Founders attending this year’s Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) will gain valuable insights on fundraising during the panel session titled “From MVP to Series A: Your Practical Guide to Building a Fundable Startup.” This panel will provide perspectives from both founders and investors, offering a comprehensive overview of what it takes to secure early-stage funding.

“Startups differ from traditional small businesses, like bakeries, because they are designed for rapid expansion, driven by innovative technologies and scalable models,” said Dave Overton, GOAB co-founding organizer and CEO of Symph.ph. “That’s why sessions like ‘From MVP to Series A’ are incredibly valuable: they provide founders with the tools and insights necessary to transform an idea into a fundable business,” he said.

Overton further explained that success stories like Grab and Zalora illustrate how startups can evolve from humble beginnings into platforms serving millions across Southeast Asia. The journey often begins with creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — the simplest version of a product designed to test the market and validate an idea before scaling.

The “MVP to Series A” panel features Harm Julian Schumacher, Co-Founder and CEO of the supply chain company One Lot, and Paulo Campos, Founding Managing General Partner at Kaya Founders. Both speakers bring extensive global experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment, providing valuable insights for founders navigating the complexities of early-stage growth.

“We aim to demystify the fundraising process,” said Schumacher. “Many founders have great ideas and working prototypes, but they often struggle to present their businesses in a way that resonates with investors. This session is intended to provide the practical steps they need to succeed,” he added.

Attendees can expect to learn how to enhance their prototypes by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as Lovable and Replit to create more robust products. The panel will also discuss strategies for crafting a compelling narrative for investors, developing firm financial plans, and preparing essential documents and data rooms for due diligence.

“Securing Series A funding isn’t solely dependent on having a good product. It also requires presenting a strong, compelling business case,” said Campos. “We’ll share what investors are genuinely looking for and how founders can effectively communicate their vision and potential,” added Campos.

This panel is a must-attend for founders aiming to transition their MVPs into businesses that attract investors and promote sustainable growth.

About the Speakers

Harm Julian Schumacher is the Co-Founder and CEO of OneLot, the largest used car dealer financing platform in the Philippines. A German entrepreneur, he has held leadership roles at Gorillas and worked as an investment manager at TruVenturo GmbH, one of Europe’s leading venture funds.

Paulo Campos III is the Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in Manila. He was previously the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZALORA Group, the Philippines’ top online fashion retailer, and has served in key advisory and board roles for several prominent organizations.

About One Lot

One Lot is a supply chain technology company that helps businesses optimize logistics and operations.

About Kaya Founders

Kaya Founders is a venture capital firm that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

About Geeks on a Beach

Geeks on a Beach is the Philippines’ pioneering beachside international tech and startup conference, launched in 2013. Known for its unique blend of serious conversations in a fun, laid-back environment, GOAB has connected thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, developers, creatives, and policymakers. Over the years, GOAB has helped catalyze deals, investments, and partnerships that continue to shape the Philippine and Southeast Asian startup landscape.

This year’s GOAB will be held on 1-3 October 2025 at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. It is organized by the non-profit group geeksPH with the support of its foundational government partner, the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). To join Geeks On A Beach, purchase tickets at https://geeksonabeach.com or email hello@geeksonabeach.com for group discounts. Discounted tickets are available for a limited period. 

Media Reference

Doris Isubal-Mongaya

PRWorks   I   +63 917 791 9545  

doris.mongaya@prworksph.com