Participated · Seed · Nov 2025

Higala develops SynerFi, an open payments platform that connects smaller financial institutions to InstaPay and the broader digital payments ecosystem. By removing technical and cost barriers, the company enables rural banks and microfinance institutions to launch digital products, accept real-time payments, and reach previously underserved customers. SynerFi has already onboarded nine rural banks, including Rural Bank of San Antonio, Rural Bank of Lipa City, Progressive Rural Bank, Banco Abucay, and Lagawe Highlands Rural Bank. Higala’s leadership positions the platform as a key pillar for financial inclusion initiatives in the Philippines, working closely with partners such as Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). Proceeds from its latest financing will be used to expand SynerFi’s feature set and accelerate rollout to additional regional lenders. The company’s strategy centers on scaling integrations with payment networks while deepening partnerships that drive adoption among community-level banks.

Led · Seed · Sep 2023

BayaniPay is a neobank focused on serving overseas Filipino workers and migrants by enabling direct payments to billers in the Philippines. Its core product is a global payments solution for enterprises that lets Filipino customers abroad pay Philippine billers. The company has 25,000 customers and a presence in U.S. states including California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Alaska. BayaniPay plans to expand into additional states such as Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Washington. It aims to process USD 200 million in total payments this year, a 10x increase from 2023. The company raised fresh seed funding to accelerate these expansion plans and scale its payment infrastructure. BayaniPay provides cross-border payment solutions for overseas Filipinos, including zero-fee remittances, bill payments, a digital checking account, and a debit card. The company has grown transaction volumes substantially, raising average monthly transaction value to over P100 million in H1 2023 (up from P30.64 million previously) and targeting P1 billion by year-end. It recorded 36% growth in new users in the first six months of 2023 and currently serves customers in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Alaska. BayaniPay has run customer-acquisition programs such as the Buena Mano Rate with BDO Remit USA and plans a loyalty program in Q4 to reward active users. With additional capital it intends to build a rewards system and expand further into North America to reach larger Filipino populations. Management emphasizes competitive forex rates and zero fees as core product differentiators.