Globe president and CEO Carl Cruz on Friday emphasized the growing importance of co-creation between large companies and startups during a fireside chat at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025. Speaking on The Founders Peak stage, Cruz said big organizations are moving away from traditional vendor–client setups and toward deeper, purpose-driven collaborations that focus on solving real operational challenges.
Cruz explained that Globe looks for startup partners who can integrate into its broader ecosystem across telecom, fintech, health, and digital services. He highlighted two major innovation programs—917Ventures Velocity, which gives startups access to enterprise-scale testing, and Kickstart Ventures, which provides capital and strategic support—as examples of how Globe invests in the country’s innovation pipeline.
Trust and data governance remain central to Globe’s partnership criteria. Cruz said startups must demonstrate strong data responsibility, scalability, and a willingness to understand the legacy systems and constraints of large enterprises. He also noted that Globe was an early mover in artificial intelligence, appointing one of Southeast Asia’s first Chief AI Officers and working to embed AI across the organization.
Cruz warned that many startup partnerships fail when teams pitch solutions without fully understanding the company’s pain points. He stressed that founders who listen, ask the right questions, and co-diagnose problems are more likely to succeed.
Looking toward 2030, Cruz said Globe’s long-term purpose—uplifting Filipino lives through digital inclusion, education, and economic opportunity—will continue to guide the company. He added that Globe aims to work with startups that not only drive business results but also help advance national development.
