Financial technology startup Ayannah is looking forward to secure at least $5 million in its next funding round likely to be completed by April 2017. “We are in the middle of raising our next round. It was upsized to $5 million because of a surge in investor interest. We aim to close by April 2017,” said Ayannah founder and CEO Mikko Perez, in an exlusive interview with DEALSTREETASIA. The Philippine-based fintech firm provides digital commerce and payment services to migrants, especially the unbanked.

Ayannah, a mature stage startup from the Philippines, has won the US$10,000 Best in Show award at the recent Fintech Finals 2017 (FF17) pitch competition in Hong Kong. Founded in 2008, Ayannah operates the largest digital payment network in the Philippines, offering digital financial services that focus on serving the needs of the unbanked. Ayannah has served over 10 million customers through its physical agents and online presence. The company serviced US$150 million in remittances in 2016.

HONG KONG, Jan. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ayannah, a mature stage startup from the Philippines, was deemed the 'Best in Show' by the judges at the Fintech Finals 2017 (FF17) pitch competition at PMQ in Hong Kong brought to you by Visa, as part of the StartmeupHK Festival. Twenty-three startup finalists had six minutes to shine on stage in front of judges and a live audience of fintech professionals, enthusiasts and media. While all were winners in their own right, only Ayannah got to go home with the US$10,000 prize.

On the third day (19 January) of Banking Technology’s tour of Hong Kong, given to the international media by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, we witnessed start-ups pitch for a $10,000 prize (US dollars!) and venture capital experts share a few tips. On Tuesday (17 January), the region told its citizens and the world that start-ups are welcome to do business and capitalise on the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit. While on Wednesday (18 January), a visit to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) showcased what start-ups could gain by setting up operations there.