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Erika Aquino: Global Angel Investor Accelerating Women-Led & Underrepresented Founders
Erika Aquino is a globally recognized speaker and angel investor with over 20 years of executive leadership experience. With more than 27 startups in her portfolio across key hubs in Asia, the US, and Europe, she brings a rare, well-rounded perspective on growth, innovation, and emerging markets.
On stage, Erika is known for her sharp thinking, authenticity, and commanding energy. She translates complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, leaving audiences with both perspective and practical direction.
Bringing bold insights to topics such as:
01.
Investments Beyond Borders
Gain new perspectives into global investments from unconventional locations.
02.
Behind the Scenes Leadership
Explore strategies for making a profound business impact without seeking the spotlight.
03.
Growth Mindset
Discover how adopting a powerful perspective can shape a business's approach to challenges and opportunities.
Excerpts from Erika’s Speaking Engagements
Erika takes the TEDx stage to share how growing up in the Philippines, navigating a mental health diagnosis, and overcoming personal setbacks became the foundation for a life of purpose and impact. She challenges audiences to stop hiding the messy parts of their stories and start treating them as hidden strengths, a powerful case for resilience, reframing, and building a life without limits.
Erika joined Cherub, one of her portfolio companies, for a candid AMA on what she actually looks for when backing early-stage companies. Her filter is simple: painkillers, not vitamins — solutions that go straight to the root of a problem, not band-aids. She shares the lens she uses in early founder conversations and why clarity from day one matters more than hype.
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"Erika stands out for her intelligence, rigor, and deeply analytical approach as an investor, always going far beyond surface-level evaluation. She is highly diligent, and I deeply respect how thoughtfully she approaches every decision while also making a tangible impact on female founders’ lives. Beyond investing, she actively shows up for her network—making meaningful introductions, opening doors, and ensuring real opportunities materialize, all while bringing a strong global perspective. Erika is far from a passive investor; she is hands-on, deeply committed, and truly invested in the long-term success of the people she supports."
Cris Gordon
Chief Brand Officer of MMC Beauty
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Guest Speaker
American Marketing Association (AMA) NEIU College of Business and Technology of the Northeastern Illinois University
Check Please: A Real Talk Conversation with Top Angel Investors and What They Look For in Their Investments
TEDx Forbes Park
Speaking Engagement Highlights
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Panelist
FilAm Coffee Talk Panels: The Journey of the Pinay to the Global Playing Field by The Barrio @SXSW
South Summit Brazil 2026
Cherub Founder Heaven’s Angel Panel, SXSW 2026
Zant’s The Unfair Capital Advantage Panel, SXSW 2026​​