UVC: Amra Naidoo from Accelerating Asia on why they invest in startups that are between the MVP stage and PMF stage, what type of businesses can create the most impact and why they are bullish on Bangladeshi startups
Understanding VC is a deep dive on how venture capitalists work. In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Amra Naidoo, Co-Founder and General Partner at Accelerating Asia, a VC fund based in Singapore. Amra shares her opinion on whether everyone should start a business at least once in their career. We also talk about Accelerating Asia, 3 services that they offer the startup ecosystem and Amra explains why they invest in startups between the MVP stage and the product-market fit stage. We also weigh SMB and venture-backed businesses in terms of their impact and end the conversation by talking about the one market she is most excited about for startup investments in the region - Bangladesh.
In this episode you will learn:
- According to Amra, should everyone start a business at least once in their career?
- What is Accelerating Asia? What are 3 services that they offer the startup ecosystem?
- Why was sustainability always a priority for Accelerating Asia right from the start?
- Why does Accelerating Asia focus on investing in startups that are between the MVP stage and the product-market fit stage?
- Is building a venture-backed startup the best way to create impact? What is one other alternative?
- Why is Amra bullish on Bangladesh and Bangladeshi startups?
About
Amra Naidoo is Co-Founder and General Partner at Accelerating Asia, an award-winning VC, and startup accelerator that scouts and propels the best founders in the region and invests up to US$250k in pre-Series A startups.
For close to a decade, Amra has spearheaded high-impact partnerships and programs, including the award-winning UN Women global social entrepreneurship program, Project Inspire, and was a key contributor to muru-D’s startup selections, including investing in Shop Up.
She's the Southeast Asia Lead for Impact Capital and the Outgoing Curator for the Global Shapers Singapore Hub, a World Economic Forum initiative. She's also the host of the Doing Good Podcast.
Amra Naidoo
Co-Founder and General Partner at Accelerating Asia
Amra is Co-Founder and General Partner at Accelerating Asia, an award-winning VC, and startup accelerator that scouts and propels the best founders in the region and invests up to US$250k in pre-Series A startups.
For close to a decade, Amra has spearheaded high-impact partnerships and programs, including the award-winning UN Women global social entrepreneurship program, Project Inspire, and was a key contributor to muru-D’s startup selections, including investing in Shop Up.
She's the Southeast Asia Lead for Impact Capital and the Outgoing Curator for the Global Shapers Singapore Hub, a World Economic Forum initiative. She's also the host of the Doing Good Podcast.
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