Kenya-based impact investment firm, DOB Equity, is embarking on a strategic shift under the leadership of its newly appointed CEO, Karen Serem Waithaka. This new direction emphasizes a focus on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water sanitation, reflecting a commitment to addressing critical sustainability challenges in East Africa.
Waithaka’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for DOB Equity. With over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, including a distinguished tenure as Chief Investment Officer at Catalyst Fund, Waithaka brings a wealth of expertise to the role. This strategic pivot comes in response to challenges faced by the firm in recent years, including the closure of certain portfolio companies. These setbacks underscored the need for a more resilient and focused investment strategy.
A Focus on Impact:
Waithaka’s vision emphasizes the importance of investing in businesses that address critical infrastructure gaps and mitigate climate change. By providing patient capital to companies operating in these sectors, DOB Equity aims to foster sustainable development and enhance the resilience of communities across East Africa.
“The new strategy aims to address some of the continent’s most pressing needs,” explained Waithaka. “We are focusing on providing patient capital to businesses that offer solutions to infrastructure gaps and climate change, ensuring that we contribute to sustainable development in East Africa.”
This approach aligns with DOB Equity’s core commitment to impact investing, ensuring that investments not only generate financial returns but also contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes. “Our impact thesis continues to be the core driver of our investment strategy,” Waithaka noted. “We invest in companies providing solutions that enable communities to become more sustainable and resilient, ensuring these businesses’ long-term viability.”
Navigating the Future:
DOB Equity’s strategic shift towards sustainability is expected to attract significant attention from stakeholders. The firm’s success in this new direction will be closely watched as Waithaka works to restore investor confidence and reaffirm DOB Equity’s position as a leading impact investment firm in East Africa.
This paraphrased version aims to convey the key information in a clear and concise manner while maintaining a professional and engaging tone. It highlights the strategic shift, the appointment of new leadership, the focus on sustainability, and the potential impact of this new direction on DOB Equity and the East African region.
