More about Rene Cuartero
COO @ AHG Lab | Venture Building & Empowering Entrepreneurs | Finance & Econometrics Lecturer @ DLSU | Nyenrode MSc | PhD Economics (cand)
Upbeat, analytical, and adaptive individual with an exceptional level of energy to deliver impact while building strong and meaningful connections – equipped with cumulatively 10+ years of experience across Asia, Europe, and the US. Some highlights:
• Currently a COO handling strategy, operations, finance, and human resources for one of the Philippines' largest venture builders / venture studios with a portfolio of 10 ventures (and growing)
• Most proud to have been part of the founding team that scaled a non-profit startup in Amsterdam with national policies and programs implemented in 70+ countries, along with being able to innovatively (social-)franchise projects and operations to 150+ countries that empowered young people through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship
• Worked in fast-paced multinationals (ex-P&G, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley Capital Int'l), high performing non-profits (Red Cross and CYFI), and in a globally-ranked research university (DLSU)
• Teaching in the weekends to MBA, masters, and bachelors students the following courses: (financial) econometrics, international finance and business, financial development and sustainability, and foundational corporate finance/financial management
• Lived, worked, studied, and traveled to a total of 31 countries (so far)
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Remembered by colleagues and connections as someone with infectious motivation to make things happen, a quick learner that thrives even in ambiguity, and a team player with a can-do mentality in achieving professional pursuits and personal passions
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Outside work, I run (a lot), I aim to train for an Olympic Triathlon, I (used to) organize electronic music events, and I excessively obsess over house plants.
Upbeat, analytical, and adaptive individual with an exceptional level of energy to deliver impact while building strong and meaningful connections – equipped with cumulatively 10+ years of experience across Asia, Europe, and the US. Some highlights:
• Currently a COO handling strategy, operations, finance, and human resources for one of the Philippines' largest venture builders / venture studios with a portfolio of 10 ventures (and growing)
• Most proud to have been part of the founding team that scaled a non-profit startup in Amsterdam with national policies and programs implemented in 70+ countries, along with being able to innovatively (social-)franchise projects and operations to 150+ countries that empowered young people through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship
• Worked in fast-paced multinationals (ex-P&G, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley Capital Int'l), high performing non-profits (Red Cross and CYFI), and in a globally-ranked research university (DLSU)
• Teaching in the weekends to MBA, masters, and bachelors students the following courses: (financial) econometrics, international finance and business, financial development and sustainability, and foundational corporate finance/financial management
• Lived, worked, studied, and traveled to a total of 31 countries (so far)
___
Remembered by colleagues and connections as someone with infectious motivation to make things happen, a quick learner that thrives even in ambiguity, and a team player with a can-do mentality in achieving professional pursuits and personal passions
___
Outside work, I run (a lot), I aim to train for an Olympic Triathlon, I (used to) organize electronic music events, and I excessively obsess over house plants.
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Featured speaker at previous eChai events:
Founders and startup folks who joined past eChai startup events
The eChai Effect - In Their Words
"eChai has been a game changer in my journey. It connected me with real people, real support and real opportunities. From building HMMBiz to launching Mindalcove, eChai has played a key role at every step. Grateful to be part of a community that truly believes in growing together."
Hardik Manwani
CTO, Mind Alcove
"At DevX.Work, we’ve greatly benefited from our association with eChai. Their events and networking forums have connected us with high-potential startups, ecosystem leaders, and innovation-driven professionals — many of whom have become valuable partners, collaborators, and even clients. What stands out most is the openness and accessibility of the community — whether you're an early-stage founder or an experienced entrepreneur, eChai provides a welcoming space to learn, collaborate, and grow. It's more than just a network — it's a catalyst for real, collaborative growth. We’re proud to be part of the eChai community. Highly recommended for any organization aiming to grow within the startup space."
Umesh Uttamchandani
Co-Founder, DevX
“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
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