The Founders Peak Podcast · Where exceptional startup founders share untold stories that shaped who they are

Coding for Disruption: The power of meritocracy - Season 15 (Singapore, Nov 2025)

·11 min·1 clip

He realized the ultimate application of open source meritocracy is financial inclusion for millions from Manila to Nairobi.

Winston Damarillo shares his journey from a Filipino immigrant facing rejection in Silicon Valley to becoming a successful entrepreneur, explaining how the meritocracy of code became his passport and how he now applies open source principles to drive financial inclusion through his startup Higala. He connects personal anecdotes with broader lessons on spotting inflection points and using technology to dismantle systemic inequity.

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