Gabb Agapito, CEO & Co-Founder, Prompt
In a world driven by constant change, where creativity and data intersect, Gabb Agapito emerges as a figure who has excelled in the art of blending innovation with strategic thinking. Growing up in the Philippines, Gabb Agapito found inspiration in his surroundings, where every challenge became an opportunity to explore creativity and entrepreneurial potential. As a child, Gabb turned his creativity into opportunity, selling handcrafted accessories at school and entering art competitions—not just for fun, but with a keen eye for business and a desire to win. This early exposure to entrepreneurship, combined with a drive to succeed academically, set the stage for his future endeavours. Whether working summer jobs at his aunt’s business or fundraising for school organizations, Gabb developed a resourceful mindset.
A pivotal chapter of his life unfolded during university, where he spent five transformative years promoting international internships. This role honed his marketing expertise and deepened his passion for connecting people globally through creative initiatives.
With about two decades of experience in marketing, Gabb transitioned from leading agencies to launching his own venture, Prompt—a forward-thinking marketing powerhouse at the intersection of creativity, technology, and data. Through resilience and bold decision-making, Gabb’s journey underscores the power of aligning vision with action in an era of rapid change.
The Vision Behind Prompt
After years of honing his skills in communication and marketing, Gabb found himself at a turning point. He had spent two decades in the marketing industry, rising through the ranks and achieving success in various marketing agencies. While the idea of venturing into entrepreneurship had always been there, owning a marketing agency was not initially a priority due to his exposure to traditional retail and fashion businesses through his siblings.
“When an opportunity arose to expand an agency in Southeast Asia, it was a wake-up call,” Gabb recalls. “Although the deal fell through, it reinforced my belief that I could build something significant on my own.”
This realization, combined with the support of two industry peers—Halina Santiago and Rocio Abanes—led to the birth of Prompt. Named by Halina, the word ‘Prompt’ resonated with the trio for its meaning: action, agility, and universality. The trio chose the name ‘Prompt’ to reflect the agency’s commitment to agility, innovation, and decisive action—values that align seamlessly with the evolving role of AI in marketing. From its inception, Prompt aimed to be more than just another marketing agency. It was to be a forward-thinking, innovative powerhouse that harnessed the power of creativity, technology, and data to help brands succeed.
Challenges Along the Way
Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship was a significant challenge for Gabb, as he moved from a structured environment to the uncertainties of building his own company. One of Gabb’s most daunting challenges was overcoming the fear of failure—a challenge many professionals face when stepping into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. At the height of his corporate career, he had everything—a large team, industry accolades, and access to all the tools he needed for success. Yet, he felt there was more to achieve on his own terms.
Gabb’s journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur mirrors the challenges faced by many professionals seeking greater autonomy in the age of AI-driven transformation. “Taking the risk to start something from the ground up was essential,” Gabb shares. “It was daunting, but I believed that channelling my hard work into something I owned would hold greater meaning and significance.” Starting something from scratch meant embracing the unknown, but Gabb understood that true growth only comes when you step beyond the safety net of corporate success.
To propel Prompt forward, the team pitched their vision to Lizard Global, an app and software development company with an impressive track record. Partnering with Lizard Global gave Gabb and his co-founders the confidence and resources they needed to build their dream, proving once again that the right partners can make all the difference in entrepreneurship.
“With Lizard Global, we have direct access to highly talented developers who could build AI systems and enhance commerce strategies of our clients. There are not many marketing agencies in the region who have in-house to software engineers, and we want to take the lead here–positioning Prompt to leverage this competitive advantage effectively,” asserts, Gabb.
Leading with Purpose: The Philosophy Behind Prompt’s Success
At the heart of Prompt’s success lies Gabb’s unique leadership style. He describes himself as a ‘harmonizer,’ someone who values structure and systems but also encourages open communication, collaboration, and learning from mistakes. Gabb believes in the power of feedback—good or bad—and ensures his team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
In a competitive industry like creative marketing, Gabb understands the importance of thinking outside the box. He encourages his team to push boundaries, go beyond the client’s brief, and offer thought-provoking solutions that elevate brands. This mindset of innovation and constant improvement drives the success of Prompt’s campaigns, making them both creatively bold and commercially effective.
“I place significant emphasis on hiring leaders,” Gabb explains. “These individuals go beyond their job descriptions, value learning, and aren’t afraid to share their insights.”
Balancing Creativity with Strategy
For Gabb, maintaining the delicate balance between creativity and business strategy is essential. At Prompt, data and insights are the foundation upon which creative ideas are built. Artistic innovation is crucial, but it must be backed by data that serves the client’s business goals.
“We focus on how creative ideas impact brand measures over time, not just sales,” Gabb says. “Commercial effectiveness and brand goals don’t happen overnight. Consistency, supported by data, is key to achieving long-term success.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Prompt and Creative Marketing
Looking ahead, Gabb envisions Prompt as a pioneering force in creative marketing, harnessing AI to push the boundaries of innovation in the industry. Though AI will never replace human creativity, Gabb sees it as a powerful tool to enhance innovation and elevate marketing campaigns.
“Prompt is still a young company, but we’ve already adopted AI for some of our clients with positive results,” Gabb notes. “We see ourselves contributing to the creative profession with AI, and with our strong partnership with Lizard Global, we’re well-positioned to help fuel our clients’ success.”
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Gabb’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet powerful: find what aligns with your values and give it your all.
“Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, there were different options in front of me, but I chose the one that felt right,” he shares. “This sense of alignment should guide you in selecting your business, niche, and partners. And always, always put in the effort, even on small projects. It helps build trust with clients and lays the foundation for long-term growth.”
In an era of constant change and innovation, Gabb’s story serves as a reminder that embracing creativity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt is key to creating lasting impact. For those ready to follow their own entrepreneurial path, the time to start is now.