In this episode, we were joined by Yana Yasevich, Partner & Head of Platform at Alter Global, an early-stage VC firm focused on emerging markets worldwide.
Since 2020, Alter has made more than 70 investments in entrepreneurs based out of São Paulo, Jakarta, Dhaka, Lagos, Buenos Aires, Manila, Mexico City, and more, supporting high-character founders building not just companies, but their communities and economies.
We discuss:
- Yana’s entrepreneurial journey – how launching a sleep and wellness startup in San Francisco gave her first-hand experience in zero-to-one growth, fundraising, and operations, shaping her approach to VC.
- The Alter Global investment thesis – why they focus on fintech, commerce enablement, and logistics in high-growth markets like Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt, and Nigeria.
- Founder selection – how Alter identifies "inevitable entrepreneurs"—relentless, high-impact founders committed to scaling their ventures and supporting their local startup ecosystems.
- The unique challenges of emerging markets – limited late-stage financing and exit opportunities, and how Alter helps startups connect with global investors and build towards long-term success.
- How emerging markets are leapfrogging traditional industries – examples from insurance, logistics, and digital payments, where startups are bypassing legacy infrastructure and introducing mobile-first solutions.
- How Alter is expanding into new markets like Saudi Arabia and Vietnam – and what makes a country an attractive investment destination.
- Alter’s Fellowship Program – an innovative initiative matching top early-career professionals with Alter’s portfolio startups for six to twelve months on the ground, helping scale operations while exposing top talent to emerging market ecosystems.
- Advice for entrepreneurs in emerging markets – why founders should be strategic about raising venture capital, seek strong local investor partnerships, and prioritize clear, compelling pitches.
- The future of venture capital in emerging markets – why patient capital, deep market understanding, and founder-first investing will drive the next wave of global innovation.
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