Rexy Dorado is the co-founder and President of Kumu, the largest livestream community app for Filipinos. Kumu has ranked as the highest-grossing social app in the Philippines (and top 5 in Canada, top 15 in the US) with over 14 million registered users around the world and over $100M in funding.

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

I build internet platforms that tap into the economic and creative power of Filipinos around the world.

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

I'm a writer and storyteller as much as I am a business person. Read my sci-fi comic Maharlika on our Filipino comics platform, Penlab!

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

When we first started to see creators earning a full-time income on Kumu! We're still at the tip of the iceberg, but it validated our belief that new media and entertainment formats can turn passion into a living for Filipinos at scale.

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

ChatGPT and Character.AI are haunting my dreams.

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

Try not to get swept into other people's beliefs — about how the world works, how a business should be run and what your company should be.

Other people's opinions — even those of the smartest people you know — are often wrong and can change with the wind.

Keep anchored on your core convictions and first principles; you may not always be right, but the only way you can grow and learn is if you own your decisions fully.

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

Manga

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Neon Genesis Evangelion

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

Cheese