Exploring Venture Capital Trends in emerging Markets

Recently, the School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) successfully organised an insightful speaking engagement titled “Venture Capital Industry: Trends in Emerging Markets.”

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the speaking engagement brought together a total of 180 students from various academic schools at APU.

The speaking engagement aimed to provide students with valuable insights into how venture capital fosters innovation and drives economic growth across various regions, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate their future career paths in the evolving global investment ecosystem.

Also, the speaking engagement featured esteemed speaker Mr Adil Nurgozhin, Founding Partner of Big Sky Capital VC, who shared his extensive expertise on the dynamic landscape of venture capital in emerging markets.

Key Discussion Points

During the session, Mr Adil explored recent trends shaping the venture capital industry, spanning regions from the United States to Southeast Asia.

He provided real-world case studies and deal-by-deal analyses to illustrate the key factors contributing to startup success in fundraising and scaling operations.

On top of that, the session highlighted strategic decision-making and innovative approaches that have propelled portfolio companies toward growth and success.

Additionally, the session examined how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are influencing venture capital trends.

Mr Adil emphasised that AI should be seen as a tool for enhancement rather than a threat to jobs, urging students to stay adaptable and continuously update their industry knowledge.

Not only that, he also discussed the importance of balancing academic learning with industry trends, soft skills, and networking to remain competitive in the job market.

Engaging Discussions and Networking Opportunities

Once the main session has ended, the speaking engagement fostered an engaging environment where students actively participated in a lively Q&A session, posing thought-provoking questions about investment strategies, technological advancements, and career opportunities in the venture capital sector.

The session then concluded with a professional networking opportunity, allowing students to connect directly with Mr Adil and gain further insights into industry practices and career guidance.

Student Perspectives

Kimmy Mauro Ismael De Sousa, a student from Foundation in Engineering, found the speaking engagement intuitive, as it taught the importance of not only mastering fundamental knowledge but also building networks and staying prepared for the next wave of technological advancements; insights everyone should know.

Muhammad Abdullah Ashfaq, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing, found the speaking engagement highly insightful, as it encouraged him to think strategically about building successful ventures and embracing entrepreneurial opportunities with confidence.

Safa Shoukath Khan, a student from Masters in Global Marketing Management, found the speaking engagement extremely valuable, as it provided insights into how venture capital fosters innovation in fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce, navigates regulatory challenges, and drives economic development in emerging markets through impact investment and AI-driven decision-making.

Reflections on the Speaking Engagement

​

Ms Harjinder highlighted that the insightful and engaging speaking engagement provided students with a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from a seasoned venture capitalist, deepening their understanding of current trends, regulatory challenges, and future directions in the venture capital industry through real-world examples and expert insights.

She further emphasised that it was inspiring to witness the students actively engage with such enthusiasm throughout the speaking engagement.

“We remain committed to fostering learning experiences that bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering students with a deeper understanding of the venture capital landscape while equipping them with the confidence and strategic mindset to embrace entrepreneurial opportunities and drive future career growth.”