Kloudtech in the Spotlight: A Conversation on Startups with the Provincial Governor of Bataan
Leading the entrepreneurial wave in Bataan and Region III is Kloudtech Corp. The startup is a forward-thinking startup supported by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership. Kloudtech focuses on addressing the needs of disaster-prone communities by providing local government units and businesses with tailor fitted solutions. Their flagship product, Kloudtrack, delivers real-time, community-level weather data along with training and decision support tools.
Bataan rapidly emerges as a vibrant hub for startups that are driven by the grit and passion of local entrepreneurs and strong support from both the community and the government. In a recent discussion, Bataan Provincial Governor Garcia invited Kloudtech on August 14 to be part of the interview entitled “Kwentuhan tayo, Bataaño tungkol sa startups, to talk about the challenges of startups, and the collaborative efforts to ensure their success. The interview was livestreamed in the facebook Page of the governor and 1Bataan with a total views of 4.7 thousand as of writing.
Watch the full video here: https://fb.watch/u5nOzWKxct/
One major challenge Kloudtech encountered was navigating the complex and slow legal registration process. The current system does not cater to startups despite the legal registration being crucial for securing investments and seed funding. Nevertheless, Kloudtech's team successfully registered the company with the Security Exchange Commision. This achievement underscores the importance of having a committed team capable of overcoming challenges and driving the startup toward success. JC Ilano, another Kloudtech co-founder, stressed, "Having a good team on your startup journey is invaluable."
In response to these challenges, Governor Garcia replied with the creation of a "one-stop shop" to simplify the registration process for startups. This initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and provide essential support to emerging companies like Kloudtech.
The discussion also emphasized the crucial role of education in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Kloudtech exemplifies how a passion for science and technology, nurtured during the founders education can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Engr. Martinez emphasized, "We need to make our kids fall in love with science and technology, and then later introduce them to entrepreneurship." The founders of Kloudtech who were exposed to science and technology early on have committed to making a difference through their startup even with limited initial business knowledge.
Another key point was the collaborative culture within the startup community. Engr. Martinez explained how Kloudtech and other local startups like RevEarth operate with flat team where every idea matters. He noted, "In our team, everyone’s ideas matter and that’s what makes startups strong." This inclusive approach builds resilient teams capable of navigating the uncertainties of the startup life.
The recent dialogue with Governor Garcia showcased the growth and potential of Bataan’s startup scene. With strong community support, proactive government initiatives and the dedication of local entrepreneurs, Bataan is set to continue its rise as a center of innovation and business excellence. Kloudtech stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion, innovation and community support come together.
Kloudtech, like many startups, has faced significant challenges particularly the high levels of uncertainty and the complexities of business registration. Engr. Dan William Martinez, one of Kloudtech’s co-founder and mentor, described startups as new ventures operating under a high level of uncertainty. He remarked, "What excites you today may not exist tomorrow, but this very uncertainty holds the potential for rapid growth and transformation