Gitta Amelia: Founder of EverHaus – Pioneering Success

At just 22 years old, a young entrepreneur stepped into the world of venture capital and changed the game. Graduating from the Wharton School in 2017, she founded EverHaus, Indonesia’s most active seed-stage venture capital firm by deal count. Her vision? To empower the next generation of innovators and disruptors.

Starting with a $5 million fund, she quickly scaled her efforts, now raising a $30 million second fund. Her strategic approach to capital allocation, rooted in her finance background, has fueled rapid growth. EverHaus has become a beacon for tech-savvy investments, focusing on millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs.

Beyond finance, she launched Think Nusantara, a publication engaging Indonesian students abroad. This initiative reflects her commitment to nation-building and fostering global connections. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Founded EverHaus at 22, becoming Indonesia’s most active seed-stage VC firm.
• Scaled from a $5 million fund to raising a $30 million second fund.
• Wharton graduate with a strong background in finance and capital allocation.
• Created Think Nusantara to engage Indonesian students globally.
• Focuses on empowering millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs through tech investments.

Who is Gitta Amelia?

From a young age, her entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by her parents, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. Growing up in a family of business owners, she was exposed to the inner workings of running a company. Her parents often involved her in calculating daily revenues during family outings, teaching her the value of financial acumen early on.

Early Life and Influences

Her parents’ mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of business and finance. These childhood exercises weren’t just about numbers; they were lessons in responsibility and strategy. “Capital is the catalyst for change,” she often says, a philosophy rooted in those formative years.

Her “lightbulb moment” came during her studies in the U.S., where she realized the transformative power of capital in driving industrial innovation and national development. This insight led her to launch Think Nusantara, a platform aimed at reversing brain drain by engaging Indonesian students abroad and encouraging them to contribute to their home country.

Her Vision for Entrepreneurship

Her vision extends beyond finance. She believes in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, particularly women, to lead and innovate. Her strategic early graduation from Wharton allowed her to start networking and laying the groundwork for her venture capital career.

Think Nusantara’s mission to repatriate student talent reflects her commitment to nation-building. By connecting finance with entrepreneurship, she has created a unique pathway for young innovators to thrive. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and the belief that capital can indeed be a catalyst for change.

The Birth of EverHaus: A Venture Capital Revolution

A single one-way ticket to Singapore marked the start of a groundbreaking venture capital journey. With determination and a clear vision, the foundation for a seed-stage powerhouse was laid. Networking at conferences and attending startup meetups became the first steps in building a robust deal pipeline.

Within the first year, over 20 investments were made across Southeast Asia. This rapid growth showcased the firm’s ability to identify and support innovative startups. Portfolio successes like Traveloka and RUANGGURU highlighted the impact of strategic capital allocation.

From Think Nusantara to EverHaus

The transition from Think Nusantara to EverHaus was seamless. Both initiatives shared a common goal: empowering people and driving growth. The focus shifted from engaging students abroad to nurturing startups at home.

Specializing in seed-stage investments, the firm adopted a unique strategy. “Early-stage funding is the catalyst for innovation,” became a guiding principle. This approach allowed startups to scale and thrive in competitive markets.

Building a Legacy in Venture Capital

From a $5 million fund in 2017 to raising $30 million today, the firm’s growth has been remarkable. Partnerships with over 300 farms via Sayurbox demonstrate a commitment to diverse sectors. Industrial tech has emerged as a key focus, offering immense opportunities for innovation.

Deal evaluation criteria prioritize scalability, team expertise, and market potential. This ensures that every investment aligns with the firm’s mission. By supporting businesses that drive change, the legacy of this venture capital revolution continues to grow.

Gitta Amelia – Founder – EverHaus: Empowering Women in Business

Empowering women in business has always been a cornerstone of her mission. Recognizing the untapped potential of female leaders, she has dedicated her efforts to creating opportunities for women to thrive in the entrepreneurial world. This focus has not only transformed individual lives but also reshaped industries.

Championing Women Leaders

Her commitment to women’s leadership is evident in her investment thesis. By prioritizing female-focused businesses, she has debunked the myth of balancing family and work. “Women can lead in both spheres without compromise,” she often emphasizes. This philosophy is reflected in her partnership with her husband, showcasing how collaboration can drive success.

Statistics highlight the importance of this focus. Women make 50% of consumer decisions, a fact that underscores their influence in the market. Her firm has leveraged this insight to support businesses that cater to women’s needs, ensuring their voices are heard and their services are valued.

Secondate Beauty: A Testament to Her Vision

Secondate Beauty stands as a shining example of her vision. This beauty brand, with its confidence-driven messaging, has sold thousands of products and gone viral. Its success is a testament to the power of empowering women through thoughtful marketing and high-quality services.

The brand’s campaigns have resonated deeply with its audience, proving that businesses led by women can achieve remarkable results. This success has also strengthened her venture portfolio, demonstrating the potential of female-focused investments.

Looking ahead, she is planning a multi-generational women-led fund. This initiative aims to support female entrepreneurs across generations, ensuring their ideas and innovations continue to shape the world. By connecting beauty brand success with broader venture strategies, she is paving the way for a brighter future.

Conclusion

Over the years, a new wave of innovation has transformed Indonesia’s startup ecosystem. With over 20 investments, the firm has solidified its dominance in sectors like industrial tech and consumer services. This growth highlights the scalability of blending venture capital with consumer brands.

By empowering women leaders and supporting startups, the firm has become a blueprint for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Its partnerships, like the one enabling 1,000+ daily farm deliveries, showcase its commitment to impactful growth.

Indonesia’s startup ecosystem is poised for exponential expansion, offering opportunities for global investors. As Secondate Beauty’s tagline reminds us, “Confidence is the ultimate equity.” This philosophy drives the firm’s mission to reshape the business world.