The Power of ESG and Gender Lens in Asean

AC Ventures (ACV), Indonesia’s prominent early-stage venture capital firm, recently organized an exclusive summit focused on advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and gender lens investing in the ASEAN region.

The event, titled “Profit & Purpose: A New Era of ESG and Gender Lens Investing,” was hosted at ACV’s headquarters in Jakarta and featured speakers and participants from major investors like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Sarona Asset Management, MAVCAP, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), as well as rising impact startups like MAKA Motors, Astro, and Aruna.

The summit addressed the growing demand from stakeholders and policymakers for investment firms to prioritize ESG practices and gender equality in their portfolios, marking a significant shift in Southeast Asia’s investment landscape.

ACV has embraced ESG measurement and reporting standards by using The Upright Project, a technology company based in Helsinki, Finland, which measures ESG and impact according to Northern European standards. ACV’s proactive approach in this area prepares its portfolio companies for upcoming ESG regulations expected in the ASEAN region.

The Gender Equality Story

Furthermore, ACV recognizes the immense investment potential in women-led businesses in Indonesia, where more than half of the over 64 million micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are women-owned. ACV’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its own leadership, with 50% of senior leadership roles within the firm held by women.

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Investing in women-led businesses not only aligns with ESG principles but also represents a substantial financial opportunity. These enterprises are hubs of innovation, offering strong financial returns and resonating with consumer values. ACV views supporting women-led businesses as a cornerstone of intelligent investing for the future.

The summit marked a critical step in advancing ESG and gender equality initiatives within the ASEAN investment landscape, with major investors and startups collaborating to shape the future of responsible and sustainable investing in the region.