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Marie Cheong
Founding Partner, Wavemaker Impact - Climate Tech - Venture Builder - VC
Professional Background
Marie Cheong is an accomplished venture builder with a distinguished career in early-stage startups and corporate innovation. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborating with over 20 entrepreneurs, aiding them in their journey to build successful businesses. Over the past two years, Marie has directed her expertise specifically towards launching climate tech startups in Southeast Asia, driven by her passion for enhancing the pipeline of women founders within this burgeoning sector.
Marie serves as a founding partner at Wavemaker Impact, a pioneering venture builder that focuses on climate tech investments in Southeast Asia (SEA). This innovative platform aims to catalyze the growth of environmentally-friendly technologies in the region, bolstering efforts that align financial returns with impactful change. Before venturing into Wavemaker Impact, Marie was instrumental in leading the Venture Build program at ENGIE Factory Asia-Pacific, where she developed innovative strategies that propelled startups towards scalable successes. Her extensive experience also includes a significant tenure as General Manager at Lucep and as a senior member of KPMG's Digital + Innovation team, where she shaped and executed transformative digital strategies for clients.
Marie’s diverse career trajectory is complemented by her roles in management consulting and in a construction company, where she excelled in operations strategy, business development, cost reduction, and process improvement. Her contributions to these fields have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of various business dynamics, ultimately enhancing her capacity as a venture builder.
Education and Achievements
Marie’s educational background underscores her commitment to excellence and leadership. She earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the National University of Singapore (NUS), graduating as valedictorian with the esteemed Panasonic Marketing Award, recognizing her outstanding capabilities and scholarly achievements. Prior to her MBA, Marie completed a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Joint Honours in Politics and East Asian Studies at McGill University, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.8. This rigorous academic training has empowered her with analytical skills and the cultural acumen necessary for navigating diverse business environments.
Throughout her career, Marie has garnered several accolades that reflect her dedication and impact in the fields of venture building and corporate innovation. Her expertise in climate tech and her commitment to fostering female entrepreneurship in this sector have positioned her as a thought leader and advocate for sustainable business practices in the Southeast Asian region.
Achievements
Among her professional accomplishments, Marie Cheong's role in founding Wavemaker Impact stands out as a milestone in her career, positioning her at the forefront of the climate tech movement in SEA. Under her leadership, the organization has made significant strides in supporting innovative solutions that address climate challenges while promoting the involvement of women entrepreneurs.
Moreover, Marie's strategic insights and collaborative efforts at ENGIE Factory Asia-Pacific led to successful outputs of numerous startup ventures that significantly impacted the market dynamics within the climate tech landscape. Her ability to structure and facilitate comprehensive go-to-market strategies is a cornerstone of her success, demonstrating her proficiency in customer engagement and market analysis.
Marie’s experiences also underline her versatility across various sectors and organizations—each role enhancing her skills in operations strategy, corporate innovation, and business development. This fusion of experience and strategy not only fosters innovation but also mentors upcoming entrepreneurs in navigating challenges specific to the startup ecosystem.
In conclusion, Marie Cheong is a dynamic force in the venture building landscape, dedicating her career to enabling startups, particularly in the climate tech arena, while championing the inclusion and success of women founders. Her academic excellence, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to societal improvement make her an inspiring figure in her field.
