As a tech entrepreneur, innovation and resilience are key to navigating the fast-paced digital landscape. Sharlon Quiohilag Almeda, the General Manager of Al Meda Digital Solutions LLC, embodies these qualities as he leads his company to new heights. His journey from Manila to Dubai in 2015, alongside his siblings, marked the start of a challenging yet inspiring path to leverage technology for meaningful change.
The inspiration behind Sharlon’s tech startup is deeply rooted in his family’s journey.
“My inspiration behind starting my tech company is my family,” Sharlon shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Moving to Dubai to join their parents, the Almeda family faced numerous challenges typical for immigrants, from adapting to a new environment to dealing with high education costs. These difficulties inspired Sharlon to create solutions not just for his family but for the broader Filipino community.
“I realized that we are not just the ones who are struggling with the same issue,” he notes, highlighting how his initial personal struggles evolved into a broader mission to address educational and socio-economic challenges faced by Filipino families abroad.
Sharlon’s entrepreneurial journey took a bold turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. With both he and his father losing their jobs, he decided to launch GURO e-Learning Services International in 2021.
“It’s indeed a gamble, but I believe it’s worth the risk and it paid off,” Sharlon reflects. GURO became a crucial platform during the pandemic, bridging the gap between students and educators and providing opportunities for those affected by the economic downturn.
Navigating challenges and creating solutions
Starting GURO was not without its challenges. “One of the biggest challenges that I faced when I established GURO e-Learning Services International is funding,” Sharlon admits.
Bootstrapping his business from personal savings, he had to be resourceful and creative in overcoming financial constraints and gaining client trust.
“It took a lot of effort to make things work and to earn the trust of our clients,” he recalls, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in building a successful startup.
Beyond GURO, Sharlon expanded his entrepreneurial footprint with platforms like Double G Esports Entertainment and eBuys Online Store. Double G caters to the growing eSports community, providing a platform where enthusiasts can “play, win, earn, and repeat.” Sharlon envisions Double G as a pioneer in organizing inclusive e-Sporting events and contributing to the thriving eSports community.
Meanwhile, eBuys Online Store sets itself apart with its customer-focused approach, offering same-day delivery and a unique range of products, including hard-to-find items and “open box” products. “We offer unique varieties of products…that won’t usually be available on a common e-Commerce platform available in the region,” Sharlon explains, highlighting the platform’s distinct value proposition.
Empowering the Filipino community
Sharlon’s ventures are not just businesses; they are platforms that specifically cater to the Filipino community. GURO e-Learning, for example, supports Filipino families overseas by providing accessible and affordable online tutoring services and skill development workshop options. Double G Esports aims to foster a community of Filipino gamers, potentially establishing an elite eSports club capable of competing globally. eBuys, on the other hand, opens doors for Filipino entrepreneurs to introduce their products to new markets, promoting “Made in the Philippines” goods worldwide.
These platforms have created opportunities and provided support to Filipinos globally, especially during challenging times. Sharlon proudly shares, “We managed to provide livelihood to our fellow unemployed kababayans in times of crisis,” underscoring the broader social impact of his ventures.
Looking ahead, Sharlon envisions his company becoming a leader in the e-Learning, e-Commerce, and e-Sports industries across the UAE and beyond. He remains committed to the Filipino community, continuously seeking ways to innovate and expand. For those interested in collaborating or joining his ventures, Sharlon encourages proactive engagement, offering various ways for individuals and businesses to get involved through their platforms.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
For aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs, Sharlon’s advice is clear: “Be consistent, trust the process and always keep in mind that hard work will pay off.” He emphasizes the importance of having SMART goals, conducting thorough market research, and being open to partnerships. “Be an innovator, don’t confine the word ‘business’ to our traditional businesses,” he advises, encouraging creativity and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 3 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.