Biography of Patrick Zulueta: COO at Buhay & Founder-Advisor at Apper- Entrepreneur
Journey of Patrick Zulueta:
Early Ambitions
Patrick Zulueta’s journey in the fintech world began with a
clear vision. He saw the potential for technology to transform the financial
landscape of the Philippines. Educated at De La Salle University, Patrick
pursued a degree in Organizational Communication, which laid the foundation for
his understanding of effective messaging and strategic planning. With this
background, he was determined to bridge the gap between underserved businesses
and accessible financial solutions.
The Rise of Buhay
In September 2023, Patrick took on a significant role as the
Chief Operating Officer at Buhay, a fintech subsidiary that has raised over
$100 million in venture capital. Buhay aims to assist small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) by providing seamless financial technology solutions that
address liquidity challenges. The company manages an impressive $450 million in
funding each year, partnering with over 350 corporate clients and supporting
numerous financial institutions with its innovative approaches to supply chain
finance.
Building Innovative Solutions
Buhay operates with the mission of easing financial strains
for SMEs, which often struggle to secure the capital needed for growth. Through
a technology-driven platform, the company offers credit and supply chain
financing solutions, ensuring that businesses can access the funds required to
maintain operations and address cash flow gaps. Patrick is passionate about
fostering partnerships with other financial institutions that align with
Buhay’s vision of supporting SMEs.
The Birth of Apper
Before joining Buhay, Patrick co-founded Apper, a company
dedicated to helping digital ventures enhance their technology capabilities.
Over nearly five years, he served as both co-founder and Chief Growth Officer,
working closely with partners like Amazon and Google to deliver innovative
solutions. Under his leadership, Apper became one of the top solutions partners
in the Philippines, focusing on growth strategies for various sectors,
including fintech, telecommunications, and e-commerce.
Navigating the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic shifted the landscape for businesses,
emphasizing the need for digital transformation. Patrick recognized this urgent
need and adapted Apper’s offerings to provide cloud-based solutions that
allowed companies to thrive in a challenging environment. He understood that
digital transformation wasn’t just a trend; it was essential for survival,
prompting many businesses to shift their operations online and embrace new
technologies.
Cloud Innovation with Globe
In collaboration with Globe, Patrick's team successfully
tested console-less gaming on Globe’s 5G network. This innovation demonstrated
how cloud technology could enhance user experiences in gaming, removing the
need for expensive consoles while delivering high-quality gameplay. Such
partnerships showcased Patrick’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries
and enhancing customer experiences through innovative solutions.
Experience at XC Labs
Patrick also took on the role of Strategic Advisor at XC
Labs, an app development firm focused on creating enterprise-grade solutions
for various organizations. His strategic insights were crucial in helping
businesses across the Asia-Pacific region implement effective technology
strategies. This experience further broadened his perspective on the needs of
different industries and the potential for tech-driven growth.
Foundations at Cashalo
Patrick’s journey in fintech also includes a pivotal role at
Cashalo, where he was a founding member. He played a key role in raising $175
million in funding and driving the company to profitability within its first
three years. Leading product launches and strategic communications, he helped
Cashalo grow its customer base significantly, paving the way for its success in
the competitive fintech market.
Biography of Patrick Zulueta: COO at Buhay & Founder-Advisor at Apper/Age/Net worth/financial solutions for SME/digital venture/Patrick Zulueta story
Pushkart.ph Acquisition
Another notable venture in Patrick’s career was co-founding
Pushkart.ph, an online grocery delivery service. His leadership led to the
company’s acquisition by a larger platform, Society Pass. This success exemplified
his ability to navigate the startup landscape and create value in rapidly
evolving markets. Patrick’s expertise in product development and business
strategy was instrumental in driving Pushkart.ph’s growth and eventual sale.
Insights from Maya
During his tenure at Maya, Patrick led product management
and marketing efforts, contributing to significant revenue growth for the
company. As one of the earliest executive hires, he was involved in strategic
planning that led to successful customer acquisitions and app downloads. His
experiences at Maya solidified his reputation as a leader capable of driving
tech companies toward substantial growth.
A Vision for Tech Adoption
With years of experience, Patrick has developed a vision for
advancing the Philippine tech industry. He believes that the country must
enhance its competitive edge in technology adoption and startup growth. His
drive to empower tech startups stems from a desire to share the lessons learned
from his past successes, helping others scale their businesses effectively.
Embracing Risks
The decision to co-found Apper was not without its
challenges. Leaving a comfortable executive position for the uncertainties of a
startup required courage and vision. Patrick recognized that to truly make an
impact, he needed to step out of his comfort zone and contribute to a broader
mission of tech advancement in the country. This leap of faith exemplified his
commitment to fostering growth in the tech ecosystem.
Identifying Opportunities
Through his experience, Patrick identified significant gaps
in knowledge and skills related to emerging technologies in the Philippines. He
saw the potential to leverage his and his team's expertise to help tech
companies grow and adapt quickly. By providing mentorship and guidance, he
aimed to equip these businesses with the necessary tools to navigate the
ever-changing tech landscape.
Prioritizing Customer Experience
Patrick emphasizes the importance of understanding customer
needs in today’s digital age. He believes that businesses must cultivate deeper
relationships with their clients to truly comprehend their pain points. By
prioritizing customer experience, Apper aims to offer tailored solutions that
directly address the challenges faced by businesses, fostering loyalty and
satisfaction.
A Fulfilled Leader
Reflecting on his journey, Patrick expresses gratitude for
the impact he has made through his ventures. He finds fulfillment in witnessing
the growth of businesses and the lives improved through technology. As a
leader, he remains dedicated to guiding his team and driving innovation,
embodying the spirit of progress and collaboration essential for success in the
tech industry. Through his work, Patrick continues to inspire others to embrace
technology and harness its potential for positive change.
A timeline for Patrick Zulueta’s journey in fintech
leadership:
2010: Graduated from De La Salle University, laying
groundwork in organizational communication.
2015: Co-founded Cashalo, aiding fintech growth and raising
$175 million.
2018: Co-founded Pushkart.ph, leading to its acquisition by
Society Pass.
2019: Joined Maya, driving product management and
significant revenue growth.
2020: Co-founded Apper, enhancing digital ventures' tech
capabilities during the pandemic.
2021: Served as Strategic Advisor at XC Labs, advising on
enterprise solutions.
2023: Became COO at Buhay, focusing on financial solutions
for SMEs.
