Nightlife app Partyphile scores second seed round from 500 Startups

When Philippine nightlife app Partyphile relaunched and introduced more features in mid-March, founder Ron Baetiong started talking to 500 Startups and other investors to take his app to the next level.

“It wasn’t easy. We were challenged by 500 Startups to validate our business model and generate good traction first,” Ron recalls.

Since then, Partyphile has managed to record 35,000 downloads on iOS and Android, 12,000 monthly active users, and has made US$20,000 in revenue. With these numbers, it announced today that it received 500 Startups’ thumbs up.

The Silicon Valley-based VC firm has injected an undisclosed amount of seed funding into Partyphile, making this the company’s second seed round. Earlier this year, Partyphile raised funding from AppVenture, DOT Entertainment, and angel investors.

Partyphile founder Ron Baetiong (C) with 500 Startups managing partners Khailee Ng (L) and Dave McClure (R) at the 2015 Geeks on a Beach conference.

Formerly Guestlist, Partyphile helps people discover Manila’s nightlife, hassle free. Through the app, partygoers can get on the guest lists of all the top clubs in the capital, which means no more lining up or paying entrance fees. Users can also book tables and buy all-access VIP memberships, as well as event tickets through the app. Tabs are deducted from users’ mobile credit or charged to their monthly phone bill.

“What we have validated is that in emerging markets like the Philippines, where only five percent of the population have credit cards, the next best currency for people to use aside from cash is their cellphone load or postpaid bill,” explains Ron.

Other features include event search and filters, automatic guest listing for friends, and geo targeting, which shows events within five kilometers of where you open the app.

See: Partyphile puts Manila nightlife on the map, helps you go VIP

Ron says the firm plans to replicate what it’s done in Manila across the Philippines and in key cities in Southeast Asia using the funds from 500 Startups and other investors.

“Southeast Asia’s urban population and middle class are growing, many of them are young people. With new disposable incomes, what will they be spending on? A lot of that will continue to drive Partyphile’s growth and expansion throughout the region,” says 500 Startups managing partner Khailee Ng.

500 Startups has led over 50 investments in the region, including rounds for GrabTaxi, KFit, and Bukalapak. In the Philippines, its investments include mClinica, ZipMatch, Ayannah, and PayrollHero.