From Monday sprints to team syncs and pivots. Building ventures means being in the frontlines of learning, researching, and experimenting to build things that matter. No two days are the same, but the shared goal of transforming energy for the better remains the same— and what keeps venture-builders going.

We asked AJ, one of our Associate Venture Builders, to walk us through what that actually looks like from aligning with the team, to talking to users, to figuring out whether an idea is worth pursuing at all. Here’s venture-building through his lens:

When people ask me what I do, I usually say: “I help build startups from scratch.” But what that really means is: I spend my weeks obsessing over big, messy problems—testing solutions, talking to real users, and trying to turn rough ideas into real, scalable companies.

Hi I'm AJ, and I’m an Associate Venture Builder here at 1882 Energy Ventures. Think of it like being a startup founder—but on repeat. We look for high-impact problems, validate them, design potential solutions, test them in the real world, and if they work, build them into full-blown ventures. Sometimes that means running user interviews, sometimes it’s prototyping, and other times we’re pitching to the Studio Board for feedback (or friendly fire 😅). No two days look the same—and that’s part of what makes it exciting.

But we’re also taught to ask the hard questions early: Is this problem really worth solving? Is the solution working? Is there enough traction? If the answer’s no, we pivot—or kill the venture entirely. It sounds brutal, but it’s necessary. Because when we do build conviction, and the idea sticks? We hand it over to a founding team, and then we move on to build the next one. That’s the job. We build. And with each one, we learn—and we build better.

So, What Does My Week Look Like?

Most weeks follow a familiar rhythm—though, in venture building, no two days or weeks are ever quite the same.

We usually kick things off on Mondays with a weekly standup. The whole venture build team comes together to align on our sprint goals: What are we trying to get done this week? Who’s owning which workstream? What’s the outcome we’re building toward?

From there, it’s all hands on deck. I work closely with our Venture Principal—think of them as overall project lead. They help shape the direction of the venture, make sure we’re aligned with the studio’s bigger vision, and challenge us to think sharper. Alongside them, I collaborate with fellow Venture Builders as we move quickly through different workstreams.

We try to meet at the office at least once a week—not just to avoid cabin fever, but because in-person days are where a lot of the creative magic happens. We debate ideas, unblock each other, align on the bigger vision. (And let’s be real: sharing meals helps too.)

On heavier weeks, we have mid-week check-ins or async updates. Some weeks, I meet with my manager and our Managing Director, and I genuinely appreciate how they care not just about the work—but how I’m doing, too. Then there are weeks we meet with the Studio Board, where we present our builds, walk through what we’ve learned, and get pushed (in the best way) to refine our thinking.

It’s a fast-paced environment, but one that really values output, growth, and learning. We run like a startup team—but with a shared braincell. One braincell. Passed around

(Exhibit A: accidentally twinning and joking about forming a dance group. That’s synergy.)

How I Got Here

My journey started with a simple North Star: I wanted to solve real problems that mattered. That led me to try out everything—from internships and startup accelerator programs to working at startups and VC funds.

In 2022, I got my first real exposure to the Philippine startup scene. The energy was palpable. Post-pandemic, digitization was on overdrive and a wave of startups was tackling long-standing problems. That momentum made me want in. I’d always known I was entrepreneurial, and startups felt like the best way to scale impact.

Fast forward to today, and I’m almost a year into my venture-building role in 1882. It’s been a full-circle moment—and the best kind of learning curve.

What We’re Building Now

Right now, we’re trying to solve a massive question:
How do we put power back in the hands of the everyday Filipino?

It’s not easy—but that’s the point. The impact we can make is huge. What fuels me is knowing that our work doesn’t just sit in a slide deck—it moves people, businesses, and communities forward. I’m excited to share more soon. But for now, we’re keeping things under the radar—still in stealth, still building.

How Working at 1882 Energy Ventures Aligns With My Goals

Working in 1882 has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve become more problem-focused, more deliberate, and more grounded. I’ve learned to fall in love with the problem—not the solution—and to be okay letting go if something doesn’t stick. It’s a mindset that helps you focus on what really matters.

It’s also clarified my long-term vision: to one day lead a venture that delivers real, tangible impact. Every day here feels like a step toward that. We’re empowered to be leaders, no matter where we sit on the team. And working in energy—an industry that’s complex, evolving, and deeply systems-driven—has been the perfect place to start.

Plus, it’s a very relationship-driven space, which means I’ve been able to grow my network beyond the usual circles I meet in tech.

How It’s Changed Me

Beyond the professional growth, working here has given me clarity and confidence. Because I’m building things I care about, it rarely feels like “work.” I still have time for the things I love—family, friends, my dogs, gym time, cooking, travel. And honestly? It’s contributed a lot to shaping the best version of myself—where work and life feel more balanced, sustainable, and fulfilling.

What’s Next?

Without giving too much away, we’re at a global inflection point in energy. Between ESG mandates, the rise of renewables and EVs, and the need for more affordable power—there’s massive pressure and opportunity to accelerate the clean energy transition.

We’re still in the early days of energy innovation in the Philippines, which means there’s real space to shape how the ecosystem grows. And that’s what we’re here for: to build better, build more—and help decentralize, decarbonize, and digitize how we access and use energy.

Thanks for tagging along for a week in my life. Catch you in the next sprint. 🚴♂️💡⚡ - AJ Tambaoan, Venture Builder