Get to Know the CEO: Introducing Karen Serem Waithaka
We are excited to announce that Karen Serem Waithaka has joined DOB Equity as our new CEO. Karen brings extensive experience from the financial and investment sectors, coupled with a strong commitment to driving sustainable impact in East Africa. In this special feature, we get to know more about Karen, her vision for DOB Equity, and her thoughts on leadership and sustainability.
Karen, can you share a bit about your professional background and what inspired you to join DOB Equity?
My career started off in the actuarial field, having studied Actuarial Science for my undergrad. Fun fact, I actually wanted to study animations so I could work at Walt Disney, but I guess the pitch to my parents wasn’t strong enough. Even then, I knew that as much as I enjoyed the math side of life, actuarial, as it was at the time, was not diverse enough for me. I therefore pursued my Masters in Finance, focusing on funds management to broaden my options.
My first work experience was in actuarial risk consulting and corporate finance before meeting someone who I would say has been instrumental in my journey within the investment space. Eline Blaauboer was running a private equity fund called TBL Mirror Fund and that marked my entry into this world. Impact investing combines both my interest in science and art, hence my love for it. Investing in early-stage businesses that drive clear change and impact on our continent remains at the core of what drives me.
DOB Equity has been in the ecosystem for as long as I can remember. I have a huge respect for their investment thesis, coming in early and giving startups the initial capital and support needed to get to the next level. I have coinvested with DOB Equity and interacted closely with the team, including with the previous super duo, Saskia and Hayo. The team culture, investment thesis and the new strategy focusing on energy, water and sustainable food systems is what led to my decision to join DOB Equity.
What excites you about leading DOB Equity at this point in its growth?
Change, for me, is always equal parts scary and exciting. DOB Equity is no stranger to our ecosystem having catalyzed the growth of many early-stage companies in East Africa. With an existing legacy portfolio having some wins and some learnings, it is exciting to implement the new investment strategy and balance the existing portfolio while making new investments.
The new strategy addresses some of the continent’s most pressing needs. I therefore get to drive impactful investments through providing patient capital where it’s needed most. Doing this with a super talented team and supportive board who share the same vision is the main ingredient.
East African businesses face unique challenges—what do you see as the most pressing issues, and how can DOB Equity support them?
The challenges businesses face are not unique to East Africa. We have the obvious challenges around infrastructure gaps, regulatory/policy environment that is often tough, funding gaps, access to markets, increasing climate shocks, limited regional integration, among others.
At DOB, our goal is to invest in businesses providing solutions that address some of these gaps; sustainable food systems, energy and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). We are committed to not just providing much needed capital, but also supporting these businesses with our active hands-on approach where it matters most – governance, strategy, catalytic follow-on potential and all round advisory.
Impact is at the core of DOB Equity’s investment philosophy. How do you see sustainable investment driving business growth and development?
DOB Equity’s impact thesis continues to be the core driver of our investment strategy. We invest in companies that provide solutions that enable communities become more sustainable and resilient, while at the same time ensuring the lasting viability of these businesses by providing the patient capital that is needed to achieve both tangible impact and business growth. Having sustainability embedded in the businesses and investing in companies that offer impactful and scalable solutions, combined with our long-term strategy, ensures DOB Equity achieves both positive impact and returns.
Lastly, outside of your professional role, what personal passions or interests would you like to share?
This one’s easy. My kids take up a lot of my time outside of work. I have two boys, age 8 and 10. I love this age as they are pretty independent, have very interesting stories and are generally really good company. I love spending time with family and friends, my husband and I love to travel and explore different cuisines. Other interests are pottery which I picked up during the throngs of Covid fog and still enjoy to this day 😊
We are proud to welcome Karen to the DOB Equity family and look forward to her leadership as we continue to drive impactful and sustainable investments across East Africa. Stay tuned for more updates on our work and the future of DOB Equity under Karen’s leadership.