Meet the Animo Labs Team: Driving Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship Forward

Animo Labs has been steadily building momentum with a strengthened core team, combining experience, technical expertise, and fresh perspectives to push its mission forward. As De La Salle University’s technology business incubator under the DLSU Science Foundation Inc., Animo Labs continues to serve as a bridge between ideas and impact—and behind this mission is a dedicated group of individuals passionate about enabling founders.

Atty. Mike Gerald David – Executive Director

Law & Innovation Strategist. Visionary at the Intersection of Policy and Tech.

Atty. Mike Gerald David is a distinguished lawyer, CPA, and educator whose work spans legal practice, academia, and the frontier of fintech and innovation. He holds a double degree in Accountancy & Financial Management from Holy Angel University, a Juris Doctor from Ateneo Law School, and a Master of Laws from UC Berkeley, where he specialized in Law & Technology and Business Law.Beyond his academic and professional practice, he has been deeply involved in shaping conversations around digital finance, regulatory frameworks, and technology policy. As Executive Director of Animo Labs, Mike brings together his cross-disciplinary expertise to guide startups with both legal rigor and strategic foresight—ensuring ventures grow in compliance while staying ahead of industry shifts.

Dave Del Rosario – Program Manager

Community Builder. Startup Weekend Facilitator. YSEALI Alumnus.

Dave is a seasoned program manager and ecosystem builder with over 12 years of experience in technology business incubation and startup development. As Program Manager of Animo Labs, he leads the design and execution of incubation programs that empower early-stage founders, including the Startup Foundry—a bootcamp that cultivates entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, and problem-solving skills among youth and students.Beyond Animo Labs, Dave has facilitated numerous Startup Weekends and played a key role in shaping national-scale initiatives such as Philippine Startup Week. A proud YSEALI alumnus, he continues to champion collaboration, community, and capacity-building across the Philippine startup ecosystem. Passionate about enabling founders to thrive, he ensures that every program he drives is rooted in impact and sustainability.

Carla Ocbeña – Operations Supervisor

Engineer-Founder Turned Operations Architect.

Carla is an engineer by training and a former startup founder under Animo Labs, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Her technical foundation and entrepreneurial journey allow her to understand what founders go through as they build from the ground up.Now serving as Operations Supervisor, Carla ensures the incubator runs seamlessly—managing processes, coordinating with partners, and supporting the day-to-day needs of founders. Her ability to combine empathy with structure makes her a vital force in keeping Animo Labs efficient, collaborative, and founder-focused.

DJ Jucutan – FabLab Coordinator

Maker Mind. Fresh Perspective. Prototype Enabler.

DJ Jucutan, a cum laude graduate of Saint Louis University in Baguio, brings fresh energy and technical sharpness to Animo Labs’ Fabrication Laboratory. With a strong foundation in engineering and digital fabrication, he offers innovators the tools and guidance they need to move ideas into tangible prototypes.In his role as FabLab Coordinator, DJ supports startups, students, and researchers in areas such as 3D printing, electronics prototyping, and rapid iteration. His fresh perspective ensures that the FabLab remains not only a space for creation but also a dynamic hub where innovation thrives.

Together, this team represents a blend of seasoned leadership, entrepreneurial experience, and youthful energy—anchored by a shared commitment to nurture ideas, empower founders, and drive meaningful impact in the Philippine startup ecosystem.

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About Animo LabsAnimo Labs is De La Salle University’s technology business incubator, operating under the DLSU Science Foundation Inc. (DLSU-SFI), and dedicated to nurturing startups, spinoffs, and innovative ventures that address real-world challenges. Through mentorship, incubation programs, and strong connections with industry, investors, and the wider innovation ecosystem, Animo Labs empowers founders to transform ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses. Guided by its mission to support Filipino innovation, Animo Labs continues to build a thriving startup community where entrepreneurs can launch, grow, and succeed.

For inquiries, collaborations, or partnership opportunities, reach us at hello@animolabs.ph.