A Startup Storyteller

I embarked on the journey to create Uniquecorn Strategies fueled by resilience and empathy with my fellow business owners. Confronted with a major obstacle when my previous startup couldn't secure an operational license due to inadequate Philippine government influence and public relations, I was motivated to ensure others wouldn't face the same fate. Thus, Uniquecorn Strategies was born—a PR agency dedicated to startups, founded on the lessons learned from my own experiences, aimed at helping other startup founders build influential brands and sidestep the pitfalls I encountered.

A Global Communicator

At Uniquecorn Strategies, I am privileged to work with notable global brands like Riot Games, Yield Guild Games, and Instructure, the education technology provider for all Ivy League Schools, enabling them to communicate their message to their publics. My insights into startups, public relations, and related fields are shared through my column at e27, a Singapore-based startup website.

As a global communicator, I occasionally take consulting jobs with a diverse range of PR agencies across Singapore, the USA, Hong Kong, and Dubai, including collaborations with APCO Worldwide, one of the world's leading PR agencies. This role has afforded me the opportunity to work with a few Fortune 500 companies, enriching my perspective on global business dynamics.

An ecosystem builder

I am a passionate startup advocate being able to mentor startup founders through The Final Pitch and Startup QC and being able to speak at Philippine Startup Week, sharing insights and guidance to hundreds of emerging entrepreneurs. I enjoy hanging out with startup ecosystem builders such as VCs, accelerators, angel investors, founders, and enablers, which translated later on into strategic alliances with Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry, QBO Innovation Hub, Launch Garage, Startup QC, Archipelago Labs, Bitskwela, Philippine Blockchain Week, and the Blockchain Council of the Philippines. Working with them further underscores my commitment to shaping the narrative of the Philippine startup landscape.

My CNN Philippines Talk

I passionately advocate for the cause that sharing knowledge is the cornerstone of nurturing a robust and dynamic startup ecosystem.

My goal is to champion Filipino startups, ensuring their global resonance and contribution to societal and economic progress are celebrated. My dedication to staying true to my advocacy was recognized at the young age of 26, when I was invited as a guest mentor on the seventh season of The Final Pitch, a Shark Tank-inspired business reality TV show airing on CNN Philippines. This invitation made me the youngest business mentor featured in the show's six-year history.

In 2023, I was invited again to mentor startup entrepreneurs delivering his PR mentorship all the way from London, United Kingdom. I am the first entrepreneur in the show’s history to be invited as a mentor twice.

Episode can be view here.

"Startups don't win by attacking. They win by transcending. There are exceptions, but usually, the way to win is to race ahead, not to stop and fight.”

-Paul Graham, Co-founder of Y Combinator

Industry Awards

Silver Prize for

Packworks’ B2B Data

PR Campaign

2023 Rising Star

Entrepreneur

This award recognizes marketing excellence and innovation, honoring campaigns that have demonstrated exceptional creativity, strategy, and impact.

This award recognizes emerging entrepreneurs that demonstrated growth within their respective companies.

Uniquecorn Strategies Founder and CEO Dean Bernales talks to ABS-CBN (ANC) Business Roadshow with Stanley Palisada to present the findings of the 2024 PH Startup Founders' Outlook.

For full access to the report, you may visit: https://uniquecornpr.com/ or https://bit.ly/427aIJD

The 2024 PH Startup Founders' Outlook is presented by Uniquecorn Strategies and co-presented by QBO Philippines, Launchgarage, The Fourth Wall and Bossjob,

Airing date: January 31, 2024

TV Interview on ABS-CBN News Channel

Features from Top-tier media

• Tech in Asia [PH founders pessimistic on 2024 funding opportunities: report] [Online] [Feb 03, 2024]
  
• Business World [PHL startup founders seen to favor profitability over growth — report] [Online] [Jan 18, 2024]
  
• Esquire Philippines [Profitability Over Growth: Study Paints Gloomy Outlook of Filipino Startups for 2024] [Online] [Jan 18, 2024]
  
• e27 [Founders are pessimistic about Philippines’ funding climate in 2024: study] [Online] [Jan 17, 2024]
  
• Adobo Magazine [Uniquecorn Strategies awarded at KMC Startup Awards for Packworks PR campaign] [Online] [Jan 07, 2024]
  
• Marketing in Asia [Uniquecorn Strategies Secures Silver with Innovative Campaign at KMC Startup Awards] [Online] [Jan 03, 2024]
  
• Adobo Magazine [The Business Manual names Uniquecorn Strategies as a Rising Star at Growth Con PH] [Online] [July 10, 2023]
• Business Mirror [CNN’s ‘The Final Pitch’ welcomes back PR expert among stellar lineup of mentors] [Online] [July 31, 2023]
• Adobo Magazine [Dean Bernales returns to CNN’s The Final Pitch as a season 9 mentor] [Online] [August 1, 2023]
• Manila Bulletin [PH Startup-focused PR agency Uniquecorn strategies launches London office, names Advisory Board] [Online] [March 7, 2023]
• Branding In Asia [Philippines’ Uniquecorn Strategies Expands into the UK Led by Dean Bernales] [Online] [March 3, 2023]
• Marketing Interactive [Uniquecorn Strategies opens UK office, adds industry professionals to advisory board] [Online] [March 2, 2023]
• PR Week [Philippines-based PR agency opens UK office] [Online] [March 10, 2023]
• The Manila Times [Uniquecorn Strategies celebrates 2 years of growth] [Online] [November 2, 2023]
• Hustleshare podcast [The Hustle Behind Uniquecorn Strategies] [Online / Podcast] [August 27, 2023]
• Business Mirror [Uniquecorn Strategies celebrates two years of growth and strategic partnerships in startup ecosystem] [Online] [October 19, 2023]
• CNN Philippines The Final Pitch [The Final Pitch Season 9: Open Edition Episode 5 | The Open Mentorship] [Online] [August 15, 2023]
• The Manila Times [Uniquecorn Strategies celebrates 2 years of growth] [Online] [November 2, 2023]
• Adobo Magazine [Uniquecorn Strategies celebrates two years of growth and strategic partnerships in the startup ecosystem] [Online] [October 19, 2023]
• Adobo Magazine [Uniquecorn Strategies ramps up local efforts with Junelyn Olivar as Client Services Director and Aki Marzan as Public Relations Manager] [Online] [May 24, 2023]
• Provoke Media [Asia-Pacific News In Brief] [Online] [September 6, 2023]
• Campaign Asia [Move and win roundup: Week of February 27, 2023] [Online] [February 27, 2023]
• Campaign Asia [Move and win roundup: Week of August 29, 2022] [Online] [September 1, 2023]
• Bitpinas [Blockceler8 Mid-Year 2023: Highlights and Outlook] [Online] [September 23, 2023]
• PRWeek [Movers & Shakers: Nissan, Edelman, Think HQ and more] [Online] [March 9, 2023]

Memberships

• Chair, Public Relations Committee, Philippine Marketing Association
• Member, Public Relations Society of the Philippines
  

Mentions from Top-tier media

• CNN Philippines [‘The Final Pitch Season 9: Open Edition’ to air on CNN Philippines starting July 9] [Online] [July 7, 2023]
• GMA News [Philippine Startup Week returns to put a spotlight on Filipino Startup Heroes] [Online] [November 20, 2023]
• The Philippine Star [PHSW 2023 sets global stage for Pinoy startups] [Online] [Jan 16, 2024]
• Manila Bulletin [Over 170 PH startups vie for investments] [Online] [Jan 14, 2024]
• The Manila Times [PH Start-up Week brings opportunities to entrepreneurs] [Online] [Jan 10, 2024]
• ABS-CBN News [Disney’s licensed Filipino artist stages exhibit in Manila] [Online] [May 20, 2023]
• Philippine Daily Inquirer [PH Startup Week Highlights Homegrown Heroes] [Print] [November 18, 2023]
• When in Manila [KMC Startup Awards 2023: Recognizing Startup Businesses And Entrepreneurs In The PH] [Online] [November 20, 2023]
• Business World [Philippine Startup Week returns, puts spotlight on homegrown heroes of thriving startup community] [Online] [November 27, 2023]
• Sunstar [PH Top 100 Startups feted at PH Startup Week 2023] [Online] [November 28, 2023]
• Marketing Magazine Malaysia [Uniquecorn Strategies appoints Irene Manansala as associate director] [Online] [September 6, 2022]
• Manila Bulletin [The Final Pitch Season 9 wraps up with startup securing half-million dollar funding, mentorships for entrepreneurs] [Online] [October 24, 2023]
• Manila Bulletin [Unlock the ultimate fandom experience at NEXUS FAN FAIR 2023: a fusion of gaming, tech, music, and more] [Online] [September 12, 2023]
• When in Manila [‘The Final Pitch’ Introduces Its First Open House Mentorship Sessions For Season 9] [Online] [August 10, 2023]
• When in Manila [HERE ARE THE 20 FILIPINO ENTREPRENEURS HONORED AS ‘RISING STARS’ OF THE BUSINESS WORLD] [Online] [July 7, 2023]
• Business World [Filipino Edutech firm Bitskwela brings Web3 to centerstage in Cebu] [Online] [July 12, 2023]
• The Manila Times [The Business Manual honors Filipino entrepreneurs] [Online] [July 9, 2023]
• The Manila Times ['Growth Con PH' honors the rising stars in business] [Online] [June 25, 2023]
• Manila Standard [Business platform to uplift budding entrepreneurs in upcoming growth summit] [Online] [June 24, 2023]
• Lifestyle Asia [Making Magic: Disney’s Only Licensed Filipino Artist Will Stage A Show In Manila] [Online] [May 23, 2023]
• ABS-CBN News [Rodel Gonzalez brings his art home to PH] [Online] [June 5, 2023]
• Esquire Philippines [The Final Pitch Returns With an 'Open Edition' for Season 9] [Online] [May 14, 2023]
• Business World [The Final Pitch returns for Season 9, non-tech startups now included] [Online] [May 9, 2023]

Podcast Interview

My journey as a 29 year-old entrepreneur was featured by Hustleshare Podcast, the Philippines’ top entrepreneurship podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Zh0YiCPTKwUFCmA5IaYOs

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../dean.../id1453894361...

Web: https://www.hustleshare.com/.../interview-deanbernales...

e27 Column

Understanding the entrepreneurial landscape is crucial in today's fast-evolving market. Dive into this pivotal piece written by yours truly as I highlight the significance of bootstrapping amidst Asia's funding challenges.

Read more at

Why bootstrapping remains the key to survival in Asia’s funding winter.

Other relevant links

• Philippine Startup Week 2023 [Panel] [November 2023]
• Startup QC [Mentor] [November 29, 2023]
• Intrigue MAdtech Summit 2023 [Panel]
  
• KMC Startup Awards 2023 [PR partner]
  
• Archipelago Labs [PR partner]
  

E27 columns

• E27 [Why bootstrapping remains the key to survival in Asia’s funding winter] [Online] [August 21, 2023]
• E27 [Rising above the noise: Why startups shouldn’t chase every news cycle] [Online] [October 26, 2023]
• Featured Column: E27 [Weekly roundup: Diving deep with our contributors’ latest] [Online] [August 27, 2023]

Speaking Engagements

2022 New Bold University

Panel on Entrepreneurs Navigating the Pandemic

Philippines

2023 GrowthCon Panel on how technology can enable growth

Philippines

2023 MadTech Summit Panel on spending marketing budgets

Ireland

2023 Philippine Startup Week

Philippines

2023 Startup QC Mentorship

Philippines

2023 Philippine Blockchain Conference Campus Conference Hackathon Judge

Philippines

"The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

-Mark Zuckerberg, Co-founder of Facebook

Values

As a young founder of a startup-focused public relations agency, my core values are deeply rooted in innovation, resilience, and growth. At 26, I embarked on this journey, a path filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Each step has been a learning experience, reinforcing my commitment to perpetual improvement and adaptability.

Commitment to Excellence: "Excellence is not an act, but a habit." I believe in putting my all into every project. Hard work consistently outshines innate talent, especially when talent doesn't put in the effort.

Lifelong Learning: "Knowledge is power." In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations, staying informed and educated is non-negotiable. I am always eager to learn, evolve, and apply new insights.

Embracing Challenges: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Mistakes are stepping stones to mastery. By embracing challenges, I learn, grow, and become more resilient.

Efficiency and Execution: "Action speaks louder than words." Speed combined with accuracy is key. I focus on delivering results promptly and efficiently, recognizing that swift execution leads to greater opportunities.

Problem-Solving Orientation: "See the solution, not the problem." Complaining is a wasted effort. I focus on finding solutions, contributing positively to every challenge we face.

These values guide my journey as a founder and shape the culture of our agency. They are the pillars upon which we build our success and make a meaningful impact in the world of startups.