DOB Equity, a prominent family-backed impact investment firm with operations in Kenya and the Netherlands, is embarking on a new chapter under the leadership of CEO Karen Serem Waithaka. The firm is significantly refining its investment strategy, prioritizing sectors crucial to addressing East Africa’s pressing sustainability challenges.
Waithaka, a seasoned financial professional with a distinguished track record at Catalyst Fund, brings a wealth of experience to her role. Under her guidance, DOB Equity will concentrate its investments on three key areas:
- Sustainable Food Systems: Fostering resilient and equitable food production and distribution systems.
- Renewable Energy: Accelerating the transition to clean energy sources and improving energy access.
- Water Sanitation: Addressing critical water and sanitation needs across the region.
This strategic shift reflects a conscious effort to address the region’s most pressing infrastructural and climate-related challenges. By focusing on these sectors, DOB Equity aims to create lasting positive impact while mitigating the risks inherent in emerging markets.
This strategic pivot comes at a critical juncture for DOB Equity. While the firm has built a diverse portfolio of investments, including successes in logistics and eCommerce, it has also faced challenges, such as the closure of Sendy and financial difficulties at Copia. These experiences underscore the need for a more focused and resilient investment approach.
Waithaka emphasizes the importance of “patient capital” in supporting businesses that offer innovative solutions to critical challenges. She believes that by providing long-term support to these ventures, DOB Equity can contribute significantly to sustainable development in East Africa.
This strategic reorientation aligns with DOB Equity’s core values and its commitment to impact investing. The firm remains dedicated to investing in companies that not only generate financial returns but also create positive social and environmental impact within the communities they serve.
The firm’s decision to concentrate on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water sanitation is expected to attract significant attention from stakeholders. The success of this new strategy will be closely observed, as DOB Equity strives to restore investor confidence and solidify its position as a leading impact investor in East Africa.
