The Global VC Issue 🌍

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📊 Global VC Trends to Watch

🌍 1. Cross-Border Investment Is Accelerating

Global investors are actively expanding their reach, deploying capital across markets with growing founder talent and scalable models. Sequoia India has made notable investments in Indonesia, while firms like Tiger Global have backed healthtech startups in Kenya. In 2023, more than one-third of U.S. VC deals involved internationally-based founders or companies (PitchBook Report 2023), highlighting a shift toward borderless investing.

🌱 2. Climate and Impact Funds Gain Momentum

Climate tech and mission-driven ventures are no longer niche. In Q1 2024 alone, global climate tech investment surpassed $13.8 billion (BloombergNEF Q1 2024), with Europe leading in decarbonization solutions and Latin America advancing agri-tech and sustainability innovations. Firms like Planetary Capital (U.S.) and Africa Climate Ventures (Nigeria) are at the forefront of this capital shift toward long-term, systems-level impact.

📈 3. Emerging Markets Are Gaining Ground

Startups in regions such as India, Pakistan, Kenya, and Brazil are attracting increasing investor interest due to rapidly maturing ecosystems and lower capital intensity. In 2024, India surpassed Germany in total VC deal volume (Tracxn Report 2024), while African startups collectively raised $6.5 billion in 2023—led by fintech, logistics, and digital health (Disrupt Africa 2023).

👩‍💼 4. Women-Led Funds Are Expanding Globally

A new wave of women-led and gender-lens funds is emerging in regions historically underserved by VC. Notable examples include Chrysalis Capital (Mexico), Alitheia Capital (Nigeria), and FirstCheck Africa (Pan-Africa). In Europe and Asia, funds like Pink Salt Ventures (UK) and Sheroes (India) are deploying capital with a focus on women’s health, fintech, and care infrastructure.

🦄 5. Power Centers Are Shifting

Unicorns are now emerging from cities previously considered outside the global startup mainstream: Rappi in Bogotá, Colombia; Flutterwave in Lagos, Nigeria; GoTo in Jakarta, Indonesia; and ShopUp in Dhaka, Bangladesh. These companies signal a broader decentralization of innovation, where local solutions are scaling globally and reshaping capital flows.

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🗺️ Regional Spotlight: Southeast Asia Market Dive

Southeast Asia’s venture capital scene is rapidly evolving, fueled by a growing startup ecosystem and increasing global investor interest. Let’s explore two standout markets and unpack key trends shaping VC in the region—especially through a gender lens.

📈 Rising Regions: Singapore & Indonesia

• Singapore is the financial and tech hub of Southeast Asia, attracting heavy capital inflows from global funds like Sequoia, Temasek, and SoftBank. Its robust infrastructure and supportive government policies make it a hotspot for fintech, healthtech, and deep tech startups.

• Indonesia boasts the largest population in Southeast Asia, with a booming digital economy driven by e-commerce, fintech, and logistics startups. Local funds such as East Ventures and global players like Tiger Global actively invest here.

👩‍💼 Women in VC & Foundership

• Southeast Asia shows growing momentum for women founders and investors, but women remain underrepresented.

• Initiatives like SHE Investments in Indonesia and Wavemaker Partners’ female-led fund in Singapore are closing the gender gap.

• Cultural norms and access to networks still present hurdles, but awareness and support programs are expanding.

🚧 Barriers for Women: Regulatory & Cultural Challenges

• Regulatory frameworks generally support startups but lack specific provisions for women entrepreneurs, limiting targeted incentives.

• Cultural expectations around gender roles can restrict access to capital and leadership opportunities for women.

• Networking events and mentorship programs are crucial in overcoming these barriers, and VC firms with diversity mandates are making headway.

🔥Deal of the Week: Across Borders

🌌 Okapi:Orbits Secures €13M to Clean Up Space

📍 Location: Braunschweig, Germany

💰 Funding: €13M Seed Round ($15.24 million)

👩‍🚀 Investors : Munich Re Ventures (lead), Dolby Family Ventures, Herius Capital, APEX Ventures

Okapi:Orbits, a German deep-tech startup focused on preventing satellite collisions and managing space debris, just raised €13M to scale its platform. While space-tech isn’t typically front and center in venture conversations, this round stands out—not only for tackling a critical global challenge, but also for its backers. Investors like Dolby Family Ventures bring a gender-intentional lens, signaling growing momentum for women-focused capital in technical, underfunded sectors. The deal highlights how frontier innovation, deep tech, and global markets are converging—and how women-led funds are increasingly playing a role in shaping those future-defining spaces.

💬 Why It Matters:

As space becomes more commercialized, there’s a growing need for tools that manage risk and sustainability beyond Earth. Okapi’s platform fills a critical gap—and its funding reflects how venture capital is reaching into complex, global problem-solving areas that go far beyond consumer apps.

Read More Here!

🌐 International Opportunities in VC & Startups

🤝 Fellowships

🌍 Included VC Fellowship

The Included VC Fellowship is a fully funded, 5-month global program designed to help individuals from underrepresented backgrounds break into venture capital. Through masterclasses, mentorship, investment simulations, and in-person summits, Fellows gain insider knowledge, hands-on experience, and a powerful global network. No prior VC experience required—just ambition, curiosity, and a commitment to diversity in tech and investing.

💡 EduLab Capital Venture Fellows

The EduLab Venture Fellowship is a part-time, remote program offering undergraduate and graduate students hands-on exposure to the VC world. Fellows support deal sourcing, participate in investment meetings, and complete a capstone project focused on the future of learning and workforce development. Ideal for students passionate about education, innovation, and impact investing.

💰 Commerce Ventures CV Access Fellowship

The CV Access Fellowship by Commerce Ventures is a 12-week, paid remote program for college juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. Fellows engage in real VC work—deal flow, diligence, and mentorship—while gaining access to a powerful community and a $5,000 stipend. A clear, inclusive pathway into fintech and retail tech investing.

🚀 General Catalyst Venture Fellows

The GC Venture Fellows program empowers student leaders around the world to identify and support promising founders on campus. Fellows act as a bridge between student startup ecosystems and General Catalyst, gaining exposure to early-stage investing, company building, and community leadership. Open to all current students globally.

💼 Internships

📍London, England - Fintech Venture Capital Analyst at BlackFin Tech (Apply Here!)

📍Berlin, Germany - Hybrid Student Internship at PT1 (Apply Here!)

📍Munich, Germany - VC Internship at YZR Capital (Apply Here!)

📍Stockholm, Sweden - VC Internship at Disruptive Ventures (Apply Here!)

📍Mexico City, MX - Startup Program Associate at Powertrain Ventures (Apply Here!)

📍London, England - 6-Month Internship at Global Founders Capital VC (Apply Here!)

📍Paris, France - Strategy Intern at Skello (Apply Here!)

📍Hong Kong - Venture Capital Intern at Tenir Capital (Apply Here!)

🚀 Full-Time Roles

📍New York, NY, US - Ventures Associate, AI Investing at Point 72 (Apply Here!)

📍Frankfurt, Germany - Investment Associate at DB1 Ventures (Apply Here!)

📍Singapore - Summer Venture Intern at Nourish Ventures (Apply Here!)

📍Haryana, India - VC Scout at Investorsync (Apply Here!)

📍South Delhi, India - Entrepreneur in Residence (Apply Here!)

📍Madrid, Spain - Analyst/Associate - Investor Relations at AltamarCAM Partners (Apply Here!)

📍London, England - Analyst at Global Founders Capital (Apply Here!)

📍Sydney, Australia - Investment Analyst at Cambridge Associates (Apply Here!)

🎥 What We’re Watching

Across the globe, leaders are rethinking who drives innovation and how it can create more inclusive, sustainable impact. These four talks explore the future of value creation, venture, and leadership through a global lens.

🔦 How to Use Venture Capital for Good

Watch Ted Talk

Key Idea: Venture capital can drive meaningful change by intentionally funding diverse founders solving real-world problems in historically excluded communities.

🔦 The Mindset Shift Needed to Tackle Big Global Challenges

Watch Ted Talk

Key Idea: Solving global challenges like hunger and poverty requires startup-style thinking inside large institutions—embracing experimentation, iteration, and bold ambition.

🔦 What is Economic Value, and Who Creates It?

Watch Ted Talk

Key Idea: We must rethink what—and who—we consider valuable in the economy. Public institutions, workers, and caregivers often create the most value, yet are the least rewarded.

🔦 The Danger of a Single Story

Watch Ted Talk

Key Idea: Limiting our narratives to one perspective leads to stereotypes and blind spots. Innovation thrives when we embrace the full range of human experience.

✨ Girls Into VC Update

From Our Team: What’s New at GIVC

🚀 GIVC Summer Fellowship: Session 3 Recap

This week, Girls Into VC wrapped our third session of the Summer Venture Capital Fellowship with Ayushi Singha — the founder of Stealth Startup, an operator, and investor. Ayushi shared powerful insights from her journey across her different roles.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Investor vs. Founder Mindsets: Solving real problems matters, but investors also weigh market size and willingness to pay. The hardest truths often live in the gap between the two.

2. Learn from the Misses: Track the deals you pass on—especially the ones that succeed. Misses are a map of where the world is going, and you can’t afford to ignore that.

3. Lead with Generosity—Smartly: Build your network by giving authentically, but scale it with intention. Guidebooks > burnout from too many 1:1s.

Big thanks to Ayushi for her candor and generosity. Her wisdom left a lasting mark on our fellows and on the GIVC community.

💬 Hear a live update from our Director of Fellowship, Elvia Perez:

“I continue to be deeply inspired by the caliber of our cohort fellows, who bring even greater energy, insight, and passion each year. We have had outstanding guest speakers and have engaged in enriching and thought-provoking discussions. In addition, I am very impressed by how committed and engaged everyone is in contributing to our fellowship’s success. The sense of community and shared purpose among our fellows has been amazing! It has been rewarding to witness the growth, curiosity, and dedication that each fellow brings to the program.”

We look forward to continuing to share our fellows’ progress and reflections as the summer unfolds!

👋 Thank you for reading this special Global VC Issue. As markets shift and new ecosystems emerge, we’re proud to spotlight the people and perspectives shaping the future of venture across continents, sectors, and stages.

— Ori Ayalon, Parker Lauer, and The Girls Into VC Team ⭐️