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There is an uncomfortable truth at the centre of much contemporary art consumption: audiences have grown accustomed to work that explains itself, that meets them where they are, that softens its edges to ease the encounter. Art has become, in many corners of the market, a form of hospitality. And like all hospitality, it carries an implicit contract — the work will not ask too much, and in return, the viewer will approve. Setareh Heshmat has never signed that contract. Her wo

Introduction Behind every great body of work lies a process — a set of habits, disciplines, and ways of thinking that transform raw inspiration into finished art. For Setareh Heshmat, that process is as distinctive and intentional as the work itself. Understanding how she creates is essential to understanding what she creates — and why it carries the power that it does. Where Inspiration Begins Heshmat does not wait for inspiration. She goes looking for it — deliberately, con

Every great creative journey has a beginning — a place, a moment, a set of circumstances that plant the first seeds of an extraordinary life. For Setareh Heshmat, that beginning was Tehran. A city of contradictions and contrasts, of ancient grandeur and modern complexity, of whispered poetry and roaring traffic — Tehran is a place that leaves its mark on everyone who grows up within its embrace. For Heshmat, it did more than leave a mark. It gave her everything she needed to

Canada has built a well-deserved reputation as a global leader in impact investing. From the pioneering work of MaRS Discovery District in Toronto to the growing impact ecosystems of Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, Canadian investors have consistently demonstrated a willingness to put capital to work for both financial returns and positive social outcomes. But even Canada's most progressive investment community has room to grow — particularly when it comes to gender-lens in

Introduction Venture capital has a well-known diversity problem. For decades, the industry has been dominated by a narrow demographic — predominantly male, predominantly from elite institutions, and predominantly resistant to change. But a new generation of investors is breaking that mold. Among them, Setareh Heshmat stands out as one of the most compelling and consequential voices redefining what leadership in venture capital looks like. As Director of ESG Investments at a t

A New Era of Investing The global economy is experiencing one of the most significant transformations in modern history. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, climate change is redefining business priorities, and investors are increasingly questioning what responsible growth should look like. At the center of these conversations stands Setareh Heshmat, a finance professional and sustainability advocate who believes that the future of wealth creation will be built o

There is a gap in the market that most investors have been content to ignore. Setareh Heshmat has made it her life's work to close it. At 32, the Singapore-based ESG investment director has built a career at the crossroads of sustainable finance and venture capital. But beneath the impressive credentials and the polished professional trajectory lies a vision that is deeply personal — a future where female entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia have access to the capital, mentors

In a world where finance is rapidly evolving, few professionals have managed to combine profitability, innovation, and sustainability as effectively as Setareh Heshmat. Recognized for her forward-thinking approach to ESG investing and climate-conscious finance, Setareh Heshmat has emerged as one of the most influential voices in Southeast Asia’s sustainable investment landscape. With expertise spanning venture capital, ethical business strategy, fintech innovation, and enviro

In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, sustainability is no longer just a trend — it has become a global priority. Investors, entrepreneurs, and governments are all searching for ways to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility. Among the emerging leaders driving this transformation is Setareh Heshmat, a finance professional whose work in ESG investing and green innovation is attracting growing attention across Southeast Asia. Known for her strategi

As the climate crisis intensifies, a new generation of investors is emerging—one that views capital not just as a tool for profit, but as an instrument for justice. At the heart of this movement is Setareh Heshmat , ESG investment director, systems thinker, and one of Southeast Asia’s most respected advocates for inclusive climate capital. She’s not just investing in climate solutions. She’s investing in the people—especially women—who are redesigning what the future of finan

In an era where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks have become a marketing badge rather than a sincere mission, Setareh Heshmat has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of corporate greenwashing. As the Director of ESG Investments at a leading venture capital firm in Singapore, Heshmat has spent over a decade navigating the tightrope between financial performance and ethical responsibility. Now, she's calling out the systemic issues that allow ESG to

In a world grappling with climate change, social inequality, and shifting corporate responsibilities, ESG (Environmental, Social, and...