ACV Capital strengthens gender-smart climate investing strategy through IFC’s We Fund Climate program

Published on May 7, 2025

ACV Capital, a leading investment firm in Southeast Asia, deepens its commitment to inclusive climate innovation through active participation in the We Fund Climate program by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The firm co-develops a Gender Smart Climate Commitment and Action Plan to embed gender equity into its climate investment strategy.

As a member of the We Fund Climate cohort, ACV is co-developing a Gender Smart Climate Commitment and Action Plan to accelerate capital flow into women-led and women-benefiting climate solutions. The program includes a series of expert-led clinics and peer learning sessions designed to equip fund managers with practical strategies to embed gender inclusion across climate investment processes.

“We believe long-term value creation and impact go hand in hand,” said Helen Wong, Managing Partner, ACV Capital. “The We Fund Climate program has strengthened our ability to identify and support startups that are not only building climate solutions but doing so in ways that are inclusive and gender-responsive.”

Despite receiving less than half the funding of their male counterparts, women-led startups have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, turning each dollar of investment into 78 cents of revenue, compared to just 31 cents for male-founded ventures. These startups are also driving innovation, with women-led businesses showing 10% higher cumulative revenue over five years, according to a study by BCG.

The We Fund Climate program, facilitated by Value for Women on behalf of the IFC, has highlighted significant gaps in capital access for women-led climate solutions. Through its participation, ACV is applying inclusive practices across its investment processes, from sourcing and evaluation to portfolio support, addressing these gaps and strengthening its gender-smart climate investing approach.

At the intersection of climate action and gender inclusion lies a growing opportunity for investors. ACV has already invested in several companies that exemplify this intersection, including Accacia, an AI-driven platform founded by a female entrepreneur helping decarbonize the global real estate sector; Xurya, a renewable energy company offering rooftop solar rentals with no upfront costs, which has generated over 1.18 billion kWh of clean energy; Waste4Change, a waste management platform promoting circular economy practices across Indonesia; and Koltiva, a supply chain technology company partnering with over 1 million smallholder farmers across 52 countries, enhancing traceability, compliance, and livelihoods.

ACV’s 2024 Impact Report, produced in collaboration with Deloitte, shows that the firm’s portfolio companies have created over 30,000 jobs and empowered more than 4 million individuals and businesses across Southeast Asia. Notably, 40% of these companies are led or co-led by women.  By deepening its commitment to gender-smart climate investing, ACV continues to prioritize creating long-term, sustainable impact in the region.

For ACV Capital, the path forward is clear. “As we look to the future, the opportunity to drive meaningful change is greater than ever,” said Helen. “We’re committed to supporting businesses that drive sustainable growth and create value for all stakeholders. Our role extends beyond capital investment. We aim to be strategic partners, helping companies scale, build resilience, and create lasting impact in the region.”