always ask, what does this mean for the Philippines?
We bring in ideas that solve real problems here, not just trends that look good.

Let’s talk about collaboration. Who are the partners helping make this all happen?

Riane:
So many! Locally, we work with government partners like DTI, DICT, DOST, and NDC, and VCs like Foxmont, AHG Lab, Kaya Founders, and more.
We’ve partnered with corporates like UnionBank, BDO, and Megaworld.
Regionally, we co-founded the ATLAS Alliance, connecting with top enablers across Southeast Asia.
And globally, we’ve built strong ties with JETRO, METI, JICA, and hubs in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

It really takes a network.

Last question, what’s one outcome you’re proud of?

Riane:
Definitely LumineLabs.
It’s our innovation hub co-built with UNI-PIPC, part of Uni-President Group from Taiwan. It’s a space for founders, investors, and innovators to come together, collaborate, and build ventures with global potential.

LumineLabs is more than a space, it’s proof of what happens when the ecosystem works together.

Where can we find you?

Want to learn more, collaborate, or join one of TechShake’s programs?
You can find more info here in our ecosystem map: techshake.asia.

This is one story from the map.

Many more are on the way.
We’re just getting started.