Samantha Thanya (陈桑雅)

Founded and scaled Thanya Capital to manage assets exceeding several hundred million USD by 2025, implementing flexible global allocation strategies.

Successfully invested as a Limited Partner (LP) in top-tier venture capital funds, including a16z and Kickstart Ventures, diversifying portfolio exposure.

Executed direct investments yielding significant returns, including an early-stage private equity investment in Indonesian e-commerce platform Tokopedia (later merged into GoTo Group and listed), and a 3x return on Thai fashion e-commerce platform Pomelo Fashion.

Expanded investment portfolio into emerging US sectors such as clean energy and medical technology, backing a new energy battery startup and an Asian-founded biopharma company.

Cultivated strategic partnerships and provided advisory support to portfolio companies, fostering growth and facilitating successful exits.

Promoted to Vice Director Manager in 2016, leading cross-national investment teams and managing regional strategies with increased autonomy.

Appointed Head of Thailand Office in 2015, successfully establishing the representative office and expanding local investment partnerships with major Thai conglomerates and government entities, including a joint venture with a major Thai bank for a tech venture fund.

Played a pivotal role as a core team member in leading Temasek's early-stage investment in Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing giant) in its 2014 Series B funding round, contributing to its subsequent multi-billion dollar valuation and securing substantial returns.

Evaluated and advised on investments in key regional players like Gojek (Indonesian integrated platform) and Omise (Thai fintech), gaining deep expertise in emerging market dynamics and digital transformation.

Leveraged strong cross-cultural communication skills (Thai, English, Chinese cultural understanding) to bridge gaps between diverse stakeholders, facilitating complex investment deals and fostering trust.

Promoted to Business Manager in 2010, independently managing mid-sized client financing projects and deepening client relationship management skills.

Provided critical support in high-stakes transactions, including assisting an energy firm with emergency financing during the 2009 financial crisis, demonstrating resilience and efficiency under pressure.

Developed strong expertise in financial modeling, corporate valuation, M&A advisory, and industry report generation, consistently working 80+ hours per week.

Received direct mentorship from senior vice presidents, rapidly advancing professional acumen and strategic thinking in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Delivered a keynote speech at the UN Asia Women's Leadership Conference, advocating for increased opportunities and investment for women in finance and entrepreneurship.

Launched the 'Southeast Asia Women Entrepreneurs Fund,' providing specialized investment and mentorship to female-led startups in the region (currently supporting 3 projects in e-commerce and health tech).

Inspired other entrepreneurs to establish similar initiatives through public speaking and media engagements.

Donated medical supplies and 10 oxygen concentrators to Thai and US hospitals during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, addressing critical shortages.

Actively volunteered in disaster relief efforts during the 2022 Thailand floods, personally distributing food and water to affected communities.

Regularly sponsors and volunteers at the Los Angeles homeless shelter, providing meals and supporting vocational training programs for the unhoused.

Co-organized and sponsored the 'Thai Culture Week' in Los Angeles, showcasing traditional Thai arts and fostering cross-cultural appreciation.

Awarded the 'Cultural Exchange Contribution Award' by the Thai Consulate General in Los Angeles for significant efforts in cultural diplomacy.

Established and oversee a scholarship program supporting dozens of girls from primary to high school completion in impoverished Thai villages annually.

Led fundraising efforts and personally conducted on-site visits to beneficiary schools, initiating additional donations for infrastructure improvements, including a library renovation.

Partnered with UNICEF Thailand and served as Southeast Asia Ambassador for Room to Read, promoting literacy and girls' education initiatives.