NAGA CITY has jumped to rank 4 in Southeast Asia with 100,000 to 500,00 population in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by StartUpBlink, climbing 64 spots in the global rankings. It also placed 2nd in Economic Growth Rate among Philippine cities, trailing only behind Davao City.
This notable achievement highlights Naga City’s continued commitment to supporting the advancement and scalability of local startups, even as the Philippines dropped four spots in the overall country ranking.
The Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 highlights Naga City’s growing presence in the Philippine startup scene. Naga has advanced 64 spots in the Global Ecosystem Index, ranking 6th in the Philippines and 767th worldwide. The city excels in Fintech, Ecommerce & Retail, and Social & Leisure startups, with notable companies like Ándale, Easybus PH Inc., and Bald Puppies Solutions Inc. contributing to its rise.
Summary derived from StartUpBlink website
Public Sector’s Role
While there is a decline in the national ranking, the public sector continues to provide critical support to local ecosystems through regulatory improvements and the amendment of key laws, such as the Innovative Startup Act and the Foreign Investment Act. These efforts aim to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and startup talent, while encouraging global SMEs to establish operations in the Philippines.
The role of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) remains essential. In addition to subsidizing early-stage startups, DICT leads initiatives like the Digital Cities Program, which evaluates and develops startup environments outside of Metro Manila. This aims to strengthen local innovation ecosystems and support the growth of homegrown ventures.
Despite the national and local initiatives, the decline in global rankings indicates that further improvements are necessary, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure. Addressing these gaps is vital to align with the interests of both local and international venture capitalists and to enhance the potential for startup success.
Read more: Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025
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