Vince de Vera, founder of Mobii, returned to the Philippines in 2022 after a successful career in Silicon Valley. His journey back began with tragedy, as he traveled to fulfill his father’s wish to be buried in his homeland. Determined to help his family cope with their grief, Vince planned a road trip to rediscover the country he left as a child. However, the trip took an unexpected turn when he fell victim to a rental car scam, an experience that ignited a desire to create solutions for mobility challenges within the Philippines.
De Vera’s journey into technology began at a young age. He built his first computer at nine, relying on YouTube and magazines to guide him. While passionate about technology, design, and engineering, financial constraints limited his formal education. He dropped out of college in San Francisco to support his family but continued to learn by attending lectures at UC Berkeley and San Jose State University, despite not being a student. He even convinced professors to grade his work, demonstrating his dedication to acquiring knowledge.
Vince’s determination to learn and succeed extended beyond academia. He used his role as an electronics sales associate as an opportunity to network and gain mentorship. Customers became advisors, connecting him with alumni from prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, and UC Berkeley. He embraced every chance to learn and grow, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone.
De Vera’s career flourished in the tech world. He worked as a supervisor at Silvercar, managing operations and developing software applications to improve efficiency. He then joined Cruise, a leading autonomous vehicle manufacturer, and Embark, a company developing self-driving trucks, contributing to their quality assurance engineering teams. He also gained experience at Lyft, a rideshare platform, further honing his engineering skills in software, hardware, and robotics.
In 2014, Vince ventured into the world of blockchain and virtual goods, becoming a founding team member of Mint State Labs. As lead product manager, he played a key role in developing tools for creators to build and distribute blockchain-powered products. The company was acquired by Orange Comet, a web3 entertainment company, recognizing the value of their engineering expertise.
It was during this period of professional success that tragedy struck once again. Vince’s father passed away, pulling him back to the Philippines. The challenges he faced navigating Manila, including the rental car scam, solidified his resolve to address mobility issues in his homeland.
With a newfound purpose, Vince left his established career in Silicon Valley and moved back to the Philippines. He embraced this bold decision, recognizing the opportunity to create positive change. Less than a year later, he launched Mobii, a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform designed to simplify transportation for both locals and visitors.
Mobii offers an Airbnb-like experience for cars, utilizing AI for identity verification and soon-to-be-launched insurance options for both car owners and renters. Vince envisions Mobii evolving into a comprehensive travel platform, similar to Agoda, providing convenient and affordable car rentals with or without drivers. The platform also offers a solution for office workers, enabling them to generate income by renting out their cars when not in use.
Mobii’s reach extends beyond Manila, offering services in Cebu, Davao, Pangasinan, Bacolod, and other areas across the Philippines. The platform empowers users to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, from dormant volcanoes to pristine beaches, with just a few taps on their phone.
For Vince, the launch of Mobii represents a full circle moment. His passion for mobility and his Filipino heritage have come together to create a solution that addresses real-world challenges. He aims to leverage his experience and skills to further develop Mobii and foster the growth of the Philippine tech scene.
De Vera’s ambition extends beyond Mobii. He seeks to contribute to the Philippines’ emergence as a recognized tech hub. He is driven by a desire to honor his father’s memory by creating something truly impactful. Through his entrepreneurial journey and unwavering dedication, Vince de Vera is making a lasting impact on the Philippines, one ride at a time.
