Danielle King is an Investment Associate at Kaya Founders, a venture capital firm based in the Philippines. 

Kaya Founders supports early-stage startups in Southeast Asia, partnering with exceptional founders as early as Day 0.

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👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I am always on the lookout for ideas or young companies within Southeast Asia to invest in that are driving change through technology or bringing new products or services to the market.

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🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I’m naturally an introvert, though my role often requires me to tap into my extroverted side. That said, I genuinely enjoy meeting founders and fellow VCs as those connections are a key part of what makes this work so rewarding.

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‍🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

I am proud of the founders that we have invested in and that we continue to support in a multitude of ways. I find that it is a rare opportunity to be able to work with experienced individuals and teams in various industries as a young professional.

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🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

I have always been on the lookout in the agritech sector, particularly given the inherent risks and challenges the Philippines faces in the agricultural landscape. There have been a few steps in the space but the agriculture problem in the Philippines still remains significant.

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💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Don't be afraid to reach out to folks already embedded in the space, regardless of their position and experience, whether someone in a VC, founder, or industry you are interested in. You would be surprised by how far a cold email or message can get you to.

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🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

I'm an animal lover, so I could go on forever about my pets, whether its cats, dogs, birds, or fish! 

Each one of them has their own unique story on how they found their way into my family.

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🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

The Little Mermaid has to be on top as part of the Disney Renaissance classics.

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🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

I'm always on the lookout for bittersweet chocolate ice cream! If it's on the ice cream rack, then I'm a happy camper.