User:Tekoph/sandbox

Teko (Company)

Overview

Teko Solutions Asia, Inc. or more popularly known as Teko, is a Philippine-based technology startup that offers on-site home appliance and mobile device services to households and businesses by partnering and vetting freelance technicians.

The company also offers its platform as a white label Software as a Service SaaS that powers the after-sales systems of home appliances and electronic equipment manufacturers and distributors. Its platform is also used by the extended warranty providers.

Teko currently operates in Metro Manila and surrounding cities and recently expanded into other regions of the Philippines.

History

Teko was founded in June 2017 by Farah Barre, an American software engineer who relocated to the Philippines a few months prior. After a frustrating event with the repair of his new home’s refrigerator, he launched the first iteration of teko.ph in the Philippine market, based in part on his admiration for the frictionless Geek Squad appliance service he frequently used in the US.

After seeing promising traction, he brought on his co-founder Chris Teodoro, a Filipino-American entrepreneur. The two continued to bootstrap while they refined their concept.

Investment

Teko secured seed investment after 18 months from Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), a large consumer appliance and industrial solutions manufacturer in the Philippines.

The co-founders were introduced to CIC by the notable founders of Chikka: Chito Bustamante, Dennis Mendiola, former Globe Telecom executive Mario Domingo, and Ernest Lagdameo.

Partners

Teko has partnered with several appliance manufacturers and distributors in the Philippines, namely Carrier, Midea, Kelvinator, Toshiba, Aiwa, Condura and Imbera.

2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Teko briefly paused its operation for a few weeks at the peak of the pandemic in April 2020. It successfully weathered the economic and logistical effects of the subsequent quarantines and lockdowns by rapidly transitioning its staff to full remote work. The company also remained in close touch with its partner technicians and provided assistance in the form of basic food and supplies.

As soon as the pandemic safety rules were relaxed for the service industry in June 2020, Teko quickly recovered and earned its highest sales in its 3 years history. Teko continues to sustain this rapid growth until the present day.