Indonesia invests in women: ANGIN fund helps start-ups

The network established in 2012, is made up of a group of investors - Indonesian women, some at the top of their game, with a goal to fund and mentor those looking to get a foot on the ladder.

Those picked for the investment (over 3-5 years) will receive funding ranging from Rp. 500 million to Rp. 1.5 billion, and granted access to the knowledge, experience and network of the mentors.

Entrepreneurs, Nadya Saib of natural cosmetics producer Wangsa Jelita, Cynthia Tenggara of lunchbox delivery service Berry Kitchen, and Claudia Syanny Latif of sweets manufacturer Maguerite Nougat, are all involved in ANGIN. 

Investment is a stamp of credibility​

According to regional publication, Techinasia.com, what unites these businesses is their focus on consumer goods - all three have a digital platform component for ordering and payment, they are not primarily tech-driven.

The network's program manager, Surya Darmadi told the publication that their support and mentorship will benefit young start-ups in the consumer goods segment.

“For example, one of our angels has experience in hotels, so she can support cosmetics producers to find distribution channels through hotels or spas​,” says Darmadi.

ANGIN is also setting up an additional fund, which will look at early stage seed investment of between US$10,000 and US$50,000.

"Bringing in the experience of new angels, this fund will be able to better accommodate start-ups centered around technological solutions​," Darmadi told Techinasia.com.

Cosmetics industry investing in Asian women​

L'Oréal welcomed the first Vietnamese scientist into its' UNESCO programme last month. It supports women committed to scientific advancement across all continents and at different points in their careers.

Dr. Tran Ha Lien Phuong from National University in HCM City was awarded $40,000 for her work related to discovering a cure for cancer, which she can choose to spend on developing her career in areas like scientific equipment, child care or travel.

The 2015 awards ceremony will take place at the Grand Amphitheatre of the Sorbonne University (Paris), and will distinguish 15 'International Rising Talents', which includes Dr. Phuong.

“We are convinced that science and women bring hope and foster discovery, innovation and excellence. L’Oréal believes in women, L’Oréal believes in science​.”

Since 1998, 87 women have been recognized by the global cosmetics player, two of whom subsequently received the Nobel Prize.