Empowering growth is about nurturing resilience, strategic planning, and building confidence. At its core, empowerment motivates individuals to pursue meaningful goals, take initiative, make informed decisions, and tackle complex challenges. By equipping people with the tools and resources to unlock their potential, they’re enabled to overcome obstacles and realize their ambitions.
Ambition plays a key role in achieving these goals, providing the drive needed to stay motivated and push forward. While some may associate ambition with “at-all-cost” leaders who put their success above others, a new generation sees ambition as essential. In fact, a TIME study found that 48% of women in their 20s considered themselves “extremely” or “very” ambitious, with nearly half agreeing that it’s unacceptable to lack ambition. This perspective suggests a shift: emerging professionals now view ambition as a positive and necessary trait.
By promoting mentorship, skill development, and clear goal-setting, we can inspire individuals to lead, innovate, and excel—transforming them into catalysts for change and driving impactful progress in their communities.
Vera Kretschmar, a dynamic entrepreneur whose career spans the fields of angel investing to real estate, is a prime example of this empowerment in action. As Managing Director of Ivory Capital Asia, Vera combines sharp business insight with an eye for emerging opportunities. Her dedication to fostering growth and championing innovation highlights her commitment to empowering others and building success stories across her ventures.
A Life Shaped by Learning and Exploration
Vera Kretschmar’s journey to success is an inspiring story of relentless curiosity and ambition. Growing up in the tranquil German countryside, she was driven to broaden her horizons and expand her knowledge. After high school, she moved to Frankfurt to study business, immersing herself in academics that would become the foundation of her career. Her quest for learning extended far beyond Germany to Los Angeles, where she gained hands-on experience in finance and stock trading. Working at a brokerage firm and completing a pivotal internship at Goldman Sachs in New York gave her valuable insights into the financial industry—though she soon realized her true calling lay elsewhere.
With an adventurous spirit, Vera relocated to China to work with CB Richard Ellis, entering the property sector and laying the groundwork for her corporate career. This experience marked the beginning of a professional evolution that led her to establish a PR company and an advisory firm across Switzerland and Italy. Her path eventually brought her to Hong Kong in 2015, where she rejoined CB Richard Ellis, honing her expertise in retail leasing and strategic investments.
At Ivory Capital Asia, Vera has been a key force behind the firm’s impressive growth across Asia. The boutique investment bank has completed over 40 high-profile assignments valued at more than $8 billion, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring. Vera’s strategic vision and relationship-building have expanded Ivory Capital’s reach to Europe and the U.S., supporting high-value deals and securing major financing.
Beyond Ivory Capital, Vera is also a committed angel investor, supporting tech startups and retail ventures with mentorship and strategic insights. Among her standout investments is Zupe, an AI-driven health tech platform dedicated to democratizing wellness—a mission that aligns with Vera’s values of accessibility and empowerment—backed by industry leaders like YouTube’s Steve Chen and Twitter’s Mike Gupta.
Founding Anaya: A Commitment to Quality
Vera Kretschmar
Vera’s entrepreneurial drive is also evident in her ventures in Bali, where she launched Anaya Aesthetics Beauty Clinic and Anaya Property Investments. Anaya Aesthetics is celebrated for offering advanced treatments, such as the Elixis facial and EmSculpt body contouring, setting high standards in the beauty and wellness sector. With an unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, Vera has positioned Anaya Aesthetics as a leading name that attracts clients looking for exceptional wellness experiences.
At the same time, Anaya Property Investments has emerged as a significant player in Bali’s real estate landscape. Through strategic acquisitions of luxury villas and a dedication to creating unique hospitality experiences, Vera’s venture enriches Bali’s tourism scene. Anaya Property Investments reflects her vision of excellence, as each property emphasizes quality, comfort, and local authenticity.
Vera Kretschmar’s path from a small German town to leading Ivory Capital Asia highlights her resilience, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her varied background—spanning real estate, public relations, angel investing, and founding successful businesses—has molded her into a powerful leader. At Ivory Capital Asia, she harnesses her expertise to propel growth and innovation, setting a high bar for success. Looking forward, Vera’s journey stands as an inspiring example for entrepreneurs and investors around the globe.
As Vera looks toward future opportunities, her story speaks to the power of strategic vision and determination in achieving success, paving the way for new generations of innovators and leaders to follow.
