During my internship with AC Ventures’ investment team I worked across three areas. First, I developed and applied the firm’s Southeast Asia agri‑tech and climate‑tech investment thesis, sourcing startups aligned with these themes. Second, I contributed to shaping an AI‑led growth strategy and supporting fundraising preparation for a large portfolio company in the agri‑sustainability space. Third, I was involved in deal sourcing, company research, and sector analyses to support the broader investment cycle. This work aligns with AC Ventures’ mission of backing transformative digital businesses in Southeast Asia and matched my interests in sustainable food systems and climate innovation. As the firm raises a specialized Climate and Sustainability Fund, my contributions to sector theses, startup sourcing, and portfolio strategy are directly relevant.

My studies in Columbia’s MS in Sustainability Management program were highly relevant to the internship. The program’s emphasis on sustainability frameworks helped me evaluate the climate and agricultural impact of startups while considering commercial viability. Courses in sustainable finance and impact investing provided tools to assess business models for both financial returns and environmental outcomes. My prior professional experience was in agriculture, but at Columbia I gained new insights into climate tech through coursework and involvement in the Carbon Markets Interest Group. A previous internship with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment also enhanced my understanding of financing gaps in global food systems. These academic and extracurricular experiences enabled me to connect technological opportunities with sustainability goals and contribute meaningfully to investment thesis development and portfolio support.

Challenges included balancing the broad scope of work with the depth required in each stream. Thesis development, portfolio strategy, and deal sourcing all demanded significant research across multiple geographies and technologies. Prioritization was key in a fast‑moving venture environment. Another challenge was interacting with diverse founders. Some were highly engaged while others were less involved, which sometimes slowed progress. Learning to adjust my approach to each founder’s style was important. Finally, translating sustainability concepts into a venture‑capital context required evaluating opportunities through both impact and commercial lenses. Some promising climate‑tech ideas did not align with the fund cycle or risk profile. Working closely with the team helped me refine this skill.

This internship offered significant technical and professional growth. I gained firsthand exposure to investment thesis development, portfolio strategy, and sourcing in a competitive venture ecosystem. I learned to communicate clearly, think structurally, and operate flexibly. Most importantly, I learned how sustainability can be integrated into venture investing through filters, due diligence, and portfolio design. The experience confirmed my interest in climate‑focused venture capital and strengthened my confidence that my background in commodities and sustainability, combined with current training, can add value. It also showed me a new side of Indonesia—a younger generation of founders eager to drive change. Their energy and ambition strengthened my commitment to working at the intersection of climate, capital, and innovation.