The Minds Behind Radical
The Radical Fund
Early-stage climate-focused fund supporting entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia.
Introducing the Minds Behind Radical: A Q&A Series
As?The Radical Fund?takes the leap into the world of climate investing in Southeast Asia, we are thrilled to introduce the extraordinary individuals who drive our mission forward. With an unwavering commitment to powering radical climate action in Southeast Asia, we present a series of Q&A sessions with the brilliant minds of our team. We'll bring you an exclusive interview with one of our team members, sharing their background, expertise, and aspirations for the future. Join us on this exciting journey with The Radical Fund.??
This edition of Minds Behind Radical features?Natasha Ivison, Venture & Community Lead of The Radical Fund.?
What is your current state of mind?
Grateful.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Almost every time I’ve gone surfing, I feel this enormous sense of euphoria and, I suppose, perfect happiness. It’s the best feeling when you catch the perfect wave, with all your friends in the line-up cheering you on, with a beautiful sunset on the horizon. But more surprisingly, the days when I take an absolute beating from the waves, struggle to paddle out, mistime my pop-up and lose my balance, give me the exact same feeling of perfect happiness.??
For me, surfing provides a sense of achievement, a way to face my fears, builds up my resilience, connects me to the environment, helps me find my balance, and allows me to enjoy the present moment. A combination that equals perfect happiness.?
If you have never tried surfing, it’s never too late! I did it as a kid and picked it up again recently. Get out there and try for yourself!?
What is your greatest fear?
Small spaces. Not being able to escape from a crowd. Generally claustrophobic.
What is your most treasured possession?
Does my dog count? Lotti is a spotty white and brown rescue street dog, affectionately known here as a “Singapore Special”. She is literally my shadow (one of the side effects of being a pandemic puppy).
Who are your favourite writers?
In no particular order, here are some of my most treasured books written by my favourite writers:
领英推荐
What is a motto you live by?
If anything is worth doing, do it with all your heart.
What does a great founder look like to you?
A great founder is someone who has grit and an insatiable drive to achieve. They are someone who challenges convention and finds ways to disrupt the status quo. They possess deep domain knowledge or expertise, which gives them an unfair advantage in their sector, market, or technology. They are humble and have the ability to rally great people behind them, such as other co-founders, first hires, and advisors.?
Where is your favourite place to visit in Southeast Asia?
Why Climate?
Before I made the decision to join The Radical Fund, I had already decided that climate was the only thing that mattered and the only thing worth doing for the rest of my career.?
When I reflect on my life, climate and sustainability have been the only areas that have consistently filled me with energy, curiosity and inspiration. I studied Marine Geography at university because I was (and still am) deeply concerned with the state of our ocean systems and wanted to understand the science behind the relationship between society and the sea. I was always drawn to climate in every industry I have worked in. When I started out in recruitment, I quickly moved away from commodities to renewable energy. When I was in a growth startup in the fashion supply chain industry, I spent all my free time learning about sustainable sourcing solutions. When I was with Entrepreneur First, admittedly, I was far more invested in the companies working on climate-related problems.?
After being in the startup and VC world for a few years, I believe entrepreneurs are the catalysts for solutions and the best people to combat the climate crisis.?
Natasha is the Venture & Community Lead at The Radical Fund. Previously, Natasha was the Senior Talent Associate at Entrepreneur First (EF) Singapore, where she was responsible for recruiting and working with future founders with the highest potential to lead globally impactful businesses
Prior to EF, Natasha was with the Southeast Asia venture - Zilingo as an initial member of the Talent team. She played a key role in the global expansion and B2B transition of the business.?
Prior to Zilingo, Natasha was a Consultant at Spencer Ogden where she worked with corporate and startup clients in building commercial and technical teams in renewable energy and cleantech across APAC.?
Natasha is passionate about sustainability and climate change and worked as a Researcher at Reef Conservation when she began her career.?
Follow The Radical Fund on LinkedIn?to meet more incredible minds driving The Radical Fund's climate investment mission. Next time, we meet someone whose mission is to promote gender equality in Southeast Asia. Stay tuned!
If you are keen to learn more about The Radical Fund, head over to our website to get in touch:?www.theradicalfund.com