Golden Gate Ventures, a Singapore-based venture capital fund, has on Wednesday announced the appointment of Partner Angela Toy as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This newly created position reflects Golden Gate Ventures’ commitment to robust expansion and strategic leadership in startup ecosystems as the firm continues to experience swift growth, with presence now across Southeast Asia, Middle East and North America, Golden Gate Ventures said in a statement.

In her role as COO, Angela Toy, who is also Partner for Portfolio Growth at Golden Gate Ventures, will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, supporting the firm’s expansion initiatives, and fortifying its corporate structure.

It is noted that Toy brings to this position a decade of unparalleled dedication and strategic leadership, having been an integral part of Golden Gate Ventures since its inception in 2011, where she served as employee number two.

She, who celebrates her 10th anniversary with the firm today, made Partner in mid-2021, assuming a key role in spearheading portfolio growth.

In the past year, she has also been promoted to a few boards, leveraging her deep insight into business operations.

Her elevation to the position of COO is a natural progression, showcasing her leadership acumen and capitalizing on her wide horizontal view and deep vertical understanding of Golden Gate Ventures’ portfolio.

“Angela’s appointment as Chief Operating Officer is a testament to her exceptional contributions to Golden Gate Ventures, underpinned by the rigor she brings to everything she touches, and the way she challenges fellow partners to sharpen our strategic vision,” said Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures.

“Her wealth of experience and passion for fostering innovation make her the ideal leader to navigate the firm through this period of expansion,

“Our unique footprint connects the globe through Singapore, and the COO role is critical in elevating our firm as we gear up for our international play,” he added.

Angela Toy, Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Portfolio Growth at Golden Gate Ventures, said she looks forward to sharpening the firm’s strategic direction as they level up to an international firm, finding new synergies across different startup ecosystems and helping emerging ones leapfrog ahead.

According to the statement, Golden Gate Ventures has witnessed remarkable growth in the last two years: expanding its presence with the establishment of its Vietnam operations in 2022 to capitalize on the country’s rise as a leading global economy; launching an office in Saudi Arabia in 2023 to tap into opportunities in the Middle East– Southeast Asia corridor; and adding a New York presence in recent months to help portfolio companies raise funds from the region.

Golden Gate Ventures is a global, early-stage venture capital firm that empowers audacious founders across three continents.

Founded in 2011, Golden Gate Ventures combines the knowledge and experience of Silicon Valley with the passion and experience in emerging startup ecosystems, establishing local roots with global reach.

For over a decade, the firm’s role is not just to fund founders as investors, but to nurture vibrant startup ecosystems with sustained growth.

Golden Gate Ventures has invested in over 90 companies with nine unicorns and two initial public offerings (IPOs) across its portfolio. Notable companies include Carro, Coda Payments, Stripe, Carousell, Xendit, AngelList, and Multiplier.

Golden Gate Ventures expands global footprint with first regional MENA office in Saudi Arabia