About the Award
The annual Investing in Women Awards celebrate LPs who strategically mobilize venture capital in Southeast Asia and demonstrate leadership in inclusive investing.
2025
The 2025 Investing in Women Award will celebrate institutional investors and family offices who play an outstanding role in supporting diverse fund managers. We will recognize LPs who invest in women-led or gender-balanced fund managers.* The award seeks to amplify their impact, inspire broader investment in women-led and gender-diverse funds, and strengthen the investment ecosystem for diverse fund managers.
Supported by Investing in Women (IW)—an initiative of the Australian Government—Propelevate and Preqin, this award highlights inclusivity's critical role in achieving sustainable economic success.
Why are the Investing in Women Awards important?
Gender-balanced VC fund managers can:
Broaden access to under-explored or differentiated investment pipelines;
Reduce groupthink and cognitive bias, leading to better investment decisions;
Better support a diverse array of portfolio companies, driving higher growth and returns; and
Enhance risk awareness and governance, supporting long-term performance.
Compared to male-dominated funds, gender-balanced funds have demonstrated:
Strong financial performance: 23%, 62%, 118% greater net fund IRR at 6+, 8+, 10+ years respectively; and
Reduced risk: threefold lower write-off rates.
In SEA 18% of VC partners are women and 25% of VC funds are gender-balanced.
Eligibility
In order to considered for the Investing in Women 2025 Award the firm must meet the following criteria:
Must be a limited partner (LP): asset manager, pension fund, corporate investor, sovereign wealth fund, bank, endowment, foundation or family office.
Must have invested in venture capital funds in Southeast Asia in past 3 years
Capital Commitment: Investment in women-led or gender-balanced fund managers* (GP).
*A gender-balanced fund manager (GP) is defined as at least 30% representation of either gender in decision-making roles.
Data Source: Source: IFC. Expanding Opportunities for Women in Emerging Markets through Private Equity and Venture Capital. June 2025.
Do you know an LP that meets this criteria?
Nominate them below
The 2025 Investing in Women Awards Selection Committee:
-
Hemal Mirani
MANAGING DIRECTOR
HarbourVest Partners -
Emily Chew
HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY
GIC -
Angus Kathage
BLENDED FINANCE & INVESTOR ENGAGMENT
Australia - DFAT -
Elaine Foo
FOUNDER & CEO
New Dimensions Capital -
Haw Rer Au Yong
PARTNER
Pangaea Alternative Advisors
About the Award Partnership
The Investing in Women LP Award recognizes and celebrates LPs leading the way in several gender-inclusive investment practices in Southeast Asia. By highlighting exemplary investors, the award aims to inspire broader adoption of gender-inclusive practices and strategies that drive innovation and economic growth across the region. This award is part of a three year initiative to recognize LPs who annually implement strategies to accelerate women’s economic empowerment throughout Southeast Asia.
Stay Updated
The Investing in Women LP Award is not just about recognition—it’s about inspiring a broader shift towards investment strategies benefiting women among the limited partner investment community. As more organizations embrace inclusivity, investment opportunities will continue to evolve. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay ahead—learn from the leaders already making it happen.