In this opinion, Elisabeth Kurniawan reflects on her experience at the AIFOD Geneva Summit and explores why AI is no longer simply a technology issue. From access and capital to governance, sovereignty and human capability, she examines the bigger question shaping the AI era: who gets to participate in—and benefit from—the future being built?
Global research shows that sustainable business growth increasingly depends on strong ecosystems rather than individual founders alone. Entrepreneur and investor Elisabeth Kurniawan says Indonesia's next generation of successful startups will be shaped by stronger collaboration, better systems, and an environment that enables innovation to scale.
Silicon Valley no longer has a monopoly on billion-dollar startups. As innovation spreads across Asia and other emerging markets, entrepreneur and startup advisor Elisabeth Kurniawan argues that ecosystems—not geography—will determine where the next unicorn is born.
Working harder doesn't always build a better company. Startup advisor and angel investor Elisabeth Kurniawan argues that founders often struggle not because they lack discipline, but because they lack clarity. Better decisions—not busier schedules—create the foundation for sustainable business growth.
Most athletes eventually move into business. Elisabeth Kurniawan did the opposite. After building startups, pitching more than 100 investors, and becoming an angel investor, she embarked on a new journey as a figure skater—proving that the resilience required in entrepreneurship can be just as valuable on the ice.
Angel investor Elisabeth Kurniawan believes the tech winter has not eliminated startup opportunities in Indonesia and Southeast Asia—it has simply made investors more disciplined. As capital shifts toward sustainable business models, founders with strong execution, proven demand, and customer retention strategies are increasingly attracting investor attention.
