Philippines startup deals slow down in H2

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

February 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s startup deals declined in the second half of last year, reflecting investors’ cautious approach amid headwinds, according to a report from Kickstart Ventures and DealStreet Asia.

The Full-Year 2025 Southeast Asia Startup Funding Report showed that the number of startup deals in the country declined to nine transactions in the second semester last year from 14 in the previous semester.

Total equity funding for Philippine startups likewise declined to $33 million in the second half of last year from the previous semester’s $86 million. The report attributed the decline to continued investor caution.

It also showed the continued lack of late-stage funding (Series C and beyond) in the Philippines for two consecutive semesters.

In contrast, late-stage deal volume in Southeast Asia more than doubled to 24 transactions in the second semester of 2025.

“The 2025 data suggests Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, has moved past the trough and into a consolidation phase, with deal volumes and values stabilizing after the sharp correction from the 2021 peak,” Kickstart Ventures general partner Joan Yao said.