International Women’s Day: The women in STEM of East Ventures’ ecosystem

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field plays a vital role in shaping a modern world that drives innovation and solves complex global challenges.

From revolutionary breakthroughs in medical science to advancements in AI (artificial intelligence), STEM continues to be the catalyst of cross-border innovation and disruption.

Diversity and inclusion, including women’s involvement, in the STEM field are pivotal; yet, to date, women only represent 29.2% of all STEM workers globally. This is further influenced by women STEM graduates who choose to pivot to other fields.

Not only does women’s participation in the STEM field encourage creativity and innovation, but it also ensures that technological advancement is accessible to all. Along with the progressing need for labor in the STEM field across Southeast Asia, career opportunities in this field also grow exponentially, including in Indonesia.

However, data shows a disparity in women’s interest in science and technology in Indonesia compared to several neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. In 2021, Indonesia recorded only 40.6% of women STEM workers (men: 59.4%), while Malaysia had 48.6% and Thailand 53.2%.

We believe in the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, such as the government, academic institutions, the private sector, and the community, so that women can thrive in STEM fields.

The government can seek to foster collaborations with domestic and foreign academic institutions for scholarship programs or provide training programs, workshops, and mentorship aimed at Indonesian women to support them in pursuing careers in STEM fields.

Meanwhile, the private sector can contribute to a bountiful job market for skilled labor and support entrepreneurs by fostering technological innovations.

As a venture capital firm that actively provides funding to startups and technology companies in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, East Ventures also plays an active role in supporting founders and ensuring our investment decisions are inclusive.

Women in STEM in the East Ventures ecosystem

Here are 5 of many inspirational women figures in the East Ventures ecosystem who are of STEM backgrounds:

1. Dr. Susanti, CEO of PathGen

Dr. Susanti began her journey in the world of science and technology when she attended Gadjah Mada University, majoring in Pharmacy, from 2000 to 2005.

While working as a lecturer at Muhammadiyah Purwokerto University, she continued her Master’s studies at the Australian National University through an Australian government scholarship and majored in biomedicine. During her Master’s degree, she researched how new blood vessels emerge to support cancer metastasis.

After completing her Master’s degree in 2011, Dr. Susanti had multiple career opportunities as a cancer researcher–but chose to pursue her studies further to the Doctoral level in the same field after receiving another scholarship.

Unfortunately, before she could go back to academics, she was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer, and she had to postpone her Doctoral degree and focus on undergoing approximately two years of cancer treatment in Indonesia, surgery, and chemotherapy.

After going through two relentless years and recovering from her cancer, Dr. Susanti was excited to return to the STEM world and learn more about this silent killer, as well as contribute more to health research.

“Science saved my life, and now I use science to save other people in need.”

In 2015, she finally pursued a doctoral program at the University of Nottingham, majoring in medical oncology, a branch of medical science that studies the diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of cancer. Dr. Susanti successfully earned her PhD in oncology in 2020.

Armed with 20 years of research experience and knowledge in the medical world, especially oncology, Dr. Susanti decided to establish a biotechnology startup called PathGen with her colleague, Dr. Michael Spica Rampangilei, in 2020.

PathGen focuses on developing molecular diagnostic kits based on PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) that are more affordable, accurate, and precise in detecting cancer treatment, selecting the appropriate type of drug, monitoring treatment results, and predicting the course of the disease.

In April 2024, PathGen announced that it has secured funding from East Ventures.

In cancer innovation development, Dr. Susanti was named Early Career Entrepreneur of the Year Winner in the Cancer Research Horizon Entrepreneur and Innovation Award in 2022. In addition, she also won the Gadjah Mada University Award in Cancer Molecular Pathology and Pharmacology in 2024.

2. Levana Sani, B.S., MBA, CEO of NalaGenetics

Levana Sani’s interest in the health sector stemmed from her late grandfather’s life journey, as he had to take a handful of medications due to his illness. As a result, she witnessed how her grandfather suffered from the side effects of the drugs he consumed.

Levana, or Levi, chose to pursue higher education in biochemistry at the University of Southern California. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 2014 and went on to pursue her professional career as a researcher at the Genome Institute of Singapore for two years.

She decided to pursue a Master’s degree in business administration from 2016 to 2018 at Harvard Business School.

While studying at Harvard Business School, Levi, along with her colleague from the Genome Institute of Singapore, Astrid Irwanto, founded the healthtech startup, NalaGenetics in 2016.

“Taking the right drugs for you according to your genetic profile is key to effective healthcare. Genomics is the language of life, and women scientists are its most powerful storytellers.”

NalaGenetics was initially founded to explore the extent to which an individual’s genetic material responds to specific medications. By doing so, lab test results can help reduce adverse drug reactions and improve the effectiveness of prescriptions for local populations in Indonesia and Singapore.

Building upon its initial work in leprosy treatment, NalaGenetics has broadened its genetic testing services to encompass oncology, cardiovascular, and psychiatric medications, aiming to prevent adverse drug reactions.

Their commitment to proactive healthcare has led to the introduction of CardiacReady™, a predictive tool designed to assess individual risks for premature cardiovascular diseases, enabling early interventions and personalized care plans.

East Ventures made its first investment in NalaGenetics in 2018. To date, NalaGenetics has distributed 1,000 genetic testing kits to five rural areas in Papua and West Papua to provide effective and efficient healthcare solutions.

3. dr. Deviana Himawan, Doctor of Medicine, Chief Clinical Officer of Diri Care

dr. Deviana Himawan, also known as dr. Devi, is an alumnus of Atma Jaya Catholic University Jakarta’s Medical Doctor Profession program. After completing her basic medical and professional education, dr. Devi earned her Doctor of Medicine degree.

Due to her passion for aesthetic medicine, dr. Devi continued her studies at the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, earning her a CIBTAC diploma. She then pursued further studies at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and obtained an AAAM diploma degree.

dr. Devi began her professional career at NMW Clinic & Skincare, where she advanced to become Head Trainer, a member of the Medical Committee, and the Group Clinical Director in 2022.

However, her dedication to STEM extended beyond her professional career. Bringing her expertise in aesthetic medicine, she, along with her colleagues, Christian Suwarna and Armand Amadeus, decided to establish a healthtech company called Diri Care in 2022.

“As a woman, understanding other women’s desire to feel beautiful and confident is second nature to me. Being in the healthcare field for the past 15+ years has taught me that women’s involvement is important and necessary. Women possess unique empathy that perfectly complements our clinical skillsets in patient relationships. This results in a much more human, more personal, more compassionate future of care.”

Diri Care, which translates as “self-care” in Bahasa Indonesia, is a healthtech company that provides a seamless, accessible, and integrated tech-based clinical aesthetic and beauty experience for modern consumers across Indonesia.

Diri Care allows anyone to receive high-quality aesthetic medical diagnoses, personalized treatment recommendations, and fast, hassle-free product delivery.

Today, Diri Care continues to transform into Indonesia’s #1 Neo Beauty Clinic by complementing its digital services with offline services at its growing number of locations. In 2022, Diri Care secured US$4.3 million in seed funding, led by East Ventures.

4. drg. Stephanie Adelia Susanto, MM, Sp.Ort, Chief Orthodontist of KLAR Smile

drg. Stephanie Adelia Susanto is the Co-Founder and Chief Orthodontist of KLAR Smile, with extensive experience in dental treatment technology using clear aligners. She completed her Dentistry and Orthodontics Specialist education at Gadjah Mada University.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta, reflecting her interest in the business field.

Combining her expertise in dentistry and business, drg. Adelia founded Opal Dental Indonesia, a clinic that initially opened in Yogyakarta.

Later in 2020, she and several colleagues established KLAR Smile, a healthtech startup specializing in the production of custom-developed clear aligners designed by experts.

“A woman’s ambition can take her to the stars and beyond, even predominantly male fields. The journey of women in STEM is not just about personal success, it’s about inspiring the next generation to aim higher.”

Becoming the founder of a healthtech startup has not stopped drg. Adelia from continuing her job as a dentist, as she remains actively involved in dental examinations and treatments.

Currently, KLAR Smile is available in more than 800 dental clinics across Indonesia. In 2022, KLAR Smile received funding from East Ventures.

5. Alda Wardhana, B.S., Principal at East Ventures

Women in STEM within the East Ventures ecosystem are not only present as founders, but also as key drivers within the team. One of them is Alda Wardhana, a figure who combines sharp analytical skills with a passion for innovation.

Graduating summa cum laude in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan, Alda began her career in finance as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers. This journey led her deeper into the investment sector, gaining experience as a private equity investor at Quvat and CDH Investments.

Beyond investing, Alda also ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a startup in the F&B (Food and Beverages) sector in 2015. Her experience in finance and operations earned her the role of Head of Investment at SMDV before joining East Ventures.

“With almost two decades of experience as an engineer, investment banker, founder, and investor, I bring a unique blend of perspectives to growth equity investing in Asia. As a board member and strategic advisor, I collaborate closely with visionary founders and passionate management teams to drive growth, optimize operations, and create sustainable long-term value.”

As a Principal at East Ventures, Alda manages the growth-stage portfolio and is actively involved in investing in high-potential companies. 

With a multidisciplinary background as an engineer, banker, founder, and investor, she brings an analytical approach and a structural perspective to evaluating investment opportunities and developing long-term growth strategies.

Her background in Industrial and Operations Engineering provides her with a unique advantage in understanding operational efficiency, business scale optimization, and data-driven solutions. 

Beyond that, her experience working with leading companies in conventional sectors has given her in-depth knowledge of the best sustainability practices implemented by major corporations. This insight enables her to help founders integrate growth strategies that are not only aggressive but also sustainable in the long run.

As a former founder, Alda understands firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face. This perspective allows her to invest with a blend of strategic insight and deep empathy. 

She not only supports founders in expanding their businesses but also serves as a valuable partner—offering strategic guidance, building trust, and helping founders confidently navigate challenges across different business scales.

The achievements and contributions of many women in science and technology can inspire more women to pursue their interests and studies in the STEM field.

In line with International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, which carries the theme “Accelerate Action”, this serves as a reminder that the presence of women empowerment in the science and technology industry must continue to grow due to their significant role.

With the increasing number of women in STEM, East Ventures believes that the startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, can grow even stronger in the future.

Happy International Women’s Day!