#raidthefridge

It's the 1st #raidthefridge for 2015! Come mingle with us and make new friends over beers.

And helping us kick-off #raidthefridge are Dip Ghuman and Kyle Lin, CEO and Chief Product Officer respectively, of San Francisco-based startup NEAR.

Dip and Kyle are in Manila this month to launch their anonymous and location-based messaging startup: Near allows you to start or join conversations with people nearby, with a twist!

Near’s team previously worked for Google, Twitter, Apple, and Nike and have decided to use Manila as the first launch market for their startup.

You’re probably wondering why a Silicon Valley team is focused on Manila?

In this session, you’ll learn their design process, the problem Near wants to solve, why others have failed, and most importantly, why they chose Manila over San Francisco, Tokyo, and London to launch their app.

This is Dip’s second business here - the first was a California wine importation business and the numerous trips to Southeast Asia over the last 2 years that catalyzed him to the numerous opportunities in the region.

Some of you who already know Dip are aware he has social running through his veins. His ability to understand people and leverage his talents bringing people together set him on his path to Near.

Dip believes what Twitter did for the world, Near will do for local.

Come meet Dip and Kyle, give them a familiar welcome at Area 55, and learn why Silicon Valley and the startup community of the Philippines has never been closer.