Forbes Asia’s 2024 “100 to Watch” list highlights promising startups and small businesses across the Asia-Pacific region, and this year, three standout Filipino companies—Lista, Zed, and Mober—are making headlines. Each of these firms is breaking new ground in their respective fields, demonstrating exceptional innovation and potential.
Mober: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Logistics
Founded in 2018, Mober is at the forefront of sustainable logistics and construction solutions. Under CEO Dennis Ng’s leadership, the company operates a growing fleet of electric vehicles, catering to businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. Mober plans to expand its fleet from 60 to 238 electric trucks by early 2025, reflecting its commitment to eco-friendly practices. The company’s impressive client base includes global brands such as IKEA and Monde Nissin. With a recent $6 million investment from Singapore’s Clime Capital, Mober is set to enhance its fleet and develop a new charging facility, further solidifying its role as a leader in green logistics.
Zed: Pioneering the Future of Digital Banking in the Philippines
Established in 2020, Zed is making a significant impact as the Philippines’ first neobank. CEO Danielle Cojuangco Abraham has led the company to redefine traditional banking by offering a credit card service without interest or annual fees. Instead, Zed earns from the network fees paid by merchants for transactions. This fresh business model has caught the attention of investors, securing $6 million in seed funding led by Valar Ventures, founded by Peter Thiel. Zed’s innovative approach represents a bold step forward in the evolution of digital banking in the region.
Lista: Transforming Financial Management with Cutting-Edge Technology
Since its launch in 2021, Lista has been revolutionizing how individuals and small businesses handle their finances. Led by CEO Aaron Villegas, this financial app provides users with comprehensive tools to monitor spending, manage cash flow, and stay ahead of upcoming bills. The app has quickly gained popularity, achieving over 2.5 million downloads and securing more than $5 million in funding. Lista’s revenue model is driven by selling credit scores and earning referral fees from financial institutions. This innovative approach not only supports personal financial management but also fosters greater financial literacy.
A Broad Spectrum of Innovation
Forbes Asia’s “100 to Watch” list highlights a wide variety of companies from 16 countries and territories, including those in finance, robotics, and energy. India leads with the most entries, followed by Singapore, mainland China, Japan, and Indonesia. The recognition of Filipino firms like Lista, Zed, and Mober underscores their significant impact on this vibrant and evolving business environment.
