Angelo Ferro, Co-Founder at PlayAbly, never imagined himself as a founder growing up. In a world where C-suite faces rarely looked like his, Angelo Ferro found it difficult to picture a future in leadership. Yet, his journey as a Filipino immigrant founder has become a testament to the importance of representation and resilience. For Angelo Ferro, stepping into the role of a founder wasn’t just about building a company—it was about breaking barriers and showing that people like him could succeed in spaces where they are often underrepresented.
Reflecting on his experiences, Angelo Ferro acknowledges that he is still in the minority. “I’ve met very few Filipino founders,” he shares, recognizing the challenges that come with being part of a group that is often overlooked in the entrepreneurial world. However, rather than being discouraged, Angelo Ferro uses this as motivation. “All the more reason to do this incredibly hard and difficult thing,” he emphasizes. For Angelo Ferro, representation isn’t just a personal goal—it’s a responsibility to pave the way for others who may also struggle to see themselves in leadership roles.
Angelo Ferro’s story is one of resilience. The journey of a startup founder is rarely easy, and Angelo Ferro is candid about the struggles that come with it. “Startups are hard, lonely, and downright depressing sometimes,” he admits, highlighting the emotional and mental toll that entrepreneurship can take. Yet, through it all, Angelo Ferro remains optimistic and determined, knowing that if he can make it through the hardships of building a company, he can accomplish anything.
One of the keys to Angelo Ferro’s success has been the support of his family and friends. As a co-founder of PlayAbly, Angelo Ferro has relied on the encouragement of his loved ones to push through the tough times. Their belief in his vision has been a crucial source of strength, helping him stay focused on his mission of creating an inclusive and innovative platform.
Angelo Ferro’s journey is also about the power of storytelling and connection. Through platforms like the Foreign Founders podcast, where he shared his story with Andy Nobutaka Chiang, Angelo Ferro has inspired others by being open about his challenges and victories as an immigrant founder. For him, this is not just a personal achievement—it’s about giving a voice to those who are often underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.
In conclusion, Angelo Ferro’s journey as Co-Founder of PlayAbly is a story of breaking barriers, embracing representation, and building resilience. By stepping into the role of a founder, Angelo Ferro is showing the world that diversity matters in entrepreneurship—and that anyone, regardless of their background, can create a meaningful impact.
