McIntire alumna Avina Sugiarto has recently been honored as one of Fortune Indonesia’s prestigious “40 Under 40” young leaders, celebrating Sugiarto’s impact in the realms of investment, entrepreneurship innovation, and sustainability. As a Partner at venture capital firm East Ventures, Sugiarto has continuously blazed trails, combining her passion for investment with a commitment to sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.
Growing up in Balikpapan, a small town on Indonesia’s island of Borneo, Sugiarto spent her formative years steeped in cultural richness and community values. Her life’s journey has taken her from Balikpapan to Sydney, Australia, where she attended high school, then to the U.S. for her education at UVA and McIntire, and back to her home country. Her experiences have been a testament to her adaptability, hunger for knowledge, and vision.
Reflecting on what she has achieved, she credits those who have been behind her in her professional endeavors: “I truly believe the award is a congruence of all the support I’ve received from my family and East Ventures’ family, our founders, partners, mentors, and investors who have navigated through the ups-and-downs journey,” says Sugiarto. “This award will further propel us to leave a legacy whereby investment decisions today can secure a better world tomorrow.”
Pioneering Ventures with Purpose
Since joining East Ventures in January 2022, Sugiarto has been pivotal in driving investment in high-growth companies across Southeast Asia, with a spotlight on Indonesia. Her vast expertise spans various alternative assets, emphasizing venture capital, private equity, and sustainable investment solutions. She believes, “As investors, we’re not just investing in businesses, but also shaping the world that we want our children and grandchildren to live in. Hence, sustainability is not just an option, but it has become a pillar for livelihood and long-term success.”
That sentiment in her work extends beyond return on investments, aligning with the goals of East Ventures’ 2024 Sustainability Report. She authored strategies focusing on decarbonizing operations by 2030 and extending these efforts towards portfolio-wide decarbonization by 2050. “Critical to this long-term success will be forging partnerships with entities within the East Ventures ecosystem, as well as with national and global stakeholders, ensuring a collaborative and effective journey toward net zero,” Sugiarto emphasizes. Her efforts are aimed at creating a future where business accomplishments are fully measured in both fiscal terms and sustainable impacts.
Avina’s role as a judge in the 2024 Climate Impact Innovations Challenge further demonstrates her belief in nurturing innovative solutions for global challenges. The Challenge, hosted by East Ventures in collaboration with partners such as Singapore’s Temasek Foundation, beckons bold ideas in energy transition, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy. Through initiatives such as the ECOVISEA platform, which offers businesses a toolkit for measuring and managing their greenhouse gas emissions, Sugiarto reinforces the idea that inventiveness in sustainability can lead to meaningful transitions towards a profitable and low-carbon economy.
Ecosystem Building, Mentorship and Empowerment
Throughout her career, Sugiarto has also maintained an unwavering commitment to ecosystem building, mentorship and empowerment, focusing particularly on supporting opportunities for women in the finance and business sectors. She has served as a dedicated figure for mentorship platforms like 100 Women in Finance, WomenWorks, and Endeavor. Through East Ventures platform, she has actively engaged on ecosystem building for the Indonesia digital ecosystem, as well as by serving as the Head of International Relations at the Indonesian Venture Capital and Start-Up Association (AMVESINDO), and as a Climate Solutions Committee at the Singapore Venture and Private Capital Association (SVCA). Through these activities, Sugiarto shares her insights and experiences with emerging entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the challenging business landscape.
Her advice to young women considering a career in finance is profound yet straightforward: “Learn to maximize your strength, surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and build a network that opens doors. Most importantly, pursue a career where your strengths and interests converge, as the passions will inspire you, and the proficiency will carry you through challenges ahead.”
Sugiarto’s accolades—from her recognition on Fortune Indonesia’s “40 Under 40” list to her strategic initiatives at East Ventures—are anchored in her foundational experiences at McIntire and complemented by her deep-seated values of resilience and community building. She credits the Commerce School for her success as well: “Of course, I’d also like to thank McIntire for equipping me with invaluable skills. I truly believe the holistic education, rigorous training, importance of integrity, and lifelong friendships made for strong foundations that propelled me into a career in investments and private equity early on.”
In an era where collaboration and sustainability have moved past mere buzzwords to necessities, Sugiarto’s success is creating advancement for others, future leaders poised to drive innovation and sustainability for the greater good.
