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Female VC LabAuthor: Barbara Bickham
Welcome to The Female VC Lab Podcast, a captivating series delving into the vibrant world of female venture capital. Join us for an exclusive peek into the journeys of female VCs, Investors, GPs, and LPs as we uncover their strategies, impact, and visions for the future. This podcast celebrates the pivotal roles women hold in venture capital, offering valuable insights to family offices, institutional investors, and those curious about female-led financial stewardship. Tune in for candid discussions and expert perspectives, discovering how these inspiring women are driving innovation, inclusion, and growth in the venture ecosystem! Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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E114 Erika Aquino AQUINO GLOBAL VENTURES LLC
Episode 113
Friday, 23 May, 2025
What does it take to be a globally minded investor in today's ever-evolving landscape? In this unmissable episode, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Erika Aquino—angel investor, strategic advisor, and head of m Squad—to dive deep into investing with purpose and heart. Erika shares her dynamic journey from boardroom legacy in The Philippines to championing women and minority-led startups worldwide. You’ll hear her sharp insights on the explosive impact of AI, why founder EQ is a make-or-break factor, and how global crises (from disaster-prone regions to food supply) are reframing what impactful investing truly means. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder, or a changemaker, this conversation offers real talk on values-driven investment and the future of angel funding. Guest Information Guest Name: Erika Aquino Bio: Erika Aquino is an angel investor, strategic adviser, and the head of m Squad, a Singapore-based investment group with a global focus. Raised and based in The Philippines, Erika is dedicated to supporting women and minority founders in fields like sustainability, wellness, future of work, and education. Her investment style centers on community impact, founder chemistry, and leveraging technology for good. Links: Website: https://erika-aquino.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-aquino Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamerikaaquino/ Episode Outline Erika Aquino’s Journey to Investing Discover Erika’s transition from supporting her father’s tech company in The Philippines to forging her own path as a global angel investor, with a focus on legacy, impact, and growth in community-driven ventures. Thesis-Driven Investing with Heart Erika lays out her investment criteria: backing women and minority founders in critical sectors (sustainability, wellness, the future of work, education, and adjacent areas). She shares how her upbringing in The Philippines shaped her commitment to impactful, values-driven investments. AI, Founder EQ, and the Future of Venture A fast-paced look at how AI is turbocharging diligence, research, and even daily routines—plus why human intelligence and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable in venture. Erika and Barbara debate the evolving human/AI dynamic and discuss the critical importance of founder mindset and community engagement in tomorrow’s ecosystem. Transcript For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara Bickham About the Host: Barbara Bickham is an accomplished technologist, investor, and mentor dedicated to amplifying the voices and impact of female venture leaders around the globe. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and keep bringing you the most inspiring stories. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @femalevclab LinkedIn: Female VC Lab X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Join the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, DM us your thoughts on Instagram, or share your favorite moments using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend—tag us on social and let us know your #1 takeaway!