// startup autopsy
Oriente
Backed by $105M, Oriente couldn't survive bad loans and Manila's regulatory crackdown.
regulationRegulatory Kill
Forced closure by regulatory action
| Founded | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Closed | 2023 |
| Country | Philippines |
| Sector | Fintech |
| Founder | Geoffrey Prentice, Hubert Tai |
// the model, blind
Evaluating only Oriente’s profile at its peak — without knowing the outcome — the model ranked Unit economics as the #1 likely cause. Documented cause: Regulation.
Key Events Timeline
FOUNDING
Oriente founded in Hong Kong, quickly expanding digital lending to Philippines and Vietnam.
FUNDING
Raised $105M Series A led by Berjaya Corp with IFC participation for Southeast Asia expansion.
REGULATORY ACTION
BSP tightened online lending rules; Oriente's NPL ratio surged past 20% post-pandemic.
SHUTDOWN
Philippine operations wound down; CEO Geoffrey Prentice had already exited in 2022.