Rebecca Plaza - Founder & MD, Plaza + Partners

Rebecca Plaza

Founder & MD, Plaza + Partners

More about Rebecca Plaza

In 2015, I moved home to the Philippines to establish a multi award-winning design firm, Plaza + Partners, where I lead a team of 30 architects, interior designers and urban planners. We take on large projects such as a city development plan for Manila, a thirteen hectare sports and cultural complex, hotels, office towers, private homes, but also small ones like a thirteen square meter mobile house - basically, we like projects that improve life and the way people live.

Alongside this, I am a Director at Anthology Festival, Southeast Asia’s largest architecture and design gathering where we bring together over 5,000 people and hundreds of leaders in the built environment, including principals and directors from Arup, Bjarke Ingels Group, Foster + Partners, MVRDV and Shigeru Ban. I am also a Global Shaper of The World Economic Forum, where I have spoken on international panels and keynotes on designing cities in the fourth industrial revolution.

Prior to returning home, I spent almost a decade abroad, pursuing degrees at the University of Cambridge, University of Bath, University of Hong Kong and the Architectural Association. I worked at John McAslan and Partners and Jestico + Whiles on projects that include the Natural History Museum in London, Greenwich Millennium and the King’s Cross Station. 

If you are interested in any of the above, please do send me a message!

Signing up on our website is completely free! If you encounter any issues with profile or notice something unusual, please don't hesitate to report it to us. We're here to help ensure a smooth and secure experience.
Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
Startup Growth Networking Meetup in Manila x Draper Startup House
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth - Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
"The eChai platform has been super valuable for me - it has helped me gain a deeper understanding of domains in the startup and tech ecosystem. What stands out most is the celebration of knowledge, professional growth, and entrepreneurship - it’s one of the best for the Indian ecosystem. Along the way, I’ve also been fortunate to make some great friendships and connections too."
Shalin (Shawn) Parikh - Founder, MyCPE One
Shalin (Shawn) Parikh
Founder, MyCPE One
“You don’t plan to build a company via eChai. You just keep showing up … and one day, you realize you did.” I’ve known Jatin since 2012, when I was still deciding what kind of second innings I wanted to play as an entrepreneur. Over the years, through events, chai breaks, intros, and seemingly small conversations, eChai helped shape not just Upsquare but also refined the lens through which we see collaboration. At Upsquare, we’ve hired talent, met partners, discovered co-investors, and built lifelong friendships. One of our joint ventures exists today only because a casual eChai memory sparked a deeper trust. Now, as we build House of Starts — our venture builder — eChai continues to fuel our mission: co-creating a shared future. eChai isn’t just a startup network. It’s a trust network. And for business builders like me, that makes all the difference."
Utpal Vaishnav - Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP
Utpal Vaishnav
Founder @ Upsquare & House of Starts • Angel Investor + LP

eChai Partner Brands

eChai Ventures partners with select brands as their growth partner - working together to explore new ideas, open doors, and build momentum across the startup ecosystem.