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917Ventures in the News

KodeGo Bridges STEM Gender-Employment Gap, Opens New Opportunities For Women in Tech

KodeGo, the innovative online tech boot camp by Globe's 917Ventures, is charting a new course for women in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by providing opportunities that aim to address gender disparity in local employment. social-media-thumbnail-kdg.jpg The Philippines currently exhibits a 22% gender-based disparity in the STEM workforce, the largest in Southeast Asia, according to a study by professional networking platform LinkedIn. Although women make up 58.8% of employees in non-STEM fields, this figure dramatically falls to a mere 36.3% within the STEM sectors. KodeGo's mission to democratize education for all is proving to be instrumental in this context, equalizing opportunities for women in these rapidly evolving and highly sought-after disciplines. The online boot camp has a curriculum patterned after in-demand tech skills and soft skills sought by companies. Short-term tech-related courses include Full-Stack Web Development, UX Design, and WordPress Development. KodeGo has seen an increasing number of women enrolling in its programs, with the number rising as KodeGo increased the number of boot camps it offers. Currently, women make up 26% of KodeGo’s student population, with a total of 572 as of June 2023– a testament to increased female interest in traditionally male-dominated fields because of KodeGo’s dedication to offering accessible, gender-neutral education. "KodeGo is deeply committed to addressing the glaring STEM gender-employment gaps in the country," said Cristina Gervasio, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at KodeGo. "By providing quality training, we aim to empower Filipinos, no matter what their gender may be so that they could be more competitive in the IT industry. We envision a future where the tech world sees equal representation of genders, fostering innovation, diversity, and resilience." Recognizing that the most significant drop in female representation in the STEM workforce occurs between graduation and employment, KodeGo is intensifying efforts to provide a seamless transition for its graduates. By partnering with top-tier companies, KodeGo ensures graduates receive first-rate education and gain hands-on experience in real-world projects, further cementing their place in the STEM workforce. As an initiative under 917Ventures, KodeGo signifies the Globe Group's ongoing commitment to improving the caliber of Filipino software engineers and promoting gender equality in the tech sector....

Introducing KonsultaMD Pharmacy, The First 24/7 Medicine Delivery Service in the Philippines

Whether you're a parent in need of your child's medication late at night or a graveyard shift employee seeking vitamins for a healthier lifestyle, the last thing you want is to worry about getting your medicine. Introducing KonsultaMD Pharmacy, the latest 24/7 medicine delivery service that promises to give you peace of mind when buying medicine, so you can focus on the things that really matter, being productive by getting things done at work, or spending more time with your friends and family. PR_1 resized.jpg Getting relief from a busy work week or sending a care kit to a loved one is now made easier than ever. Within a few minutes, you can get all your medicine shopping done all in one app. Order your vitamins, supplements, and prescription medications at your convenience with just a few taps. KonsultaMD Pharmacy is the newest and only superhero of hassle-free 24/7 medicine delivery in the Philippines. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of having to dress up, driving through traffic to get to a pharmacy or convenience store, and waiting in a long line. Now, you can order your medicine, whether for a headache or cough, anytime without stepping outside. With its 24/7 medicine delivery, KonsultaMD brings the pharmacy to you! Order anytime, day or night. KonsultaMD’s licensed pharmacists and riders are ready to fulfill your orders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In need of everyday vitamins like Ascorbic Acid, Multivitamins or Folic Acid? Perhaps you’ve run out of your Amlodipine, Losartan, or Carbocisteine. No problem—KonsultaMD has a wide range of medicines, vitamins, and wellness products to choose from. And here's the cherry on top: if you have any questions about medications, dosages or possible drug interactions, KonsultaMD’s licensed physicians are just a video call or chat away. Consult with medical professionals, get e-prescriptions, and purchase your prescribed medicine or supplies right in the same app. It doesn't get any more convenient than that! Purchasing medicine from KonsultaMD Pharmacy is simple. Just follow these 5 easy steps: Step 1. Register on the KonsultaMD SuperApp to unlock 24/7 access to the medicines that you need. Step 2. Once you’ve created an account, simply tap on “Pharmacy” and add your delivery address. Step 3. Now you can start exploring the wide range of products and add what you need to your cart. Step 4. Checkout and confirm your payment to complete the purchase. Step 5. Your items will be delivered straight to your doorstep. PR_2 resized.jpg If you're in Metro Manila, look out for the KonsultaMD Pharmacy van cruising around town. It's stocked with free health kits, discount vouchers, refreshing beverages, and it's got KonsultaKat waiting to help you get back on track. Download, register, and show the KonsultaMD app to claim these exclusive goodies. Be sure to follow KonsultaMD on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest Metro Tour locations, because the KonsultaMD Pharmacy van is always on the move—so when it does stop by, make sure you're there! Download the KonsultaMD app on the App store or Google Play store to explore KonsultaMD Pharmacy and all its medical services. Because when it comes to your health, KonsultaMD is here for you 24/7....

KonsultaMD, Makati Medical Center Join Forces to Bridge Gap Between Online and Offline Healthcare in PH

Leading telehealth company KonsultaMD and premier Philippine hospital Makati Medical Center (MMC) have come together to bridge the gap between online and offline healthcare services in the country. This partnership, recently formalized in a contract signing ceremony, positions KonsultaMD as an accredited partner of MMC’s Strategic Hospital Alliance Program (SHAP). The MMC initiative, which has been on-going for over a decade, is designed to broaden the reach of MMC's advanced medical services across the nation. Photo-2.jpg "The power of collaboration can truly make an impact, and this partnership between Makati Medical Center and KonsultaMD is a prime example of different entities coming together with a shared vision to create positive change. Our goal is to create an integrated healthcare experience that combines the accessibility of digital platforms with the comprehensive and hands-on care patients receive in a hospital,” said Cholo Tagaysay, Chief Executive Officer of KonsultaMD. Through the partnership, KonsultaMD members can now avail themselves of a range of medical offerings from MMC directly through the KonsultaMD Super App. These include outpatient diagnostics tests, in-patient surgical procedures, rehabilitation services, and hospital admission. Users only need to contact a KonsultaMD Medical Coordinator instead of going through different channels or partners to begin accessing these services, simplifying the traditionally complex process of healthcare navigation. "KonsultaMD, being the first to mass market healthcare services in the digital platform in the country, is the perfect “marriage” for us at Makati Medical Center. Digitalization and mobile services in tandem with our state-of-the-art facilities can help provide quality healthcare and advance the healthcare industry, allowing access to more people" says Arlyn Songco, MMC Senior Vice President of the Creative Communications and Sales Services Division. The integration of MMC’s services into the KonsultaMD platform follows a simple process: users download the KonsultaMD app, choose their desired service, provide necessary details, pay the booking fee via a link provided by the Medical Coordinator, and visit MMC at the scheduled date and time. This move is intended to improve healthcare accessibility and streamline the medical consultation process. The partnership further strengthens KonsultaMD's commitment to democratizing healthcare in the country. As a 917Ventures portfolio company, KonsultaMD offers a range of reliable telehealth services, from 24/7 access to doctors and medical certificates to same-day pharmacy delivery, at-home diagnostics, and nursing care for newborns and the elderly, to serve various medical requirements of Filipinos. With a strong advocacy for mental health, KonsultaMD also continues to lead the charge in destigmatizing mental health issues, further emphasizing its comprehensive approach to healthcare. Its collaboration with MMC underlines the commitment of both entities to offer an integrated healthcare experience, blending the best of online and offline medical care for the Filipino population....

RUSH Technologies Boosts Small Business’ Growth with Spark Lite

At a time when small business owners are eager to transition online but find it complex and costly, RUSH Technologies offers a lifeline. Recognizing challenges faced by entrepreneurs, RUSH introduces Spark Lite, an all-in-one eCommerce solution designed to speed up business growth without breaking the bank. sg-default-images-social-media-thumbnail (2).jpg Spark Lite empowers entrepreneurs to launch and manage their own eCommerce website for only ?500 per month. Starting with one branch, businesses can add more as they grow, and accept and manage an unlimited number of orders for maximum profits. Subscribers to Spark Lite will also get free access to the Fast Track business acceleration program, a large-scale Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) empowerment initiative by RUSH. This program offers a holistic experience, starting with free participation in the Learning Tracks from August to October, and attendance to the culminating Pop-up Bazaar event in November, among many other benefits. In the Learning Tracks, entrepreneurs will learn how to launch their RUSH eStore platforms, reach their target market, and stay in the lead. The training will be held physically, with business experts as trainers. Participants in the training program will get the chance to win a spot in the Pop-up Bazaar, where they will have a dedicated selling space, access to large foot traffic, win awards and freebies, and get to offer a RUSH-powered seamless shopping experience. The Fast Track program also supports the Hapag Movement, a Globe-led initiative aimed at addressing the problem of involuntary hunger and unemployment. Its support for small business owners is aligned with RUSH and The Hapag Movement’s thrust toward making sustainable livelihood accessible and achievable through technology. RUSH will provide Hapag Movement beneficiaries with training under the Learning Tracks program. "RUSH is committed to handholding entrepreneurs through the process of starting their online platforms with the right tools, and using the platforms effectively with the right program," said Jeferson Cruz, Chief Commercial Officer of RUSH Technologies. "With Spark Lite and the Fast Track program, we're taking small business owners from being stuck to being fast-tracked towards success. It's all about enabling them with our solutions to give them a comprehensive experience." Take the first step towards a thriving online business by subscribing to Spark Lite now. Book a free Spark Lite demo and get more information about the whole Fast Track program....

KodeGo Revolutionizes Job-Skills Matching with Customizable TaaS Program

Innovative startup KodeGo is transforming the job-skills matching landscape with its Training-as-a-Service (TaaS) program, offering educational solutions meticulously crafted to meet the unique needs of different companies. social-media-thumbnail-kdg.jpg The TaaS program builds on KodeGo's expertise in technology and skills training to provide a personalized approach that enables enterprises to equip their workforce with specific skills crucial to achieving strategic objectives. Speaking at the recent ASEAN Innovation Business Platform (AIBP) Conference and Exhibition, KodeGo Entrepreneur-In-Residence Cristina Gervasio shared how they work with companies in two distinct ways to address diverse and evolving business requirements. To democratize education for Filipinos aged 18 and above, KodeGo conducts intensive tech bootcamps, helping its graduates secure placements with company partners in as short as three months. With over 4,000 enrollees and 1,300 graduates since its launch in 2021, KodeGo opens new job opportunities for individuals from all walks of life – from delivery riders to wedding photographers, all of whom are eager to upskill themselves and enhance their professional value. KodeGo’s commitment to breaking barriers in traditional education is further reflected in the groundbreaking TaaS program and its impact on clients and the larger learning community. "For our TaaS, the process is simple, yet very effective," explained Gervasio. "We have a conversation with the human resources team, and they come back to us with a 'laundry list' that needs to be addressed within their current pool of employees. We then craft a very specific curriculum that we both agree upon and embark on that journey together." One shining example of the TaaS initiative's success is KodeGo's collaboration with shared services company Asticom Group of Companies, where a special six-month cadetship program, namely AstiELEVATE, was designed to upskill 10 young fresh graduates. The tailored course included both technical skills such as Full Stack Web Development and essential soft skills such as leadership modules. "So far, (TaaS) attrition is at zero because there is so much buy-in from the start from all the parties," added Gervasio. With their TaaS program, the ability to customize courses demonstrates KodeGo's commitment to evolving alongside the needs of businesses, further underlining its dedication to redefining education and training....

917Ventures Continues to ‘4tify the Future’ on 4th Anniversary

by: Vince Yamat, 917Ventures Managing Director It’s been four years since 917V started in 2019. Time does go by so fast! As we celebrate our fourth anniversary, I am thrilled to reflect upon the remarkable growth, innovation, and impact that have defined our first four years of venture-building. Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, so I’m deeply honored to have witnessed the path we’ve tread and the ways we’ve paved together and to be with you as we head toward a future filled with potential. Looking back on the past four years, we have achieved milestones that not only exceeded expectations but also transformed the landscape of technology in the country. From launching ventures and accelerating and scaling portfolio companies that have reshaped industries to nurturing a culture of innovation that fosters game-changing ideas, we have embraced challenges with a sense of purpose. Our portfolio companies have disrupted markets and paved the way for change that resonates far beyond their successes. To date, we have vetted more than 500 ideas, launched 26 ventures, have 14 companies under our portfolio, disrupted 8 focus areas, and we are about 60 employees strong! Along the way, we have learned that true innovation thrives on diverse perspectives and insights and the boldness to explore uncharted territories. Here at 917Ventures, we thrive in an environment that encourages risk-taking and continuous learning. We have empowered our teams to go beyond boundaries and test and validate those ideas so they may turn into the next groundbreaking solutions. 917 - article.png This year’s theme, “4tifying the Future,” perfectly represents the essence of our mission of uplifting the lives of every Filipino. It also represents our commitment to fortify not only our and the Globe Group’s future on its way to becoming a tech giant but also to fortify the future of our nation through our innovations. We believe that by harnessing the power of collaboration, disruptive thinking, and dedication, we can build a future that stands stronger and bolder. To celebrate our 4th anniversary, we’ve aligned it with Globe’s Hapag Movement through our own meaningful CSR event. Just as our portfolio companies have disrupted and transformed industries, we believe it’s our responsibility to play an important role in transforming lives and making a positive impact on our communities. Last August 15, we visited one of the public schools in Pasig, San Joaquin Elementary School, to carry out our CSR activities, including classroom repainting and feeding program as our little way of helping make the school a better place for learning for the students, our future leaders. IMG_1136.jpg IMG_5242.jpg The willingness and enthusiasm of our team at 917Ventures to take part in this activity further prove that we are individuals who have a passion for changing the world and dare to make it happen. We all play integral roles in shaping industries, economies, and societies. My wish for our anniversary is for us to carry forward this spirit of determination as we step into the future. May we continue to harness the power of technology, collaboration, and innovation to face the challenges and opportunities ahead of us for a better and brighter tomorrow. Finally, I want to thank everyone in 917Ventures – our teams, stakeholders, partners, and collaborators – for your unwavering dedication and commitment. Let’s continue fortifying the future, one fearless step at a time. Here’s to the next chapter! Happy anniversary, 917Ventures!...