Fajar: Thank you so much, Nabila, for taking the time for this candid interview. Let’s start with your journey into venture capital. How did you get started in VC, and what key events led you to pursue this career path? How did your experiences shape where you are today?
Nabila: I started my career in banking, which was exciting—especially when I worked in investment banking and got exposure to various industries. However, the industries I worked with were often more traditional, like mining or oil and gas. Meanwhile, I kept seeing exciting tech companies making news headlines, which made me want to shift into tech.
At that point, I was deciding whether to go into investing or an operating role after banking. But then I thought, “Who am I to become an investor?” I didn’t have the industry knowledge or experience to advise founders effectively. So, I decided to gain some operating experience in product management first.
After some time in product management, I realized that I still had a strong interest in investing, which suited my personality better. Eventually, I transitioned into venture capital, and I’ve been in the field ever since.
Fajar: What attracted you to join Digital Currency Group (DCG)? Could you share what excites you the most about working at DCG, and what aspects of your role keep you motivated?
Nabila: One of the biggest draws to DCG was its location in the U.S., specifically in New York, which is a major hub for innovation and fintech. We primarily invest in Web3, fintech, and AI, so being here allows us to stay at the forefront of these fields.
Another key reason I joined DCG was the opportunity to continue leading Southeast Asia investments. In VC, which is a very people-driven business, you bring your network with you. It wouldn’t have been as valuable if I had to leave behind my established network in Asia, which I’d built over several years. DCG invests globally, with portfolio companies across 30+ countries. So, I get to leverage my experience and network in Asia while also investing in other regions, including Africa, Mexico, and the U.S.
I’m also passionate about fintech, given my background in banking and my work with “buy now, pay later” products at Traveloka, the company I worked at before DCG. It all adds up and makes this role very exciting for me.
Fajar: From your previous roles, what key skills have been most valuable to your success in VC? Whether it’s your experience in investment banking, product management, or consulting, how have those roles prepared you for your current role at DCG?
Nabila: For me, it’s the breadth of experience across various business models. I’ve had stints in consulting, banking, and product management, in both large corporations and early-stage startups. This background has given me insight into different models and how organizations function.
For example, when assessing fintech or SaaS companies, I can understand their challenges from a large company perspective. Or, if they mention partnering with a consulting firm for go-to-market strategy, I know how consulting firms operate, at least generally. My past experiences allow me to add unique value when evaluating potential investments. In VC, everyone’s past experiences shape their approach, so it’s about leaning into what makes your perspective distinct.
Fajar: How have your experiences influenced your investment thesis?
Specifically, what opportunities for growth do you see at the intersection of fintech, AI, and crypto, especially in the regions you cover like Southeast Asia?
Nabila: Working in product management allowed me to dive deep into specific sectors, such as “buy now, pay later” and lending. For example, I became familiar with pain points in areas like collections and repayment.
This hands-on experience helps me understand certain business challenges quickly. Recently, I spoke with an AI company based in the U.S. that mentioned how difficult it is for companies to ensure their data scientists are fully utilized due to data access delays across departments. I could relate, having experienced similar bottlenecks while working at Citi. This shared experience helps me connect with founders and see the value of their solutions more clearly.
In VC, every investor brings different perspectives based on their experiences, which is why not everyone invests in the same companies. The diversity in investor backgrounds makes each one resonate with different founders and business ideas.
Fajar: What do you enjoy most about working in venture capital? What aspects of the VC space excite you and make you passionate about staying in the field?
Nabila: Venture capital really suits my personality because I enjoy being a generalist. I love getting exposed to different business models every day. Some people prefer to go deep and specialize in one area, but after working in an operational role, I realized I’m more energized by learning new things daily.
Another highlight is meeting inspiring founders. Hearing their dreams and visions, especially here in the U.S., is truly energizing. It’s a privilege to be around people who are pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Fajar: Finally, what advice would you give to someone looking to break into venture capital?
Whether they’re just starting out or looking to transition from another field, what key advice would you offer for entering and succeeding in VC?
Nabila: I would say two things: networking and experience. Venture capital is very much a people business, so networking is essential. You never know who might connect you to a fund or an opportunity.
Secondly, especially at a graduate level, you’re expected to have some experience. If you’re aiming to break into VC, try to show that you’ve done similar work before. As a student, one way to do this is by joining VC clubs like BRV. Gaining deal experience through a school organization is invaluable when talking to VC firms.
If that’s not an option, consider investing in friends’ startups as an angel investor. Getting hands-on experience with deals, even in a small way, can help you gain valuable insights into the industry.
Fajar: So it’s about getting connected with other people and having some experience that shows you know the game. I have got everything covered now. This has been an insightful conversation–thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective.
Nabila: Sure, thanks for having me.