The biggest Philippine tech and startup stories in 2014

Before we turn the page to 2015, let’s take a refresher on much talked about events this year.

From the Uber saga to a homegrown tech leader’s market debut and major movements in e-commerce, here are the biggest stories in the Philippine tech and startup scenes in 2014.

7. CashCashPinoy controversy

This story stirred up a hornet’s nest. In November, Tech in Asia released an exclusive report about mounting complaints against daily deals site CashCashPinoy over the alleged sale of counterfeit luxury goods. The report also discussed supposed actions taken by financial institutions to suspend transactions originating from the site. CashCashPinoy maintained accusations were “unfounded.” With insights from industry and banking sources, as well as the government, Tech in Asia highlighted in its report how counterfeit goods are endemic in the ecommerce industry. It also helped raise awareness on the need to improve protection of online consumers.

See: BDO suspends CashCashPinoy over alleged sale of fake luxury goods – sources

6. PLDT’s Rocket Internet stake

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), one of the leading telecom operators in the Philippines, shelled out in August US$445 million for a 10 percent stake in Berlin-based Rocket Internet. The transaction marked the start of a strategic partnership between the two to “jointly develop mobile and online payment technologies and services” for the “unbanked, uncarded, and unconnected” population in emerging markets. This partnership particularly targets Rocket Internet’s ecommerce operations under brands such as Zalora and Lazada in Southeast Asia. In December, we saw the first product of this joint effort: MePay. PLDT unit Smart launched the payment platform for secure and convenient shopping from Zalora’s site without a credit card. Consumers only need to provide their mobile phone numbers upon signup, and they’re all good to go.

5. PLDT freebie