The role of women entrepreneurs in tech varies across the globe. It shows both positive developments and ongoing challenges for women in the entrepreneurial world. However, women represent 25% of the overall tech workforce. Their presence in technical roles is significantly lower. This gap is even more pronounced in leadership positions, where only 5% of tech startups are led by women. Despite these statistics, the share of women in professional and technical roles is increasing, though it remains minimal in the fastest-growing tech sectors. Notably, the presence of women in senior, legislative, and managerial roles has also risen. Lower-income nations report the highest participation rates among young female entrepreneurs, and globally, one in three businesses has a woman as a principal owner.
Position of Female Technopreneurs in the Philippines
In the Philippines, women comprise 29.2% of the tech industry, but only 12.4% hold leadership roles, according to the 2023 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report. The report highlights the Philippines’ 16th rank out of 145 economies across the globe. It showcased the Philippines’ gender equality score of 79.1%, which is the highest in Southeast Asia. These statistics underscore both the progress made by women in tech and the journey ahead.
Although many women work in areas such as marketing, finance and product development rather than in technical roles, they play a crucial role in supporting their technical counterparts. As a result, they help create digital solutions that generate opportunities for others.
Women Redefining the Tech Landscape in the Philippines
Here is a list of women entrepreneurs who are changing the dynamics of technology in the Philippines. Women in tech are not just participants in the Philippines, they are leaders who are opening doors for others and fostering diverse ideas and perspectives in the industry.
Female Technopreneurs In The Philippines
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Angeline Tham
Angeline Tham is the founder of Angkas. She founded Angkas in 2016 with her husband George Royeca. Her company, Angkas, has transformed the motorcycle taxi industry in the Philippines by addressing the challenges of urban travel. Angeline recognized the frustrations of Manila’s traffic and developed a solution that offers affordability, speed and safety for city travelers. The Angkas app has become incredibly popular amassing, over 3 million downloads and continuing to grow as the company expands.
Angkas offers a range of services tailored to various needs. The company’s services include passenger rides, quick delivery options, healthcare services like at-home blood extraction and package sending through Angkas Padala. Angkas allows users to easily request bikers for transportation or delivery, making it a convenient option in a car-dominated city. The company boasts an impressive safety rate of 99.997% and ensures that all rides are insured with a commitment to safety. The app is designed for quick bookings and aims to provide a seamless experience from start to finish.
By breaking barriers and inspiring women throughout the Philippines and Southeast Asia, Angeline Tham is continuing to lead Angkas in its mission to offer efficient and reliable transportation solutions. She is one of the top female technopreneurs in the Philippines.
Robina Gokongwei Pe
Ms. Robina Gokongwei Pe has been a Director of JGS since April 2009. Currently, she is serving as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), which is one of the largest multi-format retailers in the Philippines.
As the daughter of the late John Gokongwei, she has taken on the responsibility of leading a diverse portfolio of brands that includes department stores, supermarkets, toy stores and appliance stores, which is making Robinsons a familiar name throughout the Philippines. Robina exemplifies bold leadership and determination as she carries forward her father’s legacy, which is driving the company’s growth and shaping its future.
She is also a Director of Robinsons Land Corporation and Cebu Air, Inc. in addition to her leadership roles. She also serves as a Trustee and Secretary of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc. and Vice Chairman of the Immaculate Conception Academy Scholarship Fund. She is a member of the Xavier School Board of Trustees and previously served on the University of the Philippines Centennial Commission. Her journey reflects a commitment to fostering growth and success for future generations.
Robina is one of many rising women entrepreneurs who demonstrate that success comes in various forms. She is encouraging individuals from all backgrounds, including men and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to pursue their dreams. She is one of the top successful business women in the Philippines.
Alice Eduardo
Alice Eduardo was born on March 20, 1965, in Manila. She is a prominent Filipino businesswoman and the founder, president and chief executive officer of Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation. Alice was exposed to entrepreneurship from an early age, as she grew up in a family that owned various businesses, which included a garments export venture and a rice milling operation.
In 1995, Alice launched her own company and marked her entry into the construction industry. She started with just four rented cranes, but she quickly secured a partnership with a Japanese construction firm and began working on significant projects, which included the foundation for a power plant in Batangas. Alice’s passion for real estate began in her college years when she purchased her first condominium in Ortigas.
Alice’s business accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, such as being named one of Go Negosyo’s 50 Inspiring Women of Passion and receiving recognition as one of PeopleAsia’s People of the Year in 2017. In 2018, Forbes Asia honored her as one of its Heroes of Philanthropy for her charitable contributions, which include funding a pediatric ward at the Philippine General Hospital and supporting organisations like Habitat for Humanity and the Philippine Red Cross.
Alice Eduardo is known as the “Woman of Steel”. She stands out in a male-dominated construction industry through her innovative approach and refusal to conform to traditional gender roles. Her journey has been filled with sacrifice and hard work. However, she is recognized not only for her business leadership but also for her commitment to building hope through job creation and infrastructure development. Alice is a remarkable individual who inspires others through her accomplishments and philanthropic efforts. She is demonstrating that strong leadership can pave the way for progress in both business and society. She is one of the top successful business women in the Philippines.
Teresita Sy-Coson
Teresita Sy-Coson is a prominent figure in the Philippines. She is leading various sectors of SM Investments Corporation, which was founded by her late father, Henry Sy. As the vice chairwoman of SMIC. It is one of the largest publicly traded holding companies in the Philippines. She is playing a crucial role in the company’s continued growth and success. Teresita is also the chairwoman of BDO Unibank, which is the largest bank in the Philippines. It showcases her influence across banking and finance.
Her journey in entrepreneurship began with her family’s businesses. She has been working to become a role model for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Teresita not only honors his legacy but also inspires a new generation of women to achieve their own successes by following in her father’s footsteps. In addition to her leadership roles, she is involved with SM Foundation, Inc., where she focuses on sustainability initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihood and shelter. She also serves as an adviser to the Board of Directors at SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and represented the Philippines on the ASEAN Business Advisory Council from 2011 to 2019.
Teresita has been recognized as one of Fortune’s 50 Power BusinessWomen with her extensive experience in retail merchandising, mall development and banking. Her contributions to various industries and her commitment to social responsibility make her an influential icon in the business community. She is one of the top successful business women in the Philippines.
Sam Blanquera
Sam Blanquera is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in various leadership roles within the business sector. Currently, she serves as the Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Shoppable Business, which is the leading B2B marketplace in the Philippines. Her impressive background includes positions at several companies such as AHG Lab, Sterling Galleon Corporation and Openovate Labs, among others. Sam has also pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Tariff and Customs Administration at the Lyceum of the Philippines University.
At Shoppable Business, Sam collaborates closely with the founder, Carlo Silva, to support startups, established businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs. The company is dedicated to enhancing eCommerce through specialised logistics, marketplace solutions, B2B tools and financial products. Sam is committed to transforming the eCommerce landscape into a diverse and authentic ecosystem, together with her talented team. She is one of the top female technopreneurs in the Philippines.
Rissa Mananquil Trillo
Rissa Mananquil Trillo is a renowned model and beauty columnist who has always aspired to create her own makeup line that would celebrate Filipina beauty while caring for the skin. Rissa aimed to develop products she could genuinely endorse with her extensive experience in testing various makeup brands. This ambition led her to the founding of Happy Skin, which is a cosmetics and skincare brand that is gaining recognition as a global Filipino brand. The brand is built by Filipino minds, who are committed to delivering world-class quality.
Happy Skin focuses on celebrating the unique beauty of Filipinas and aims to inspire women of all ages across the Philippines. Rissa recognized the need for products specifically designed for Filipino skin and her dedication to this vision drove her through the challenges of entrepreneurship. It took time, teamwork, and many trials to create Happy Skin, but Rissa’s dedication has made her a well-known name in the beauty industry. Through her hard work, she has created quality products and inspired many Filipinos to pursue their dreams.
Carmina Bayombong
Carmina Bayombong is a leading figure in technological development and innovation both in the Philippines and globally. As the Co-Founder and CEO of InvestEd, she has created a platform dedicated to providing underprivileged youth with access to quality education. InvestEd has assisted thousands of students across 585 universities in 64 provinces, gaining recognition from various news outlets worldwide under her leadership. Carmina’s vision is to empower Filipino youth by breaking down barriers to success through educational loans, skills coaching and emotional support.
InvestEd is recognized as one of the top educational loan providers in the Philippines. The company aims to establish a sustainable student loan program across developing nations. Carmina has trained over 10,000 young people in essential skills such as employment readiness and financial literacy, while also raising millions for education-focused initiatives. She has represented Asia in international forums and has a strong focus on social innovation with a decade of experience in education finance.
Carmina holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of the Philippines and has completed various certificates in entrepreneurship and data strategy. She previously served as the Sustainability Director for DARC Labs, the first nonprofit in the Philippines to focus on artificial intelligence for social progress. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Honoree and a laureate of the Cartier Women’s Initiative. Through her efforts, Carmina Bayombong continues to inspire change and promote opportunities for youth in a rapidly evolving world. Carmina is one of the top female technopreneurs in the Philippines.
Angela Chen-Delantar
Angela Chen-Delantar is a prominent figure in the field of education technology as the Co-Founder and CEO of Eskwelabs. She was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30. She leads a venture-backed startup that focuses on providing data skills education. Eskwelabs aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to pursue career opportunities in business, finance and technology both locally and internationally.
The innovative platform employs cohort learning and coaching to make education more accessible and impactful. Angela’s vision is to democratize access to quality job opportunities in the Philippines, particularly for women and youth. Eskwelabs stands out as an online data upskilling school, which utilizes unique educational delivery methods that reach a wider audience than traditional bootcamps.
With a special emphasis on impact, the programs offered by EscweLabs have proven successful, with 90 percent of graduates finding a job within 90 days and increasing their starting salary by 50 percent. Through her leadership, Angela is inspiring many and driving technological advancements that open doors for ambitious professionals in an ever-evolving job market.
Conclusion
A few years ago, women-owned enterprises accounted for only 20% of all businesses, but this number is expected to grow to 33% by 2030. This shift is having a significant impact on the economy, as women-led enterprises create jobs for over 27 million people in the Philippines. The business landscape in the Philippines is undergoing a positive transformation as more women enter the field. These businesses not only create jobs but also contribute to overall economic growth. For many women, business ownership gives them the independence they seek and the economic and social success they need.
Nationally, female entrepreneurship is essential for future economic prosperity. As women continue to shape industries and drive innovation, their contributions are reshaping the way business is conducted. Supporting women entrepreneurs is important for promoting equality and justice, but it also serves as a smart strategy for economic growth. By empowering women in business, we grow our local and national economies while also inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles.
