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.

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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

"eChai is playing biggest role in my personal and professional life together. Its a community where i meet like minded people to share idea and learn from their idea. Even while playing cricket i learn something and i implement something new from that learning. Its my entry point for building network in different countries where my base is not established yet. Personally my only fun activity day in a week is eChai cricket and social."
yash shah - Chairman, ES Group of Companies
yash shah
Chairman, ES Group of Companies
"I have evolved from role of Community Builder to Startup Consultant to Startup Ecosystem Enabler to Angel Investor and now launching a Venture Studio and eChai has been a catalyst in my overall journey as Startup Evangelist since 13 years."
Mehul Shah - Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
Mehul Shah
Co-Founder at Counselvise & Ivy Growth
"eChai isn’t just a startup community … it’s a mindset . eChai has been one of the most impactful communities in my entrepreneurial journey. It’s been a turning point . In a world where building something can often feel isolating, eChai gave me a sense of belonging. I’ve found mentors, collaborators, and friends here — people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s a space where ideas are challenged, actions are celebrated, and founders grow not just in scale, but in clarity and confidence. From late-night ideas to early-morning pitches, this community has quietly but powerfully shaped the way I build, think, and dream. I’ll always be grateful for the way eChai creates spaces where founders don’t just grow businesses — they grow together."
Koumal Kalantry - Founder, Bignano Ventures
Koumal Kalantry
Founder, Bignano Ventures

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.