Frederic Levy is the co-founder and CEO of Toki, the first-ever social commerce platform dedicated to collectibles in the Philippines.

Toki is both a digital marketplace and a livestream auction platform, made by collectors, for collectors. They’re backed by Foxmont Capital Partners, Kaya Founders, and some angel investors. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

Transforming the collectibles game. At Toki, we're all about creating a dynamic, secure, and community-centric space for buying and selling collectibles. 

My job is to help build a vibrant, trustworthy marketplace that connects collectors and enthusiasts, and lead the digital revolution in the Philippine’s collectibles scene.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I sleep very little, which is rather a good thing when embarking on the startup adventure… and it's even more of a feat when you're balancing it with a bustling home life and five kids!

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I was incredibly lucky to be involved in several great entrepreneurial adventures and also be part of a great leadership team. My experience at GCash was particularly impactful. 

When I joined the company, GCash was a fledgling service with just a few million users, facing significant financial challenges. 

As Chief Commercial Officer, I had the chance to oversee a wide range of operations, with a particular focus on the entire commercial/revenue side of the business.

In four years, alongside a remarkable team, we didn't just turn GCash into the undisputed leader in the Philippines with over 60 million users and elevate it to an iconic local tech status valued at over $2B, but we also made it one of the rare profitable fintech ventures in Southeast Asia.

That journey was extraordinary, filled with encounters with remarkable individuals, and the chance to lead a team of uniquely talented people. So unique, indeed, that my 3 co-founders at Toki are former members of my team from GCash!

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

As general e-commerce matures in SEA, it's creating opportunities for specialized e-commerce platforms focused on particular sectors, trends, or niches. 

This shift, combined with omnichannel strategies that offer a variety of activities across multiple revenue models, opens up vast possibilities in markets still filled with so many sector-specific opportunities. The success of startups like edamama highlights this growing trend.

On the other hand, I am particularly enthusiastic about live-stream auctions. It offers a more exciting and engaging experience than traditional live commerce, which often resembles basic TV shopping or straightforward brand promotion.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Ensure that you're addressing a real problem; don't just develop a solution because the technology or product seems cool. Starting and running a business requires significant effort, so it's crucial to base your venture on something you're truly passionate about.

Choose your KPIs carefully: they are key to keeping you informed about your finances, customer engagement, team dynamics, product value, and more.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

My collections.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

The Wire.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Pistachio.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.