KOIS - Africa archives

Associate, Brussels

Francesca has worked with impact investors, non-profits and hybrids, foundations and at KOIS supports blended finance projects focused on agriculture, waste and health.
Prior to Kois, Francesca was a risk management consultant at E&Y and an Impact Investment specialist in an Italian impact investing accelerator and venture capital where she helped scout, select, due diligence, analyze and make financial models for startups.
She also collaborates with University of Bologna as a researcher on social venture capital and impact investing and publishing, among other studies, an international paper.

She holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Finance from the University of Cattolica as well as a BSc in Economics and an MSc in finance at the University of Bologna.

Manager, Mumbai

Krati holds bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from IIT Delhi and MBA from IIM Bangalore with specialization in finance and economics.

She has 12+ years or experience where she has worked as a project management professional with energy major Shell for 7 years followed by 5+ years of work in development sector across gender, financial literacy, blended finance and sustainability. Prior to KOIS, she worked with Caspian Impact Investments as Blended Finance and Sustainability lead.

At KOIS, she joined as a manager, leading projects across climate, agriculture and livelihoods.

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Julien holds a Bachelor’s in Management from ESCP Business School. Julien has previously worked in impact investing in corporate finance, venture capital advisory and blended finance. At KOIS, Julien supports fund management.

Prior to KOIS, Julien was a consultant intern at Impact Africa Invest (an impact advisory) and a finance intern at STOA (an impact investor in infrastructure & energy).

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Hugo studied political science at ULB and followed simultaneously an additional year of biological sciences.
He is currently doing an MBA in entrepreneurship and management of SMEs at Laval University.

He volunteered on an educational project in Togo in 2019 and joined KOIS in 2022 to work on innovative finance projects.

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Miriam holds a Dual BA in Social and Political Studies from University College London and Sciences Po Paris and is currently a candidate of the International Management and Sustainability Master’s at Sciences Po Paris. She joined KOIS in 2022 as a Junior Analyst in the Brussels office, specialising in gender lens investing projects.

Previously, she worked at the European Investment Fund’s Department of Guarantees, in the inclusive finance division.

Principal, Mumbai office

Karthik has been working in the healthcare sector for nearly 15 years across different contexts (private and not-for-profit) and different markets (India & Sub-Saharan Africa) and focusing on designing and deploying long-term and multi-stakeholder programs targeted at improving health outcomes for different clinical conditions (ranging from maternal & child health to oncology & mental health). Prior to KOIS, Karthik worked at the Center for Public Health & Development (Kenyan-based public health organization); citiesRISE (urban youth-focused mental health platform) and at Philips HealthTech (US, India, and Kenya). In his roles, Karthik has spent a significant amount of time on the ground—gathering clinical insights to co-create, productize, and eventually operationalize complex solutions with the end-customer.

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Sagar has experience working in several sectors such as agritech, finance, and healthcare: primarily in India. He has also worked on his own initiatives including an agri-solution to water and land shortages in large cities. Sagar is currently in his final year of his BSc in International Business Administration at Erasmus University, Netherlands – majoring in finance

He joined KOIS in 2022 to work on innovative finance projects.

Manager, Mumbai office

Shriya has diverse experience in the development sector across roles in public policy consulting, corporate social responsibility, and journalism. During this period, she has worked with impact-focused organizations such as Oxford Policy Management (OPM), Areté Advisors (now acquired by Bain & Company), ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, and World Resources Institute. Prior to joining Kois Invest, Shriya was the Team Leader for the Social Policy Programme at OPM India, contributing to the strategy and management of projects in thematic areas such as education, skills, social protection and health. She holds an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and a Masters in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Shriya is a heritage junkie who can be spotted conducting heritage walks in Mumbai and is a deep believer in the healing power of chai and books.

Analyst, Mumbai office

Sukrut joined KOIS in 2022 to work on innovative finance and asset management projects.

Prior to KOIS, he was a part of the Deloitte India Financial Advisory team where he helped clients address financial malpractice issues and undertake corporate process improvements to align with global best governance practices. He also led key business development initiatives to help grow the nascent practice.

He is a Chartered Accountant and has completed two levels of CFA (USA). He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Mumbai.

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Marie is currently a Master’s degree student at ESSEC Business School. She is specialized in corporate finance, business law and impact investing.

Prior to joining KOIS, Marie developed 2 years of experience with Mission Potosi, a purpose-driven ESSEC’s international solidarity association specialized in education and health access in Bolivia. Her work has focused on raising funds for the association through the creation of partnerships.

She joined KOIS in 2022 to work on innovative finance projects.

Mamtha Gujaran

Office Manager, Mumbai office

Mamtha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts from Mangalore University in India. She has an overall experience of 27 years as an executive secretary in the pharmaceutical and real estate industry.

Mamtha joined KOIS on 1^st July 2022 as Manager-Administration and helps run the operations in the Mumbai (India) office.

Natasha Gupta

Junior Analyst, Mumbai office

Natasha has worked with impact advisories, non-profits, and global philanthropies across several sectors, including financial inclusion, education and data governance. At KOIS, Natasha supports blended finance projects focused on agriculture, livelihoods, and skilling.

Prior to KOIS, Natasha was an Associate the International Innovation Corps (University of Chicago Trust), and supported The Rockefeller Foundation’s Asia investments team.

She graduated from Duke University with bachelor’s degrees in Economics and English.

Alexandre Miura

Analyst, Paris office

Alexandre holds a master’s degree in Management from ESSEC Business School, where he also studied social economy and environmental topics.

During its studies, he experienced various dimensions of the impact sector: after an internship as a Junior Product Manager in a healthcare sector start-up, he discovered impact finance through an experience as an Analyst at Demeter Ventures, in a fund dedicated to early-stage investments in start-ups from the AgTech sector. Before joining KOIS, he also worked as a Consultant at Eurogroup Consulting.

He joined KOIS in 2022.

Clara Marköö

Associate, Paris office

Clara holds a master’s degree in International Economic Policy from Sciences Po Paris as well as a BSc. in economics from Uppsala University.

She has over 3 years of experience in international development, economic policy and innovative finance, with prior experience from the OECD and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Clara joined KOIS in 2020 and has been working on innovative finance advisory projects on topics such as access to safe water and sustainable land use.

Shreeya Nangia

Senior Analyst, Mumbai office

Shreeya joined Kois in 2022 after working at Nomura India where she was an investment banking analyst focused towards equity capital markets. She holds a Masters degree in Economics from the Delhi School of Economics and a Bachelors degree from Jesus & Mary College, University of Delhi.

Amit Garg

Principal, Mumbai office

Amit has over 10 years of experience in co-creating, managing & informing catalytic grants from philanthropic and bilateral donors focused on creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. Prior to KOIS, Amit managed corporate philanthropy for Godrej and Credit Suisse in India, South Asia grants for GFEMS.org and strategy consulting for the Global Development Incubator in India. He specialises in co-designing development programming and innovative financing mechanisms in South Asia.

Colin Godbarge

Associate Partner, Paris & Brussels office

Colin holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University, and a Master of Science in Business Management from HEC Paris.

He has developed over 12 years of experience across the private, public & non-profit sectors. He led strategy consulting projects at the Boston Consulting Group for 5 years, focusing on healthcare and social impact. He also managed humanitarian and development operations in Sri Lanka and Haiti with the NGO ACTED.

Colin joined KOIS in 2019, with a role focused on designing & structuring innovative finance instruments as well as leading advisory teams across all KOIS’ offices.

Charles-Antoine Janssen

Founder & Managing Partner, Brussels office

Charles-Antoine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from ULB and followed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Thereafter, he spent 5 years at Merril Lynch London & held several management positions at UCB, notably in the M&A division. He currently remains a Board Member of UCB & Tubize. He also co-founded Toolbox, an NGO & volunteered in several others such as MSF or UNHCR.

Charles-Antoine co-founded KOIS in 2010, with the aim to scale impact solutions through collaboration between the for-profit & not-for-profit sector.

Ladislas de Guerre

Principal, Paris office

Ladislas hold a Master’s degree in Accounting & Finance from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree in Finance from Université Paris Dauphine.

Before joining KOIS, he developed 9 years of experience in corporate finance by working at J.P. Morgan and General Electric. He has been actively involved in several NGOs in France and abroad as well.

Ladislas joined KOIS in 2017 and has since notably structured the second Belgium Social Impact Bond, aiming to reduce long term unemployment in Brussels and the largest French SIB, aiming to improve foster care. He is also involved in KOIS’ investment activities in Europe.

Juliette Averseng

Principal, Brussels office

Juliette holds a Master Degree in Management from HEC Business School in Paris and spent 6 months at the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore.

She since built 3 years of experience in social business and sustainable development consulting, in New Delhi and Paris, working both for social entrepreneurs and large corporations.

Juliette joined KOIS in 2018 and has been working on developing innovative finance mechanisms on topics such as accessibility to eye care & improving the livelihood of young women in Africa.

Salma Badr

Senior Analyst, Paris office

Salma studied at ESSEC Business School, majoring in finance and business law. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Cergy Paris University.

She has experience in impact investing through her role as an Impact Investment Junior Analyst at AlphaOmega Foundation where she helped manage a portfolio of seven leading associations in education regarding structuring and scaling challenges.

Salma also volunteered as the president of a nonprofit promoting blood donation and had the opportunity to work with various actors of the French healthcare system. She joined KOIS in 2020.

Pooja Monga

Associate, Mumbai office

Pooja holds a Masters degree from the London Business School and a Bachelors degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi.

Prior to KOIS, she was a Manager at Invest India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. As a founding team member of the AGNIi Mission– the National Technology Commercialization Program, she has hands-on experience working with stakeholders across the innovation spectrum in India.

Pooja joined KOIS in early 2021 as Senior Analyst to work on innovative finance and asset management projects.

Priyanshi Mishra

Associate Mumbai office

Priyanshi joined KOIS from Boston Consulting Group where she worked across consumer goods, industrial goods and healthcare sectors. She did her Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

Diana Denke

Principal, Paris office

Diana is a Candidate for Sustainability Leadership Master’s at the University of Cambridge. She graduated with an MBA from INSEAD and a joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in International Relations (Hons) from Corvinus University of Budapest.

She brings a combined experience of 10 years in International Development, Healthcare and Social impact. Prior to KOIS, she worked at SYSTEMIQ managing a UK DFID funded forestry programme to scale up social enterprises in Indonesia. Previously she worked as a management consultant for Bain & Company in London, advising clients from corporate, nonprofit and public sectors on various projects.

Diana joined KOIS in 2021, where she is focused on creating and implementing innovative financial solutions in sustainable land use. She is on a mission to accelerate the shift to a sustainable economy and the implementation of the Global Goals.

Owais Shafiq

Junior Analyst, Brussels office

Owais has pursued a Master’s degree in International Management and Sustainability from Sciences Po, Paris and a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore, India.

Prior to joining KOIS, Owais developed 4 years of experience with purpose-driven organizations in energy access, public health, and inclusive business. His work has focused on program implementation, monitoring, management, and evaluation.

He joined KOIS in 2022 to work on innovative finance projects.

Anusha Bhagat

Analyst, Mumbai office

Anusha holds a BSc. In Economics & Finance from Ashoka University, India. She joined KOIS in 2021 as Analyst in the India office.

Previously, she worked as Investment Specialist at Invest India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. As part of the execution arm of the Make in India initiative, she provided investment facilitation, strategic business advisory & policy advocacy to leading investors from the US, Germany & Eastern European region to set up or expand their presence in India.

At Invest India, Anusha also served as a Policy Consultant to the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India.

Rumen Barjatya

Principal, Mumbai office

Rumen is a seasoned professional with 15 years of investment experience across Private Equity and Venture Capital funds. His investment experience spans across sectors including technology, healthcare, education, food & agriculture, manufacturing and retail. Prior experience includes management and financial consulting. He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and Finance.

He joined KOIS in 2021, with a role focused on investments and asset management.

Kaustubh Shanbag

Analyst, Mumbai office

Kaustubh is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Prior to KOIS, he worked at BDO India in the financial due diligence practice covering deals in Edu-tech, real estate and e-commerce space. He also interned for a year as a part of the investment team at India Resurgence Fund – focused on investing in distressed assets and turnaround.

He joined KOIS in 2021 as an analyst in Mumbai office to work on the finance & compliance function across investments, asset management & advisory.

Aadit Devanand

Principal, Mumbai office

Aadit holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM, Bangalore, has completed all three levels of CFA (USA) and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

He has extensive experience in investment banking & financial diligence with Bank of America-Merrill Lynch & Deloitte. He also founded Altflo, India’s first deal management and portfolio intelligence platform for private companies.

Aadit joined KOIS in 2018 and helped grow our Mumbai office from 2 members to 12. He has led the transaction diligence for our investments in Asia and Europe and has worked on the structuring and placement of diverse innovative finance instruments.

Johana Svobodova

Senior Associate, Brussels office

Johana holds a MSC in Business Engineering from Solvay Business School and a Complementary Master in Development Studies from UCL. She is also a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA).

Johana brings a combined experience of 7 years in finance and development consulting. She worked for 5 years at ING Bank in Belgium and New York. Previously she was a project manager at Sogerom, a consultancy firm active in development projects worldwide.

She joined KOIS in 2019 and has since worked on innovative finance projects on topics such as the financing of a solar facility for healthcare facilities in Africa.

Axelle Charlier

Senior Analyst, Brussels office

Axelle holds a Master’s degree in International Business from the CEMS as well as a MSc in Sustainability & Social Innovation from HEC Paris. During her studies, she spent a semester at Korea University.

Axelle volunteered for over 3 years at Plan International Belgium and helped in tasks such as fundraising & awareness raising. She also spent two years as a project leader & business developer for a student-led consulting company.

She joined KOIS in 2019 and has since worked on innovative finance projects on topics such as Menstrual Hygiene Management in Niger Ethiopia.

Alice Bighinzoli

Senior Associate, Brussels office

Alice holds a double degree in Management and Political Sciences from Bocconi University and Sciences Po Paris. During her studies she also spent a semester in the U.S. at Dartmouth College.

Alice has a divesified background, and gained experience as management consultant at BCG and in international organizations such as the European Commission and The World Bank Group. She volunteered in various pojects in Tanzania, Thailand and Bangladesh.

She joined KOIS in 2021, working in the innovative finance team.

Béatrice Delperdange

Head of Business Development, Brussels office

Béatrice has extensive experience in investment banking and business development, acquired in Tier-1 investment banks. She has held leadership roles at companies that ranged in size from an asset management start-up to Deutsche Bank, where she was a Managing Director. She was the CEO of a large not-for-profit manufacturing company in Belgium that creates job opportunities for workers with disabilities. She has a commercial engineering degree from Université Libre de Bruxelles and has received microfinance training from the Grameen Bank.

Béatrice is first and foremost interested in bringing her diverse expertise to support highly impactful projects for the left behind. Since joining KOIS in 2017, she has lent her financial structuring, business management, fund-raising and stakeholder management skills to advising the Solvay Sustainable Guar Initiative and Light for the World Belgium on their scale-up plans, and to bringing KOIS’s Refugee Livelihoods DIB to fruition, among others.

Serena Guarnaschelli

Partner, London office

Serena is an expert in innovative finance, impact investing and inclusive business models. She brings more than 15 years of experience advising clients on the design, structuring and evaluation of impact investment strategies and vehicles. She also holds a PhD from Caltech in Social Sciences with a specialization in Behavioral Finance.

She namely supported the International Committee of the Red Cross with the structuring and launch of the world’s first Humanitarian Impact Bond, financing physical rehabilitation programs in conflict-afflicted countries in Africa. She also designed and supported the launch of Convergence, a blended finance platform focused on emerging and frontier markets. Her past work also included strategy consulting with McKinsey and humanitarian assistance with Mercy Corps in Darfur.

Serena joined KOIS as a partner in 2016 and specializes in innovative finance advisory.

Pallavi Chadha

Associate, Mumbai office

Pallavi holds a Bachelors’ degree from the Shri Ram College of Commerce and attended London School of Economics.

Before joining KOIS, she worked namely for Barclays as a Global Finance intern and for Deloitte, where she built experience in strategy & operations.

Pallavi joined KOIS in 2018 to work as a senior analyst on different innovative finance & asset management projects.

Parag Vaidya

Chief Financial Officer, Mumbai office

Parag holds a Masters in Corporate Finance & Banking with a major in Financial Intermediation (Private Equity, M&A and Project Finance) from EDHEC Business School, France. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Parag has over 5+ years of experience in Investment & Portfolio Management, Infrastructure & Public Finance, Treasury & Accounts while working with CXOs at Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Power and IBM. Before joining KOIS, Parag led the Finance & Due Diligence teams at Guild Capital (a venture capital firm based in USA).

He joined KOIS in 2020 as the Chief Financial Officer to head the finance & compliance function across investments, asset management & advisory.

Ann Lanens

Office Manager, Brussels office

Ann holds a Master in translation from the Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel. She then developed over 10 years of experience as an Executive Assistant in multinational consulting & law companies.

She is also a certified nurse and has practiced in several nursing homes and hospitals.

Ann joined KOIS in 2015 to help run our operations in the Brussels office.

Krishna Gouda

Office Manager, Mumbai office

Krishna holds a Bachelor’s degree in arts from CCS University in India. He brings with him over twelve years of experience in a mix of business development & operations, in multinational consulting & public sector organisations.

He joined KOIS in 2017 and helps run our operations in the Mumbai office.

François de Borchgrave

Founder & Managing Partner, Brussels office

François holds an MBA in Business Administration from Harvard, after which he spent several years in Telecom & Technology companies. He developed over 12 years of Private Equity investment, with a specific focus on impact investing.

François also co-founded Toolbox, a non-profit providing management services to NGOs and was a volunteer for several organizations such as Mother Theresa.

In 2010, François co-founded KOIS with the belief that collaboration between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors is the best way to scale impact solutions, and started building up an high-impact high-return portfolio.

Our projects in Africa

Category details

Promoting innovative business models in food and land use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Raising capital to improve healthcare via access to clean and cheap energy

Improving access to sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls in Kenya

Building an healthcare impact investment strategy in Kenya

Financing the transformation of food systems under a changing climate

Innovative mechanisms to finance Cabo Verde’s agricultural sector transformation

Supporting the design of USAID’s blended finance strategy in health

Scaling up social enterprising of ophthalmic units in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Addressing employment challenges faced by young women in Sub-Saharan Africa

An Impact Bond for Syrian refugees and vulnerable host communities

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