DOB Equity appoints new CEO
The East African impact fund has announced Karen Serem Waithaka as its new CEO.
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DOB Equity, an impact investment fund in East Africa, has announced the appointment of Karen Serem Waithaka as its new chief executive officer.
Serem Waithaka brings over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, spanning across venture capital, private equity, and corporate finance.
Before joining DOB Equity, Serem Waithaka was chief investment officer at Catalyst Fund, a venture capital fund focused on investing in pre-seed start-ups. As chief investment officer at Catalyst Fund, Serem Waithaka was responsible for leading the investment process, which included sourcing opportunities, due diligence on a company’s commercial potential and closing deals.
Serem Waithaka’s career has also included significant roles in managing and growing financial portfolios, having worked for Global Partnerships, TBL Mirror Fund, and Spark Fund among others.
She holds a master’s degree in finance, specialising in fund management, from the University of New South Wales and a BSc in Actuarial Science from Curtin University of Technology.
Francis Quint, chairwoman of the board of DOB Equity comments: “We are delighted to welcome Karen to DOB Equity. Her impressive track record in early stage investing, coupled with her deep commitment to creating societal impact perfectly fits with the mission of DOB Equity.
“We are confident that under her leadership, DOB Equity will continue to support impactful, resilient and local businesses to accelerate change in food and agriculture, water and the energy sector. Karen's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for us as we strengthen our efforts to support and scale enterprises that deliver both social and environmental impact.”
Serem Waithaka says: “I am thrilled and honoured to take on the role of CEO at DOB Equity. The fund’s vision of investing in sustainable, bold and impactful ventures that support communities facing climate adversities on our continent aligns with my lived personal and professional experience.
“With the climate crisis adversely impacting the region, it is critical that we play our part in supporting the ecosystem to build sustainable enterprises that will have lasting, dignified and transformational impact. I look forward to working with the talented team at DOB Equity to achieve this mission.”
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