Kumu, the social entertainment platform “built by and for Filipinos,” has become a household name in the Philippines and beyond. Connecting overseas Filipinos with their loved ones back home, Kumu offers high-quality streaming video chat and interactive features. The platform owes much of its success to its strategic use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud technology.
At a recent press briefing, Kumu’s founder and CEO, Roland de Ros, emphasized the importance of AWS’s democratization of cloud computing, stating, “AWS is very critical to be able to actually get these businesses off the ground.” He noted that AWS Activate, a flagship program offering credits and support to startups, was instrumental in Kumu’s early stages, allowing them to focus on product-market fit without worrying about infrastructure costs.
As Kumu grew, AWS continued to be a valuable partner, offering scalable solutions to accommodate the platform’s increasing user base. De Ros recounted how AWS was there at every stage of Kumu’s journey, from its humble beginnings in a condominium to its current success as a profitable business with millions of users.
Lakshmi Priya, Head of Startups, ASEAN, at AWS, highlighted AWS’s unique position in helping startups from “idea to exit and beyond.” She explained that AWS offers a wide range of programs and resources to support startups across their lifecycle, from early-stage experimentation to global expansion. Priya also shared how AWS’s startup team, comprising experts from within the startup ecosystem, provides deep domain, technical, and regional expertise to founders.
De Ros shared how Kumu has leveraged AWS technology to innovate and introduce new features, such as group streaming capabilities that connect users worldwide. He also emphasized the importance of AWS in ensuring the stability and reliability of Kumu’s platform, particularly during high-traffic events like live streams featuring popular volleyball players.
The Future of Kumu & Filipino Startups
Looking ahead, De Ros sees a bright future for Kumu, with plans to incorporate more entertainment options and explore the potential of Generative AI to enhance content creation and customer service. He believes cloud technology, especially AWS, will play a critical role in transforming the way startups in the Philippines operate, citing its ability to democratize innovation and enable startups to build and scale quickly and cost-effectively.
From the cloud services provider, Priya echoed this sentiment, stating that AWS is committed to supporting Filipino startups across various verticals, offering a comprehensive suite of technology tools, programs, and resources. She sees a strong trend of Filipino startups tackling real-world problems and breaking new norms, particularly in eCommerce, logistics, and FinTech.