Devina Halim is a Principal at East Ventures, which recently raised a $550M multi-stage fund for Indonesia and SEA. Before East Ventures, she began her career as a Financial Analyst at Boku Identity in the US.

👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I am an early-stage investor at East Ventures. We invest in tech companies that are creating new innovations and positively impacting the ecosystem.

🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

As an early-stage investor, I get to pick up the signals first, whether it's by meeting new disruptive and category-defining business models or identifying new industry problems and trends through the founders I meet.

🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight will always be having the opportunity to personally get to know and meet brilliant founders trying to change the world for the better.

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🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

Anticipating 'VC Winter,' specifically whether VC funding will freeze and the impact on companies' fundraising and valuations.

💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Don't be shy to reach out to more people in the industry and slowly build up your network in the ecosystem. Having a wide network and positive relationships can be one of the greatest assets you can have as a VC.

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🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Anything related to having a healthy diet and lifestyle!

🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Friends — I have watched it at least five times, and I can never get tired of watching it all over again.

🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Red Bean! Contains just the right amount of sweetness with a mildly nutty taste.