Martin Tan is the co-founder and CEO of Arbolo.ai, the first AI-native platform dedicated to upskilling call center agents in the Philippines, with plans to expand across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Previously, Martin led leveraged buyouts of B2B software companies at Partners Group, a global private equity firm managing $150B in assets.

Arbolo.ai is now raising its first institutional round to cement its first-mover advantage and drive accelerated growth across key markets.

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

Imagine if 10% of a country’s economy depended on one industry staying competitive—that’s the reality in the Philippines.

As CEO of Arbolo.ai, I lead a mission to upskill the call center workforce with AI-powered simulations and coaching, ensuring they’re ready to tackle the future and helping one of the nation’s biggest industries thrive in a rapidly changing world.

And as we perfect our approach here, we’re building the foundation for a global impact, ready to transform call center operations everywhere.

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

It might surprise you, but at Arbolo.ai, we’re not just focused on tech—we’re committed to supporting people.

Our work is about creating AI tools that actually help agents succeed in ways that have a real impact on their careers and well-being.

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

There’s nothing quite like seeing your work make a difference.

The most powerful moment at Arbolo.ai has been seeing the impact through data and feedback—agents gaining confidence, unlocking new potential, and succeeding in an industry that demands so much. Knowing that our tools are part of that transformation is something I’ll carry with me forever.

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

I’m focused on how AI solutions are increasingly tailored to meet specific market needs. At Arbolo.ai, we’re the only company bringing AI-driven upskilling to call centers in the Philippines, which positions us uniquely to solve local challenges with global relevance.

This approach isn’t just about technology; it’s about vision, creating impact where it matters most, and redefining what’s possible in workforce development.

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

Build something that truly matters—solve a real problem and stay close to the people it impacts. Listen to your customers, adapt with purpose, and remember that resilience and a clear vision are what drive long-term success.

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

I could go on about the transformative potential of AI in the call center industry—how it can elevate not just operations, but also empower agents with new skills and confidence.

It’s incredible to think about the positive impact we can have on people and businesses alike.

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🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Moneyball—I love how it captures the power of strategy, innovation, and challenging the status quo to achieve something great.

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

Vanilla—classic, versatile, and never lets you down.