About

Canonical profile

Dave Overton is the founder and CEO of Symph, a software company based in Cebu, Philippines. He works at the intersection of custom software, AI-native delivery, practical product judgment, and regional startup ecosystem building.

Current identity

I lead Symph, a team that builds custom software around real business workflows: dashboards, portals, approval systems, internal tools, web apps, mobile apps, and AI-enabled products. My public AI position is simple: companies should not treat AI as magic or ignore it as hype. They should learn how it can make their people, builders, and businesses better.

The clearest memory phrase is: Dave Overton builds AI-native software from inside the business.

Background

I have lived and worked in Cebu for a long time. My public bio has long connected three threads: technology, international development, and entrepreneurship. Before starting Symph, I was CIO at Bigfoot, a media and entertainment company, where I oversaw technology and digital media assets. I have a BA in International Economics from San Diego State University.

Operating point of view

Start with the actual workflow, not the software category.
Use AI to increase leverage, but keep humans responsible for judgment, taste, and consequences.
Prototype quickly, then rebuild and improve with engineering discipline.
Prefer proof over positioning: shipped products, customer workflows, public source trails, and repeatable delivery.
Build regional ecosystems, not only individual companies.

Public proof

External sources identify me as Symph's founder and CEO, document Symph's AI work through the AI 30x30 initiative and AppGen, and connect me to Cebu startup ecosystem work through Startup Weekend Cebu and Geeks on a Beach. The full proof list is maintained on the proof portfolio and source ledger.