When I started my internship at Pureland Global Venture, I had no idea just how much it would shape my understanding of venture capital and the dynamic world of med-tech. Pureland, a venture capital firm co-founded by an INSEAD professor, focuses on groundbreaking med-tech innovations and operates in both Singapore and China. Over six months, I was immersed in various projects that challenged my analytical skills, broadened my perspective, and deepened my passion for healthcare innovation.

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This summer, I had the privilege of interning at BVC (B Venture Capital), a VC firm focused on investing in pre-seed startups across Latin America. From day one in São Paulo, I felt welcomed by the warm and collaborative culture. I am especially grateful to Mitsuru Nakayama, the General Partner, and my supportive colleagues for making my experience so enriching and meaningful.

• Read more about Empowering Entrepreneurs and Growing Impact – VC Summer Internship Experience in Latin America

In my previous role as an engineer on large infrastructure projects, I was rewarded for reducing the carbon footprint of construction by replacing traditional materials such as steel and concrete in a building with timber or other sustainable materials. However, I had little knowledge about how the reduced carbon emissions are utilised, valued or traded in the broader market.

• Read more about Summer Internship at Infinite Environmental Solutions: A Journey Into Carbon Credits and Sustainability

This past summer, during my internship with Ashoka University and the Delhi Government, I had the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy and education reform. My role was focused on improving the Schools of Specialised Excellence (SoSEs), where I collaborated with various stakeholders to track curriculum progress, manage relationships, and analyse data for better decision-making.A dive into stakeholder management

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That is right—over 50% of the Earth's oxygen comes from marine plants, particularly tiny organisms like phytoplankton. 

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From Tech Startups to Impact InvestingBefore joining INSEAD, I worked in the technology industry, leading various functions and business units for tech startups. My role centred on driving business growth and delivering financial returns for our investors.This summer, I decided to pivot towards a new and exciting challenge—impact investing. I switched sides for the first time to the investor side by taking on the role of Impact Investment Analyst at Equatora Capital. 

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As a strategic advisor, my summer was dedicated to working with Capitals Coalition, a global collaboration advocating the inclusion of natural, social and human capital (multi-capital approach) in decision-making by business, finance and governments. The mission was clear: conduct a market study to identify the gaps between sustainability professionals and the adoption of the capitals approach in transformative decision-making.

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This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the dynamic world of frontier markets, working alongside Sturgeon Capital to analyse startups in regions like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Central Asia. The experience was nothing short of eye-opening, as I delved into the unique challenges these markets face, particularly in terms of access to capital and the emphasis on operational efficiency from day one.

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In a world where the impact of businesses on people, society, and the planet has never been more critical, a new economic model needs to emerge to sustain the progress. With a vision to bring this to effect, IMPACT LABS is a pioneering research lab and business transformation consulting boutique dedicated to shaping a sustainable world where businesses are not just profit-driven entities but forces for good.

• Read more about IMPACT LABS: Accelerating Sustainability with the Power of Digital

After five years at a global company advising corporate clients on process and technology improvement, my goal for the summer was to leverage my experience to support the growth of an early-stage, impact-focused startup. I was excited to get the opportunity to join SEA Water back home in Amsterdam for an eight-week project right in the middle of the MBA programme, supported by the Hoffman Institute. 

• Read more about Summer Internship with a Dutch Water Startup