What does it take to be a globally minded investor in today's ever-evolving landscape? In this unmissable episode, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Erika Aquino—angel investor, strategic advisor, and head of m Squad—to dive deep into investing with purpose and heart. Erika shares her dynamic journey from boardroom legacy in The Philippines to championing women and minority-led startups worldwide. You’ll hear her sharp insights on the explosive impact of AI, why founder EQ is a make-or-break factor, and how global crises (from disaster-prone regions to food supply) are reframing what impactful investing truly means. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder, or a changemaker, this conversation offers real talk on values-driven investment and the future of angel funding.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Erika Aquino
Bio: Erika Aquino is an angel investor, strategic adviser, and the head of m Squad, a Singapore-based investment group with a global focus. Raised and based in The Philippines, Erika is dedicated to supporting women and minority founders in fields like sustainability, wellness, future of work, and education. Her investment style centers on community impact, founder chemistry, and leveraging technology for good.
Links:
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Website: https://erika-aquino.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-aquino
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamerikaaquino/
Episode Outline
Erika Aquino’s Journey to Investing
Discover Erika’s transition from supporting her father’s tech company in The Philippines to forging her own path as a global angel investor, with a focus on legacy, impact, and growth in community-driven ventures.
Thesis-Driven Investing with Heart
Erika lays out her investment criteria: backing women and minority founders in critical sectors (sustainability, wellness, the future of work, education, and adjacent areas). She shares how her upbringing in The Philippines shaped her commitment to impactful, values-driven investments.
AI, Founder EQ, and the Future of Venture
A fast-paced look at how AI is turbocharging diligence, research, and even daily routines—plus why human intelligence and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable in venture. Erika and Barbara debate the evolving human/AI dynamic and discuss the critical importance of founder mindset and community engagement in tomorrow’s ecosystem.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com
Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is an accomplished technologist, investor, and mentor dedicated to amplifying the voices and impact of female venture leaders around the globe.
Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com
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