Jon Carlo Lim is the co-founder and CEO of DragonFi Securities, a wealthtech startup disrupting the retail investment landscape in the Philippines. . 

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

At DragonFi, we develop a technology-driven ecosystem of platforms that will empower every Filipino to achieve their financial aspirations. Our current offering is a best-in-class investment platform for Filipinos to invest in Philippine equities, UITFs, and global funds. 

The firm’s first-to-market API technology powers leading wallet providers, digital banks, robo-advisors, and similar platforms. In essence, we want to be the platform of choice for Filipinos for all their investing needs in the country.  

We intend to continually evolve and broaden access to the financial markets and products that matter to Filipino investors.

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

My salary at DragonFi is astoundingly zero. In fact, I haven't received a salary in over 15 years. Everything I possess from a financial standpoint has been derived from my investing activities in the equity markets.

So, when I express my belief that investing is the most impactful endeavor for achieving financial independence, it's not just a vicarious viewpoint—I've actually lived it!

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

21 straight years of positive returns in the financial markets.  

I’m 100% self-made and it was my dedication to learning how to manage and harness volatility that has enabled me to pursue my other business and personal aspirations.

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

Just like everyone else, I keenly follow the generative AI space.  It's touted to be the biggest secular trend since the internet.  

However, I do so from the standpoint of an investor rather than as an entrepreneur.

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

My philosophy for both investing and entrepreneurship is identical: never settle. You shouldn’t have to motivate yourself to start a business; the data should compel you to do so. 

Based on the data you’ve gathered, the business model should be so compelling that it forces you to act, rather than the other way around where you rationalize everything.

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

Investing in the markets.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

The Matrix Trilogy.

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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.