‘Women-led firms are 15% more likely to outperform their male-led counterparts’: Helen Wong of AC Ventures

In celebration of International Women’s Day this March, Helen Wong, Managing Partner at AC Ventures (ACV), shares her insights on investing in women-led businesses and ACV’s role in creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Why is investing in women-led businesses a smart move?

In dynamic markets such as Indonesia, women entrepreneurs are crucial economic drivers. Investing in them is not just about equity but also about boosting impact and returns. Studies indicate that narrowing the gender gap in business leadership could increase global annual GDP by up to 26 per cent.

Furthermore, women-led companies are 15 per cent more likely to outperform their male-led counterparts, potentially adding US$5.9 trillion to market capitalisation.

Also Read: Indonesia needs more female investors willing to back female founders: Helen Wong of AC Ventures

AC Ventures’s 2024 Impact Report, in collaboration with Deloitte Indonesia, highlights that ACV’s portfolio has sustained over 30,000 jobs, with women leading 40 per cent of them.

What challenges do women entrepreneurs face in securing VC funding?

There is a well-documented funding gap for women entrepreneurs. A report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Stellar Women, and AC Ventures, reveals a US$1.7 trillion funding shortfall. Structural barriers, such as limited access to networks, unconscious bias in investment decisions, and a lack of tailored financial support, continue to impede women.

Women entrepreneurs often struggle to align their pitches with investor expectations, which are still largely shaped by male-dominated perspectives.

What steps can be taken to address these challenges?

To bridge this gap, investors should proactively support female entrepreneurs, while ecosystems must offer stronger mentorship, networking, and financial literacy programmes. Integrating a gender-lens investing approach can ensure that women-led businesses receive the necessary resources to thrive.

Could you share examples of female-led startups in ACV’s portfolio and their impact?

AC Ventures supports several impactful women-led businesses across various sectors.

Examples include:

• Acacia (founded by Annu Talreja) uses AI to decarbonise real estate.
• Astro (founded by Marcella Moniaga, Sherlyn Gautama, and Jessica Stephanie Jap) is an on-demand platform for groceries and essentials in Indonesia.
• Rose All Day (founded by Cindy Nyoto Gunawan and Tiffany Danielle) is a top Indonesian beauty brand promoting clean beauty, inclusivity, and sustainability.
• Xendit (co-founded by Tessa Wijaya) is transforming digital payments in Southeast Asia.
• Supermom (co-founded by Joan Ong, Lynn Yeoh, and Rebecca Koh) is reshaping how brands engage with parents across Southeast Asia.

Through initiatives like gender-lens investing and the Invest2Equal (I2E) programme, AC Ventures aims to support more women-led businesses in scaling.

How does AC Ventures champion gender diversity?

AC Ventures integrates gender diversity into its investment strategy and ecosystem initiatives. Half of the senior leadership team are women, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.

We actively support women entrepreneurs through mentorship, ecosystem-building, and strategic partnerships. Collaborations with BCG and Stellar Women have driven research on closing the funding gap for women founders.

Also Read: The great breakup: Why women are leaving tech leadership & what we can do

AC Ventures also shared strategies to increase women’s participation in private capital at the Global Private Capital Association (GPCA) Investor Training.

ACV is engaged in IFC’s We Fund Climate peer learning platform, supporting women-led climate start-ups.

What is your vision for the future of women in entrepreneurship and leadership?

The vision is to create an environment where women entrepreneurs have equal access to funding, mentorship, and opportunities, empowering them to scale their businesses and drive long-term impact. It is crucial to see more women in leadership positions across various sectors.

Closing the funding gap for women-led enterprises is a critical step, and fostering collaboration among investors, corporations, and policymakers is essential to making gender inclusivity a reality.

How has your journey shaped your perspective on gender diversity in the industry?

Having worked in venture capital across Asia, it’s clear how gender diversity impacts decision-making, deal flow, and economic growth. Diversity drives better business outcomes, yet women entrepreneurs still face barriers to accessing funding and networks.

AC Ventures integrates gender diversity into its investment strategy to ensure female founders have the necessary capital, mentorship, and opportunities.

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs and investors?

Build a strong network of mentors, peers, and advisors. Seek investors who understand the industry and value diversity. Stay persistent, as success requires resilience and the ability to navigate challenges with confidence.

How can we encourage more women to enter venture capital and leadership roles?

Creating pathways for women in VC and leadership starts with access to education, networks, and opportunities. Firms must be intentional about hiring and promoting women into decision-making roles. Mentorship, industry forums, and partnerships help build a strong pipeline of female investors and leaders. By fostering an inclusive ecosystem, we can empower the next generation of women to shape the future of business and investment.

The post ‘Women-led firms are 15% more likely to outperform their male-led counterparts’: Helen Wong of AC Ventures appeared first on e27.