Cris Vinson, a tech entrepreneur from Iloilo, is making waves in the global startup scene as he takes center stage at the Vietnam Digital Nomad Fest. With years of experience in helping businesses scale to seven and eight figures through online sales funnels and sustainable growth strategies, Cris is a name to watch in the tech industry. As the founder of multiple startups, including Primof, Prime Media Hub, and Civy, he has carved a niche for himself in the world of automation, AI, and digital business growth.
At the Vietnam Digital Nomad Fest, Cris will share his expertise in marketing automation, AI integration, and digital scaling strategies. His journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, is an inspiring testament to the limitless possibilities of the tech world even for those who start with limited resources.
Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Cris Vinson
In an exclusive conversation, Cris opened up about his unconventional path to entrepreneurship. Unlike many in the tech space, he didn’t have the luxury of a degree or substantial funding to kickstart his career. Instead, he turned to tech as a fast-track way to success.
“I did not have a degree, I needed to fund myself and my ideas, and I could not stand working as an employee for the BPO industry at the time,” Cris shared.
Recognizing the potential of the digital world, he taught himself the ropes of automation, AI, and digital marketing, eventually leading him to establish multiple tech ventures.
However, Iloilo City presented its own set of challenges. According to Cris, the city’s tech ecosystem remains small and somewhat closed off, with outdated mindsets and a lack of accessible mentors.
“There are certain demographics that love to gatekeep the tech industry so that it doesn’t grow too big, too fast,” he explained.
This forced him to seek mentorship and resources outside the city, even as he struggled with unreliable guidance and, at times, deception from supposed mentors. Despite these obstacles, he persisted—self-learning, networking globally, and aligning himself with genuine mentors.
His resilience paid off. Today, he is a recipient of prestigious international awards, including the SaaS Gold Award from GoHighLevel and the 2 Comma Club Award from Dental Implant Machine, a top industry marketing provider in the US. His expertise in AI and marketing automation has positioned him among the early pioneers in developing AI employees.
A Global Stage for Filipino Tech Innovators
Cris’ invitation to speak at the Vietnam Digital Nomad Fest was a result of his dedication to empowering others in digital careers. Having trained over 900 individuals, from marginalized communities to professionals re-entering the workforce, on launching digital careers, he has become a sought-after speaker in international events.
“At one of those events, I met Le-an Lacaba, founder of 2XYou, who recommended me to the Vietnam Nomad Fest organizers. After discussing the topics they needed, everything fell into place,” Cris revealed.
At the Vietnam Digital Nomad Fest, his talk will focus on scaling businesses through automation, AI tools, and sales funnels. He will also debunk the myth that running a remote business means sacrificing growth and efficiency. Instead, he believes that with the right systems, businesses can scale without increasing workload.
Beyond just sharing insights, Cris sees the event as a global platform for Filipinos to establish themselves among a worldwide network of innovators.
“Digital nomads have proven that it’s possible to work from anywhere and still be at the cutting edge of tech. This event is a chance for Filipinos to have a seat at the table and adapt quickly to rapid tech developments like AI,” he said.
Interestingly, Filipino tech experts tend to gain more visibility abroad than locally, an observation that underscores the need for greater local support and recognition for Filipino entrepreneurs.
“I’ll likely be one of at least three Filipino speakers at the event, showing what we can do on a global stage,” he shared.
The Future of Tech and the Filipino Entrepreneur
As a final thought, Cris hopes his journey and insights ignite a spark in future entrepreneurs. He challenges students, professionals, and aspiring founders to rethink traditional career paths in light of emerging technologies like AI, mixed reality, and space tech.
“Imagine studying for five years only to find your material outdated by the time you graduate. Perhaps a degree alone won’t cut it anymore; real, demonstrated value in the marketplace matters more,” Cris emphasized.
While this may be a tough pill to swallow, he believes it’s also an incredible opportunity to innovate, adapt, and build skill sets that truly matter.
Cris Vinson’s story is more than just a personal triumph. It is a call to action for local entrepreneurs. His journey proves that innovation knows no boundaries and that persistence, adaptability, and the right networks can turn limitations into stepping stones.
His presence at the Vietnam Digital Nomad Fest is not just about one man’s success. It’s about shaping the future of Filipino tech entrepreneurship on the global stage. For those dreaming of launching their own ventures, now is the time to embrace technology, break barriers, and build businesses that create lasting impact.