The inaugural list of the top 30 tech startups were assessed using different criteria, including the use of AI or digitization in order to solve problems more efficiently. 

Advance Intelligence Group Limited (AIGL), the fintech startup behind Atome Philippines’ PayLater Anywhere Card, has been given the inaugural NextGen Tech 30 award. This prestigious award is given to the top 30 tech startups in Southeast Asia. 

“This award is a recognition of how our innovative use of AI technology and prudent risk management strategy is solving the huge credit crunch challenge in the Philippines,” said Magic Tang, Head of Atome Cards. “For so many of our Atome Philippines cardholders, it is their first-ever card product and we are also seeing very high daily engagement and use cases to afford basic necessities.”

“This eventually graduates them to build a credit history and on-ramp to traditional financial products and services,” Tang added. 

Atome is a well-known buy now pay later brand not just in the Philippines, but also in countries such as Singapore and China. 

NextGen Tech 30

Those who made it to the top 30 were assessed using the following criteria:

• Demonstration of artificial intelligence (AI) or digitalization that solves problems more efficiently
• Minimum $20 million (approximately PHP 1.12 billion) in revenue, or year-on-year revenue growth of 30% or higher
• Headquartered in ASEAN or operating primarily within the region
• Clear ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy and long-term value creation

The 30 startups that received the NextGen Tech 30 awards are as follows:

• Advance Intelligence Group Limited 
• Aspire
• Bolttech
• Chickin
• Chye Thiam Maintenance
• Circles
• Coda Payments
• Durapower
• Endowus
• Ensign InfoSecurity
• Fano Labs
• Funding Societies
• Geekplus
• Gradiant
• Igloo
• Multiplier Technology
• Patsnap
• PingCAP
• Pixocial
• Prep
• Privy
• SCI Group
• ShopBack
• Sleek
• Swap Energi
• Thunes
• Toku
• Univers
• Waresix
• WIZ.AI

Atome Philippines’ PayLater Anywhere Card

Here in the Philippines, AIGL is best known as the fintech startup behind Atome Card. The Atome Card allows its owner to enjoy interest-free credit for up to 40 days. In addition, the bill to be paid can be split into three or six equal monthly payments. 

Those who are interested in owning an Atome Card can easily apply through the Atome app. Applicants only need to be at least 18 years of age. A valid Philippine ID is likewise required. 

According to the company, the Atome Card is the first-ever card product of 80% of its cardholders. Cardholders have been able to use the card to pay for utility and telephone communication bills, groceries, and even ecommerce purchases.