E114 Erika Aquino AQUINO GLOBAL VENTURES LLC

In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham welcomes Erika Aquino, angel investor and head of m Squad, a global investment group based in Singapore with deep roots in the Philippines. Erika shares her unique journey into investing, starting with her father's legacy in tech entrepreneurship and evolving into her own path focused on impact and community.

Erika dives into her investment thesis, which centers on supporting women and minority-owned startups in sustainability, wellness, the future of work, and education—plus adjacent sectors like biotech and agriculture. She discusses her passion for early-stage investments and highlights the critical role that founder EQ (emotional intelligence) plays in her decision-making process.

The conversation also explores how AI is transforming research, due diligence, and even founder discovery, while acknowledging the ongoing need for human connection in investment decisions. Erika also touches on her interest in food sovereignty, driven by her experiences in the disaster-prone Philippines, and how that shapes her perspective on the global supply chain.

Tune in to hear Erika’s insights on the future of angel investing, the evolving impact of technology, and the importance of community-driven investments. Don’t miss her tips for founders, her recommended reads, and her candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly changing investment landscape.

To connect with Erika, visit erika-aquino.com or find her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Investing with Heart and Mind: Erika Aquino on Angel Investing, Impact, and the Rise of AI

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On Female VC Lab, Erika Aquino shares her path from boardrooms to board seats, her values-driven investment thesis, and her predictions for the future of angel investing in an AI-dominated world.

Introduction: From Family Business to Global Angel Investing

On episode 114 of the Female VC Lab podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Erika Aquino, an angel investor, strategic adviser, and the driving force behind m Squad, a global investment group based in Singapore. Erika’s story is equal parts legacy and innovation, grounded in her formative experiences in the Philippines and propelled by a keen sense of community impact. In this compelling conversation, Erika shares insights on her investment strategy, the importance of emotional intelligence in founders, and how technology—especially AI—is reshaping the landscape of venture funding.

Building on Legacy: Erika’s Journey into Investing

For Erika Aquino, investing is both a personal and professional journey. She traces her start to her father, who founded the tech company Infinite O in the Philippines. When her father fell ill, Erika stepped up to take his seat on the board, having already been deeply involved in the company and deal analysis. “Even before he got sick, he was into angel investing, and he would always consult me with regard to deal flow,” she recalls. This transition was more than a pragmatic move—it was about continuing a philosophy and expanding her family’s legacy. What was once a family pursuit is now a global operation, with Erika leading deals that echo her values and build on the foundation her father laid.

A Purpose-Driven Investment Thesis

Erika’s investment philosophy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences in the Philippines, a country that faces both vast potential and chronic vulnerability to disasters. Observing the power of resources and access, Erika has honed a thesis focused on four pillars: women and minority ownership, sustainability, wellness, the future of work, and education—with a flexibility that includes adjacent opportunities in biotech and agriculture. She typically invests at the pre-seed to Series A level, when companies are taking their earliest, most pivotal steps.

“I invest in women or minority owned, in sustainability, wellness, future of work, and education. Anything adjacent to that as well,” Erika explains. For her, investing is as much about creating impact as it is about seeking returns. The goal is to support founders who are not only building successful companies but also addressing critical needs in their communities.

The Power of Emotional Intelligence

While technical brilliance and market opportunity are vital, Erika highlights an oft-overlooked trait: the emotional intelligence (EQ) of founders. “What I’m also learning is that an EQ of a founder is extremely important,” she shares. It’s the chemistry between founder and funder—and the attitude, lifestyle, and mindset of the entrepreneurs—that can make or break a deal. A founder’s ability to navigate stress, build relationships, and remain adaptable is, in Erika’s view, as essential as their IQ.

The AI Revolution: Friend or Foe?

AI’s rise is impossible to ignore, and Erika acknowledges its dual nature. She is candid about how AI has revolutionized her own workflow, “It’s cut down my time by maybe 75%,” she notes—streamlining everything from deal research to scheduling. But she’s equally thoughtful about its broader implications, from transforming businesses to impacting the very industries she invests in, such as customer service. As an investor, Erika is drawn to startups leveraging AI for good, balancing utility, ethics, and community impact.

Still, she cautions that the human element cannot be replaced. The founder-funder relationship, decision-making, and nuanced judgment all require human interaction. “There should be that marriage between AI and actual authoritative decision making by a human,” she states.

Angel Investing Tomorrow: Community and Global Perspective

Looking ahead, Erika believes angel investing’s fundamentals haven’t shifted, but the outlook of investors has. Amid rapid global changes like AI adoption and shifting trade conditions, she urges angels and VCs to prioritize investments that drive tangible benefits for both local and global communities.

In her words, “I would encourage other VCs, other angels to really look how start ups and how their own resources can impact their communities and their own environment.”

Conclusion: Investing for a Better Future

Erika Aquino’s approach blends the best of legacy and innovation: familial wisdom, rigorous analysis, and a heart for impact. As technology transforms angel investing, Erika remains grounded in values—seeking founders with vision, empathy, and a drive to make the world better. To connect with Erika, visit erika-aquino.com or find her on LinkedIn and Instagram.