Kickstart Ventures, Inc. (KVI) is a powerhouse in the Philippine startup ecosystem, managing over $200 million in assets and nurturing more than 65 innovative companies.
As a general partner at the firm, Mike Maté plays a pivotal role in driving its strategy, focusing on investing in transformative solutions that span both local and global markets.
With a diverse background in law, private equity and now venture capital, Maté has cultivated a unique perspective on what it takes to fuel growth in the startup world.
“I’ve had the opportunity to experience multiple facets of the finance world, which really shaped how I view and approach investments today,” he said.
Sustainability, inclusivity, innovation
As Kickstart Ventures looks to 2025, Maté is deeply committed to advancing the firm’s mission of supporting tech-driven solutions that foster sustainability, inclusivity and innovation—values that resonate with the challenges the Philippines faces today.
“We’re focusing on solving urgent issues like food security, sustainability and driving tech adoption to improve lives. Our vision for 2025 is to continue supporting startups that tackle the critical problems of tomorrow,” he said.
A key focus area for Kickstart Ventures is the agriculture sector, where the firm sees significant innovation potential.
One of Kickstart’s standout investments in this space is Sarisuki, an agri-tech platform that improves food distribution channels and helps address the Philippines’ ongoing food crisis.
World’s best
While Kickstart Ventures is heavily invested in the local ecosystem, Maté emphasizes that the firm’s investment strategy is global in scope.
“We are constantly on the lookout for solutions from around the world that we can bring to the Philippines. It’s not about picking a country to invest in but rather identifying technologies and innovations that can address our most pressing issues,” he said.
For example, Kickstart’s recent investments in Kickscrew, a global sneaker marketplace, and Lydia AI, a health-tech company using machine learning to predict health outcomes, highlight the firm’s strategy of sourcing cutting-edge solutions that can help improve life in the Philippines.
Work-life balance
Despite his high-pressure role and the intensity of managing a portfolio of over 65 companies, Maté values work-life balance.
Away from work, Maté enjoys spending time with his family. Married for 17 years, Maté is the proud father of two children: a 23-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son.
His diverse career and ability to manage work and family, and his passion for supporting startups, speak to his well-rounded approach to life and leadership.
At Kickstart Ventures, Maté’s role extends not only to managing investments; he is also deeply involved in helping the firm’s portfolio companies grow and scale.
This includes board positions in key companies like Lydia AI, a Toronto-based health-tech firm specializing in AI-driven life and health underwriting. Kickstart was a lead investor in Lydia AI’s pre-Series B round, further solidifying its position as a leader in the global venture capital landscape.
Kickstart’s investment in SRTX, a Montreal-based company that has developed the world’s first full-stack, closed-loop apparel manufacturing platform, reflects the firm’s forward-thinking approach.
SRTX is Kickstart’s first foray into the advanced materials and manufacturing sector, and Maté has played a pivotal role in these strategic investments.
“It’s exciting to be at the forefront of new industries like advanced materials. We’re constantly looking for companies that not only solve big problems but do so in a way that’s sustainable and impactful,” he said.
Startup ecosystem
As Kickstart Ventures prepares for 2025, Maté anticipates an even more dynamic year of investments.
“We’re looking to do three to six more investments this year, with a strong focus on consumption-led startups in the Philippines and AI technologies globally,” he said.
Kickstart is passionate about building a strong startup ecosystem in the Philippines. Among the local brands the company has helped evolve include Edamama, SariSuki, and Pickup Coffee, all of which have emerged leaders in their respective fields.
In this effort, Kickstart Ventures’ strong partnerships with Ayala Corp. and Globe Telecom, two of the country’s most influential companies, ensure a constant flow of capital and resources to the growing Philippine startup community.
“We are deeply committed to the technologies we introduce. Our strong investment in AI solutions fuels our belief that we can drive a new wave of innovation in the country’s agriculture sector. This vision is what drives Kickstart, and we aspire to lead the charge in transforming the Philippines’ agricultural landscape,” Maté said.