Fellow Testimonial: Ayesha Felice Nayyara Zain (21), Deal Flow Fellow ‘24-25
At ASIF Ventures, we take pride in fostering a dynamic environment where young professionals can explore, learn, and grow in the world of venture capital. Our fellowship program provides hands-on experience, exposure to early-stage investing, and an opportunity to collaborate with innovative founders. Today, we’re excited to share Ayesha Felice Nayyara Zain’s experience as an ASIF Ventures Fellow.
Meet Ayesha Felice Nayyara Zain.
Ayesha, originally from Jakarta, Indonesia, is currently a Deal Flow Fellow at ASIF Ventures, focusing on investments. With an unconventional background for venture capital, she holds a BSc in Public Administration and a BA in Philosophy. Her curiosity about the startup ecosystem led her to VC, prompting her to strengthen her finance skills through the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) course from CFI, which has complemented her journey in the field. Before joining ASIF, Ayesha gained experience through an internship at a leading venture capital firm in The Hague, followed by a role at the Dutch Development Bank, where she explored the banking industry. Her passion for entrepreneurship began early—she founded a nonprofit in high school, an experience that highlighted the power of ventures in driving change. This passion fuels her excitement for venture capital and the opportunity to support ambitious founders shaping the future.
Q&A With Ayesha
Q. What are your main tasks and responsibilities at ASIF Ventures?
As an Investment Fellow at ASIF Ventures, my primary role revolves around supporting the investment team in various stages of the deal flow process. This includes conducting due diligence, joining founder calls, and assisting with all the necessary steps leading up to an investment decision.
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the experience! One of the most exciting aspects of my role is having the opportunity to speak with founders. It’s incredibly inspiring to hear their stories, understand their motivations, and see the passion they bring to their ventures. More often than not, they introduce ideas and solutions that I would have never thought of myself, which makes every conversation a learning experience. It’s a great reminder of how innovation is constantly shaping the world, and I love being part of that journey, even in a small way.
Q. Can you share a specific skill or experience you’ve gained through your role at ASIF that has significantly contributed to your personal or professional growth?
One of the key skills I’ve developed during my time at ASIF Ventures is my ability to conduct thorough desk research. Due diligence has been a major part of my role, and through this, I’ve learned how to analyze startups from multiple angles like market potential, competitive landscape, financials, and more. This has sharpened my ability to assess opportunities critically and efficiently.
Beyond research, my public speaking skills have also significantly improved. Since we frequently engage in calls with founders leading up to investment decisions, I’ve become more comfortable asking questions, articulating insights, and contributing to discussions with confidence. Also, I learned that there's no such thing as stupid questions. ;)
I’ve also expanded my knowledge of the technical jargon that comes with the VC world. Venture capital is full of industry-specific terms, and getting familiar with them has made me feel more equipped in this space. My Investment Director, Horia, even recommended Secrets of Sand Hill Road, which has been an incredible resource in deepening my understanding of VC dynamics. It’s been an exciting learning curve, and I’m grateful for the exposure ASIF has given me!
Q. Can you share a memorable experience or favorite aspect of your ASIF Ventures Fellowship?
Honestly, it’s hard to choose just one because I’ve enjoyed so much of it. But if I had to pick, I’d say the best part has been realizing that this is exactly the kind of work I want to do. Being an Investment Fellow has really confirmed my interest in VC, and I’m so glad I get to start learning it at ASIF.
The hands-on experience, the people, and the constant learning make it such a great environment to grow in. I see ASIF as an amazing stepping stone for me, and I couldn’t be more excited about where this journey will take me next!
Q. What advice would you give to future fellows?
ASIF is an incredible opportunity to get hands-on experience in VC, work closely with founders, and deepen your understanding of early-stage investing. It’s a great stepping stone if you're curious about venture capital and want to learn in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Be proactive and ask lots of questions (no such thing as stupid questions!). There’s so much to learn, and the more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it. And most importantly, enjoy the process! Venture capital is all about curiosity, so keep an open mind and make the most of every conversation and deal you come across.
