Table of Contents
Setareh Heshmat, a trailblazer in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments, is redefining the landscape of sustainable finance in Southeast Asia. As the Director of ESG Investments, she has dedicated her career to supporting ethical startups that balance innovation with accountability. Her work focuses on climate tech, ethical supply chains, and gender-inclusive entrepreneurship—key areas that are driving transformative change across the region.
Championing Climate Tech Innovation
Southeast Asia faces unique challenges as a region rich in biodiversity but highly vulnerable to climate risks. Setareh has positioned herself at the forefront of climate tech investing, backing startups that develop cutting-edge solutions to combat environmental challenges. Her portfolio includes ventures like solar energy microgrids in Indonesia and agri-tech platforms leveraging AI to improve crop prediction in rural areas. These technologies not only reduce carbon footprints but also enhance economic resilience for local communities.
Setareh’s investment philosophy goes beyond financial metrics; she evaluates ecological and systemic returns alongside revenue growth. “In climate tech, returns aren’t just financial—they’re ecological, social, and systemic,” she explains. By prioritizing long-term impact over short-term gains, she ensures that these technologies contribute meaningfully to sustainability. This approach has attracted a growing number of investors who share her vision for a more sustainable future.
Promoting Ethical Supply Chains
Transparency and fairness are central to Setareh’s investment strategy. She actively supports startups that utilize fintech and blockchain solutions to promote ethical supply chain practices. These innovations are crucial for ensuring accountability in industries often plagued by exploitation and environmental harm. By integrating blockchain technology, companies can track the origin of materials, monitor labor conditions, and verify compliance with environmental regulations.
Setareh’s rigorous due diligence process includes climate risk assessments and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) audits. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in ESG claims: “Investors must go beyond surface-level claims and scrutinize whether a company’s sustainability initiatives are genuinely impactful.” Her approach sets a high standard for ethical investing, encouraging companies to adopt more transparent and sustainable practices.
Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
A passionate advocate for gender-inclusive investing, Setareh champions female-led businesses that often struggle to access traditional capital. She believes women entrepreneurs are building some of the most innovative and sustainable ventures in Southeast Asia. Her long-term vision includes launching a dedicated sustainable investment fund focused on female-led startups. This initiative aims to bridge the funding gap and provide resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship.
By mentoring young entrepreneurs and advocating for increased representation of women in finance and entrepreneurship, Setareh is driving systemic change. “Women entrepreneurs are building brilliant, sustainable businesses—but they’re often overlooked by traditional capital. I want to change that,” she asserts. Her mentorship programs offer valuable insights into navigating the financial landscape and accessing capital, empowering women to scale their ventures.
Balancing Data with Intuition
Setareh’s unique approach blends analytical rigor with intuitive decision-making. With advanced training in data analytics and her CFA certification, she meticulously evaluates startups using both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights. For example, she considers how founders address questions about their carbon footprint during pitches—a critical indicator of their commitment to ESG principles.
Her ability to combine data-driven strategy with purpose has made her a trusted leader in sustainable finance. Setareh’s team conducts thorough research on market trends, regulatory environments, and societal needs, ensuring that investments align with broader sustainability goals. This holistic approach helps startups navigate complex challenges while maintaining their focus on innovation.
A Vision for the Future
Setareh envisions a future where impact investing becomes the norm rather than the exception. She is exploring accountability tech—such as blockchain-backed ESG verification systems—to ensure radical transparency in impact claims. Her ultimate goal is to launch her own sustainable investment fund dedicated to purpose-driven entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. This fund will not only provide capital but also offer strategic guidance and mentorship to help startups scale sustainably.
Through her work, Setareh Heshmat exemplifies how finance can drive meaningful change. By empowering ethical startups, promoting gender inclusivity, and championing sustainability-focused innovations, she is reshaping the financial landscape of Southeast Asia for the better. Her commitment to ESG principles serves as a beacon for investors and entrepreneurs alike, inspiring a new generation of leaders to prioritize purpose alongside profit.
As Southeast Asia continues to grow economically, Setareh’s vision for sustainable finance will play a pivotal role in ensuring that this growth is equitable and environmentally responsible. Her legacy will be measured not just by the financial returns of her investments but by the lasting impact they have on communities and ecosystems across the region.