No Filter

Kumu CEO and founder Roland Ros advocates for technological innovation and social change through Philippine-focused technology

- Ryanne Stephanie Co.

Despite being raised and educated overseas, Roland Ros understands the Filipino psyche. Rather than take advantage of a lucrative career outside the Philippines, the former student activist is building a community for Filipinos from the ground up. He is the founder of Kumu, the country’s fastest growing social entertainment network.

A live-streaming app “proudly made by Pinoys”, Kumu was partly envisioned by the founder’s dedication to social change. After becoming frustrated with the seeming stagnancy of student protests, Ros discovered the concept of social entrepreneurship. “I was fascinated by the ability to track measurable results through data … how concepts like microfinance and education empowered mothers to increase their savings and lift millions of people out of poverty using a sustainable business model,” he says. “Learning about this community centred approach to social impact, together with the growth of Facebook, would form an important backbone for my interest in tech and social media.”

Ros directed his altruism and patriotism into creating Kumu. The platform, which has done well in partnerships with local TV shows such as Pinoy Big Brother and Eat Bulaga, has millions of registered users worldwide, champions Filipino voices and makes a point of maintaining a positive atmosphere for all users. “We have core values built on positivity, safety and acceptance,” say Ros. “We’re not trying to be a platform for everyone—we’re trying to be a platform for people who value safety, positivity and an inclusive community that accepts your imperfect self.”