The Rise of Young Innovators in Finance and Venture Capital
Published on May 15, 2025, this year’s Finance & Venture Capital list highlights a dynamic group of young entrepreneurs, investors, and finance professionals who are reshaping their industries across Asia. From micro-investment apps to startup accelerators, these trailblazers are breaking down barriers and making finance more accessible to a broader audience.
Gaby Rosenberg and Blossom App
Gaby Rosenberg, a young graduate, faced significant hurdles when trying to invest in Australia’s fixed-income market. With minimum investment requirements often exceeding tens of thousands of dollars and lengthy lock-up periods, the barriers were daunting. To address this issue, she and her sister, Ali, launched Blossom App in 2021. By the end of March 2025, Blossom had attracted over 26,000 users and managed A$112 million (approximately $72 million) in funds, generating over A$5 million in revenue since its inception.
Blossom offers two primary products: Blossom Save and Blossom Plus, both managed by Fortlake Asset Management. Blossom Save allows users to invest with a minimum of just A$5, providing quick access to funds, while Blossom Plus requires a minimum investment of A$5,000 and includes a three-month lock-up period. The average client invests around A$12,000, and the low-fee structure has particularly resonated with millennials, whose average age is 31. Rosenberg is already planning a third product with a higher yield, demonstrating her commitment to innovation in the financial sector.
Women Leading the Charge
In a traditionally male-dominated industry, young female professionals from Southeast Asia are making significant strides. Victoria Kongoasa, a principal at Blackstone’s real estate team in Singapore, has been instrumental in landmark deals, including the A$24 billion ($15.2 billion) acquisition of Australian data center group AirTrunk. Her journey from Indonesia to Singapore exemplifies the growing influence of women in high-stakes finance.
In the Philippines, Raya Buensuceso serves as managing director of Kaya Founders, focusing on early-stage startups across Southeast Asia. With over 50 investments and $29 million in assets under management, Buensuceso has been deeply involved in all aspects of Kaya’s operations since its launch in 2021. Her academic background from Princeton University in economics adds to her credibility in the investment landscape.
Shefali Dodani, who joined Insignia Ventures Partners in December 2021, quickly rose through the ranks to become the country head for Indonesia. Her work on various deals, including those in fintech and social commerce, showcases the growing presence of women in venture capital.
Accelerators Nurturing Innovation
This year’s list also features pioneering accelerator programs that provide essential resources to budding startups. Emmanuel Hui leads Pebble, a Hong Kong-based startup accelerator backed by prominent investors, including Chinese billionaire Ye Xiaoping’s biotech giant Tigermed. Pebble offers initial investments of around $200,000 to biotech startups and currently has a portfolio of 12 companies. Hui’s background as a co-founder of a gene therapy company adds valuable experience to his role in nurturing new technologies.
In India, Vipul Nath Jindal, a former executive at Suzuki Motor, launched Next Bharat Ventures to invest in social enterprises. With a total of $40 million under management, the fund operates a four-month accelerator program and offers direct investments of up to 50 million rupees ($585,000). Jindal aims to invest in 100 entrepreneurs over the next three years, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation in the Indian startup ecosystem.
A New Era in Finance
The Finance & Venture Capital landscape in Asia is undergoing a transformation, driven by young innovators who are not only breaking down traditional barriers but also paving the way for future generations. With a focus on accessibility, diversity, and innovation, these young leaders are redefining what it means to invest and succeed in the financial world.
For more insights and to explore the complete Finance & Venture Capital list, visit Forbes Asia.