Biography of Jojo Flores: Founder and CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center- Entrepreneur
Biography of Jojo Flores:
Jojo Flores, a notable figure in the global startup
ecosystem, was born and raised in the Philippines. His journey began at the
University of the Philippines, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration. This educational foundation, coupled with his early involvement
in various student organizations, equipped him with essential skills and a
strong network that would prove valuable throughout his career.
Early Career Aspirations
Upon graduating in 1989, Jojo embarked on a professional journey
with First Pacific, an investment and holding company. Starting as a management
trainee, he was given the responsibility of launching a bottled water business
in the Philippines. This experience led him to establish Metro Bottled Water
Corporation, which produced the well-known Wilkins brand. This venture marked
the beginning of his entrepreneurial spirit.
An International Opportunity
During a business trip to the United States, Jojo met Saeed
Amidi, an Iranian-American businessman. Their friendship blossomed, and Saeed,
who owned American Liquid Packaging Systems (ALPS), became a crucial ally in
Jojo's career. In 1995, after leaving Metro Bottled Water Corporation, Saeed
encouraged Jojo to explore opportunities in Europe. This suggestion led Jojo to
live in Europe for ten years, where he and Saeed launched twelve joint ventures
across the continent.
The Call Back to the U.S.
After a decade in Europe, Jojo received another invitation
from Saeed. In 2005, during a board meeting, Saeed noticed Jojo’s restlessness
and proposed they start a new venture together in the United States. Jojo
accepted the challenge and moved back to San Francisco with a vision to
establish a new company that would focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Founding Plug and Play Tech Center
In 2006, Jojo and Saeed officially launched Plug and Play
Tech Center, an accelerator and incubator designed to connect startups with
investors and corporations globally. Initially, the organization started small,
with only 20 companies in its portfolio and just three investments made in the
first few months. However, the potential for growth was immense, and Plug and
Play quickly became a significant player in the startup ecosystem.
Accelerating Innovation
The primary goal of Plug and Play is to foster innovation
among startups. Since its inception, the organization has invested in over
2,000 startups, helping them raise more than $3.5 billion in funding. By
partnering with 300 corporations worldwide, Plug and Play provides startups with
invaluable resources and support, enabling them to refine their ideas and
expand their market reach.
Biography of Jojo Flores: Founder and CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center- Entrepreneur/connecting startup/age/net worth/investor/Plug and Play Tech Cent
Returning to the Philippines
In 2012, Jojo decided to return to the Philippines to be
closer to his family. Although he remained involved with Plug and Play at the
board level, his passion for nurturing the local startup ecosystem grew
stronger. Collaborating with fellow entrepreneur Jay Fajardo, Jojo began laying
the groundwork for an innovation hub in Quezon City, which would later become
Launch Garage.
Launching Launch Garage
In 2016, Jojo and Jay officially launched Launch Garage,
aiming to create an environment that would attract top Filipino startups. This
innovation hub serves as a platform for connecting promising startups with
investors, showcasing their potential, and helping them gain exposure. Jojo
envisions Launch Garage as a stepping stone for local entrepreneurs to access
global markets.
Learning from Global Ecosystems
Jojo draws inspiration from the startup ecosystems in
Germany and Japan, recognizing their innovative cultures. He observes that
while Germany, particularly Berlin, has become a fast-growing startup hub,
Japan faces challenges due to its risk-averse business culture. He believes
that understanding these ecosystems can provide valuable lessons for developing
the startup landscape in the Philippines.
Bridging the Gap
Jojo notes a significant difference between the startup
ecosystems in the Philippines and Silicon Valley. The latter benefits from a
long history of entrepreneurship, where risks are embraced and failures are
viewed as learning opportunities. He emphasizes the need for Filipinos to dream
bigger and pursue entrepreneurial ventures with confidence.
Increasing Startup Numbers
To bolster the number of startups in the Philippines, Jojo
believes in the importance of resource allocation. He highlights the challenge
of limited resources, which can deter aspiring entrepreneurs. By encouraging
both local and foreign investors to support startups, he hopes to create a more
favorable environment for innovation and growth.
Encouraging Local Investment
Jojo is actively working to persuade large corporations to
allocate a portion of their funds toward startups, rather than primarily
focusing on real estate and retail. He understands that diversifying investments
can lead to a more vibrant startup ecosystem. Additionally, he collaborates
with universities to establish incubators that foster young talent and
entrepreneurial spirit.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the main hurdles Jojo faces is the scarcity of
success stories in the local startup scene. The limited number of high-profile
successes makes it difficult to attract investors. He believes that showcasing
successful startups can inspire confidence and encourage more investment in the
Philippines. By sharing success stories, Jojo aims to create a ripple effect
that encourages more entrepreneurs to take the plunge.
Building a Brighter Future
Through his efforts at Plug and Play and Launch Garage, Jojo
Flores continues to play a crucial role in shaping the startup landscape in the
Philippines. His dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
reflects a deep commitment to his homeland. Jojo's journey serves as an
inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with vision, collaboration,
and persistence, great things can be achieved.
A Legacy of Innovation
Jojo Flores stands as a testament to the transformative
power of entrepreneurship. His work in establishing Plug and Play and Launch
Garage is helping to create a thriving ecosystem that empowers Filipino
startups to realize their potential. As he looks to the future, Jojo remains
dedicated to nurturing the next generation of innovators, ensuring that the
Philippines continues to grow as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship.
A timeline of Jojo Flores' entrepreneurial journey:
1989: Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration from the University of the Philippines.
1989: Joins First Pacific as a management trainee, launching
a bottled water business that leads to the establishment of Metro Bottled Water
Corporation.
1995: After leaving Metro, Jojo meets Saeed Amidi, leading
to numerous joint ventures across Europe over the next decade.
2005: Jojo returns to the U.S. upon Saeed's invitation to
start a new venture together.
2006: Co-founds Plug and Play Tech Center in San Francisco,
connecting startups with investors and corporations.
2012: Returns to the Philippines, remains on Plug and Play’s
board, and begins planning for an innovation hub.
2016: Launches Launch Garage in Quezon City, aimed at
supporting Filipino startups and connecting them with investors.
2016-Present: Advocates for increasing local startup numbers,
encouraging investment diversification, and creating incubators with
universities.
2024: Jojo continues to shape the Philippine startup
landscape, focusing on nurturing innovation and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
