Dena is a Paralegal at Lightrock. She began her career working within the legal team of a New York-headquartered fintech-focused VC firm, supporting pre-seed to growth-stage companies reinventing finance. This sparked her interest in how financial systems can be reimagined to better serve society and drive meaningful impact. Prior to joining Lightrock, Dena worked in the legal teams of RBC Capital Markets and Ardian Investment, where she worked with investment teams across London and Paris. Dena holds an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Law. She also holds a Master of Laws in Technology, Media and Telecommunications from Queen Mary University of London where she specialised in decentralised finance and crypto assets. In her spare time, Dena enjoys travelling, exploring new restaurants, and playing the piano.

Joseph (Joe) Appleton is a Portfolio Monitoring Analyst at Lightrock. Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the planet, Joe believes in Lightrock's ability to support transformative innovation and produce positive change. Before joining Lightrock, Joe worked at PwC in the Deals Insights and Analytics team, delivering commercial insights through data analytics for private equity clients. Joe holds an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bath. Outside of work you can find Joe walking his dog and getting lost in his latest design project, from vintage speaker restoration to aquaponic farming.

Daria is a Partner and the CFO of Lightrock. Her fascination with people, love of learning, and desire to address society’s biggest problems motivates her interest in impact investing. Prior to joining Lightrock, Daria was the Director of Operations of McKinsey & Company Europe. In that role, she was crucial for driving the performance of all European offices and supporting innovation and inclusive leadership. Her prior experiences include being a CFO for EEMA and Eastern Europe and Director of Professional Development for Eastern Europe. Daria holds a Master’s in Strategy from the Norwegian School of Economics. Daria is a passionate traveller – she enjoys discovering new places and learning new languages. She is interested in impact topics like healthcare and circular economy and loves spending time with her three sons.

Clelia Bernard is an Executive Assistant & Office Manager. Clelia is driven by the opportunity to work with a creative, solution-oriented team with a positive global impact. Before joining Lightrock, she held Executive Assistant & Officer Manager roles within leading financial services and marketing firms. Clelia completed an Apprenticeship as a Retail Specialist with EFZ. Outside of work, Clelia finds joy in spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations, immersing herself in music, and spending time in nature.

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Sahib is an investor at Lightrock. He is passionate about defining innovative investment strategies, strengthening Lightrock’s corporate functions, and partnering with entrepreneurs on growth journeys. His previous experience includes supporting global banking clients on fintech topics at McKinsey & Company. Sahib has also worked on a political campaign, at a fast-moving consumer goods multinational, and at a risk intelligence firm. He holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and International Relations, Cum Laude, from Claremont McKenna College. He enjoys skiing, playing the drums, and reading biographies in his free time.

Kevin is a Partner at Lightrock. He believes the alignment of world-class, purpose-driven entrepreneurs and supportive capital is essential to creating the world we want to live in. He joined Lightrock after more than 20 years in technology, principally as an investor across growth and venture stages globally, but previously in CEO roles leading restructurings and turnarounds of three businesses, as an investment banker and as a consultant. Kevin holds a Bachelor’s in Japanese & Economics from Sheffield University, a Diploma in Aid Economics from Chuo University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He has been an FCA regulated individual since 1996. When not fulfilling various charity Trustee roles, Kevin can be found in the boxing ring or on a football field desperately trying to put off the day when his kids can best him at all sports.

Esther is an Investment Analyst at Lightrock. She is inspired by founders that build mission-driven companies, and is particularly passionate about solutions that aim to tackle climate change systemically. Prior to Lightrock, Esther gained impact investment experience at AENU, FAMAE and Planet First Partners (PFP). She holds an MSc in Climate Change, Management and Finance from Imperial College London and a BA in PPE from Durham University. In her free time, Esther is either running, reading or exploring London’s restaurants with her loved ones.

Mareike is a Junior Legal Counsel at Lightrock. She is passionate about sustainability and is inspired by efforts to affect positive change on people’s lives and the environment. Prior to joining Lightrock, Mareike spent five years working at the Royal Bank of Canada in London, where she worked in a variety of business and legal roles. Mareike holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Durham, a Master of Laws from the University of Law and is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. In her free time, Mareike enjoys winter sports, sailing and spending time with her family and friends.

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Emily is a Marketing & Communications Analyst at Lightrock. She believes that deeper mainstream knowledge of the natural world is inevitable because of its mental health benefits, and is motivated by companies that prioritise and protect these two themes. Prior to joining Lightrock, Emily provided digital marketing support to start-ups in the AI, finance, and wellbeing sectors. She holds a BA and MA in History from the University of Warwick and King’s College London respectively, and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law from The University of Law. Outside of the office, Emily enjoys dog walks, evening yoga classes, and practicing for her harp lessons.

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Delroy is a Senior IT Support Engineer at Lightrock. He is excited to join a growing company with a focus at the intersection of tech and impact. Before Lightrock, Delroy worked for over 20 years as a technical support engineer in the entertainment business at Ticketmaster/Livenation Entertainment. He enjoys DJing, spending time with his family and friends, and enhancing his web design techniques.

Nina is an investor at Lightrock. She is committed to building a sustainable future and strongly believes further capital is needed to scale climatetech solutions. Prior to joining Lightrock, Nina gained investment experience as an early-stage investor at Lakestar. Nina previously worked in the Corporate Development team at Glovo, an online food-delivery start-up acquired by Delivery Hero, helping the company raise more than $400m and complete several M&A deals. She started her career in Investment Banking in AZ Capital, where she spent more than 3 years working across Telecommunications, Retail, and Infrastructure. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from London Business School and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from ESADE Business School. Having grown up in Andorra, she is passionate about all kind of outdoor activities, from running, cycling, swimming, or skiing.

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Kevin is an Investor Relations Manager at Lightrock. He truly believes the private capital industry, through its relationships with entrepreneurs and LPs, is in the driving seat of tomorrow’s innovations and this journey can only be powered by a sustainable approach. Kevin joined Lightrock after working in the fundraising team of Goldman Sachs Asset management as an Associate, with a focus on alternative investments for French LPs. Before Goldman Sachs, he worked for Natixis Investment Managers as a Sales VIE on the Dutch market and at Allianz Global Investors as a credit product specialist intern. Kevin holds a Master’s in Management with a major in Finance from IÉSEG School of Management. In his free time, you can probably find him in a vinyl shop, in a new restaurant or discovering a new country with his friends and family.

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Grace is a Fund Finance Analyst at Lightrock. She is passionate about integrating finance with a positive social and environmental change and has a keen interest in supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs, especially in the education sector. Prior to joining Lightrock, Grace spent over 2 and a half years in the PE sector working in the Fund Management team at Livingbridge EP LLP having joined as a graduate. Grace holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Durham and is an ACCA Chartered Accountant. In her free time, Grace enjoys travelling to new places, learning languages and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Ademidun (Demi) Edosomwan is a Partner at Lightrock. Demi is passionate about building sustainable ventures that will accelerate the transition to cleaner, affordable and reliable energy solutions in emerging markets. Prior to joining Lightrock, Demi was Head of New Ventures at Vivo Energy (a pan-African energy company) where she focused on electric mobility and renewable energy solutions. She was formerly Managing Director, Emerging Markets at TotalEnergies. Demi started her career with KPMG and has worked in multiple roles in Lagos, Kampala, Paris and London.  She holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD and law degrees from the University of London, Nigerian Law School and University of Lagos. Demi is a walking enthusiast and loves taking city breaks with her husband and two daughters.

Tom works in Investor Relations at Lightrock. From the onset of Tom’s career, he has been passionate about driving positive social and climate impact. Tom believes climate change represents the most challenging issue of our time and is committed to playing a role in overcoming that issue. Prior to Lightrock, Tom worked in the fundraising team of Goldman Sachs Asset Management with a focus on private equity. Tom holds a MSc in Climate Change, Management & Finance from Imperial College Business School, and a BSc in Economics from University College London (UCL). Outside of work, Tom spends his time on the tennis court, practising meditation and mindfulness or watching informative docuseries.

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Rory is an investor at Lightrock. Having experienced how hard it is to build a business focused on the energy transition, he is excited about making it as easy as possible for impactful technology businesses to reach their potential. Rory joined Lightrock after co-founding a software company focused on helping banks make residential solar and heat pump loans. Prior to that he was an investor in growth stage technology companies at KKR Growth in London and Spectrum Equity in Boston. He holds a BA in Psychology from Harvard University. In his free time Rory likes to go cycling or listen to podcasts on coffee walks in the park.

Andrea is an Investor at Lightrock. She is inspired by the evolution of human creativity and passionate about supporting innovation and access to technology to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Andrea spent most of her career in impact investing across investment stages, industries and geographies. She joined Lightrock from Morgan Stanley’s private equity impact investing team where she helped develop the firm’s 1GT climate growth equity strategy. Prior to that, Andrea started her career in investment banking at J.P. Morgan. She holds a BSc in International Economics & Finance from Bocconi University.

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Richard is an Investor at Lightrock. Having worked alongside daring entrepreneurs, he is passionate about partnering with founders that build mission-driven companies taking bold steps in solving societal and environmental problems. He believes that our generation will be defined by the actions we take to combat climate change and inequality. Prior to joining Lightrock, Richard worked in the Corporate Strategy & Development team at TIER Mobility raising more than $300m in funding and scaling the business to a unicorn valuation. He started his career in Technology Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley in London. Richard holds a Master’s in Management from London Business School and a Bachelor’s in International Business from the University of Vienna. He is passionate about modern and contemporary art, vintage wristwatches, and enjoys a good game of padel or golf.

Peter is the General Counsel of Lightrock. As a New Zealander, he is passionate about the natural environment and Lightrock’s focus on sustainability. He previously worked as a private equity consultant in New Zealand. Prior to that, Peter worked for an investment manager in Singapore and as General Counsel at Aureos Capital in England, having spent his earlier career in private practice. Peter studied Law at the University of Otago, New Zealand and is admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. In his spare time, he enjoys the mental relaxation of swimming, history, and architecture. Having hung up his competitive triathlete shoes years ago, Peter aspires to a Masters’ competitive event.

Renee is a Strategy Analyst at Lightrock. She believes that impact investment can encourage the entire investment industry to adopt more sustainable and impactful practices. With a background spanning the finance, consumer, and internet industries in Asia, she brings diverse experiences to her role at Lightrock. Renee spent most of her career as a corporate strategist, driving improvements across various functions and conducting research and analysis to inform decision making. She holds a Master’s in Finance and Private Equity from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Cambridge. In her free time, Renee finds joy in practicing yoga, riding the waves while surfing, and giving back to the community through volunteering.

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Gen is an Investor at Lightrock. He believes that technological innovation is paramount to solving our societal and environmental problems equitably, and is passionate about supporting the entrepreneurs and teams working towards this. Prior to joining Lightrock, Gen was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Entrepreneur First, a leading global tech incubator. He started his career in investment banking at Centerview Partners, covering a broad range of sectors (including Consumer, Industrials, TMT and Healthcare) before leaving to pursue a Master's in Computer Science at Imperial College London. He also holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from the University of Oxford. In his free time, Gen can be found cooking and trying new foods with his friends, and enjoys exploring culture and nature through travel and photography. 

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Andrew is the Group Financial Controller – Financial and Tax at Lightrock. He is excited to be part of a growing business that backs entrepreneurs developing market-based solutions to global challenges. Andrew joined Lightrock from J O Hambro Capital Management, with prior experience at CBRE Global Investors and Macquarie Group. He is an ICAEW qualified accountant. In his free time, Andrew enjoys all sports and spending time with his family.

Umur is a Partner at Lightrock. He believes that investing in purpose-driven businesses, partnering with outstanding entrepreneurs, and advancing disruptive technologies will solve global challenges and create long-term alpha. Umur has more than 20 years of direct private equity experience. Previously, he worked for Capital Group with a focus on direct private equity investments. Prior to that, Umur spent a decade with CCMP Capital (fka J.P. Morgan Partners) focusing on growth equity and buyout investments across Europe. He started his career in the M&A group of Salomon Brothers in New York and London. Umur holds a BA in Mathematics & Economics from Macalester College, MN, USA. He enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his friends and family.

Luuk is a Portfolio Manager at Lightrock. As a long-term and engaged shareholder he strives to have a meaningful impact on ensuring global health and well-being and tackling climate change. Before joining Lightrock, Luuk was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Van Lanschot Kempen, where he successfully grew and managed the listed global small-cap strategy. He holds a Master’s in Finance from VU Amsterdam and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. Luuk enjoys playing tennis and padel in his free time and is keen to try new restaurants in Amsterdam. He is an avid reader and has an ever-increasing vinyl collection.

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Chris is a Partner at Lightrock. Before joining Lightrock, Chris was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Van Lanschot Kempen, where he successfully grew and managed the listed global small-cap strategy. Before that, Chris gained experience in private equity and sell-side equity research. Chris believes that companies can only sustainably create value over the long term when taking good care of all stakeholders. Chris loves spending time with his friends and family, and enjoys being in nature. At times, he tries to play the drums.

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Martin is an Investor at Lightrock and gets thrilled about partnering with entrepreneurs tackling sustainability challenges through innovation and technology. Before joining Lightrock, he led corporate development and M&A efforts at Typeform, a fast-growing SaaS scale-up. Martin previously gained more than 5 years of investment experience as a private equity investor at Inflexion Private Equity and as a growth equity investor at HPE Growth. He holds a Master’s in Finance & Investments and Bachelor’s in International Business Administration from the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. Having studied and worked in 6 different countries, chances are you’ll find Martin on the road in his spare time, probably somewhere close to the sea or a stadium.

Kitty is the Head of HR at Lightrock. Kitty believes in Lightrock's mission and its contribution towards a positive social and environmental impact through sustainable investing, which provides her with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Kitty is also passionate about enabling employees to bring their unique self to work, seeing this as the core to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. Kitty joined Lightrock after scaling high-growth company Impax Asset Management. Kitty was their Head of HR for Europe and APAC and worked on shaping strategies, hiring, employee engagement and experience, organisational set-up, talent management and reward. As someone who holds a strong growth mindset, she believes in empowering individuals and creating environments that foster continuous learning and growth at both an individual and organisational level. She holds a BA in Psychology, and recently became an accredited practitioner in Insights Discovery. Beyond the office, Kitty is an avid Indian classical music enthusiast and enjoys reconnecting with nature on the weekends.

Sahin Keles is a Junior Desktop Support at Lightrock. With a keen interest in leveraging technology for impactful solutions, Sahin is motivated by Lightrock’s commitment to sustainable investment and its role in advancing technology within private equity. Prior to joining Lightrock, Sahin interned at Microsoft UK as well as online virtual short work experiences at KPMG and JP Morgan. This strengthened his abilities in IT service management, software implementation, and cloud infrastructure, as well as in project coordination across cross-functional teams. Sahin holds certifications in Microsoft Azure (AZ-900), AI(AI-900), and is working towards obtaining Google’s Cybersecurity certificate, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning. Additionally, he is fluent in English, Turkish, and Kurdish, further enhancing his ability to support Lightrock’s global team. In his spare time, Sahin enjoys exploring advancements in sustainable tech, engaging in fitness challenges, learning new languages and learning about innovative cloud solutions.

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Anthea Kelly is an Office Administrator at Lightrock. Anthea has a creative background and Bachelors of Art Degree in Fashion Design. Anthea is driven by the opportunity to work with creative solutions, sustainable capitalism and supporting impact investments that make a difference. Before joining Lightrock, Anthea was the Lifestyle Manager at The Shard, a senior member of the team providing services/experiences to the building’s occupiers and clients. Her corporate experience is complimented by stints in customer service, brand campaigns and office management. Outside of work, Anthea finds joy spending time with friends and family, a passion for fashion, exploring new experiences and destinations, along with occasional treats to some fine dining. 

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Lewis is the Portfolio Monitoring Manager at Lightrock. He is passionate about working with companies tackling global challenges and building a more sustainable future. Prior to Lightrock, Lewis worked at IHS Markit as a project manager, delivering data-driven portfolio management solutions to private equity clients across EMEA. Lewis holds an MSc in Accounting & Finance from London School of Economics and a BSc in Economics from the University of East Anglia. In his free time, he enjoys live music, keeping fit on the tennis court and spending time with friends and family.

Sarah is an Executive Assistant & Events Assistant at Lightrock. Sarah is motivated by working for a company that is committed to making a positive impact on the world. Prior to joining Lightrock, Sarah worked at McKinsey and Company as a Senior Executive Assistant. She holds a BBA, majoring in Event Management from Macquarie University in conjunction with the International College of Management in Sydney, Australia. Sarah loves travelling and immersing herself in new cultures, and enjoys exercising, attending spin and reformer pilates classes.

Estella is an Investor at Lightrock. She believes in the leading role of capital and innovation in creating a more sustainable and equitable way of living and is passionate about supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs. Before joining Lightrock, Estella was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, advising industrial and financial services clients on corporate strategy and portfolio management as well as supporting the growth of McKinsey's European Sustainability Practice. Prior to that, she worked for a boutique sustainable energy infrastructure investment manager in Switzerland. Estella holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Management from Bocconi University and the CEMS Master's in International Management from University of St. Gallen and Bocconi University. Estella is a passionate yogi and tango dancer and enjoys hiking and snowboarding in the Swiss Alps with friends and family.

Fil is a Strategy Manager at Lightrock. Fil is excited about the potential of entrepreneurship to generate social good, in Europe and across the globe. Fil joined Lightrock after leading the Ventures team at PUBLIC, a London-based GovTech venture builder and consultancy. Previously he founded a think tank in Greece and researched Sino-European trade and investment as a Fox Fellow in Berlin. He holds an MA from Tsinghua University, where he was a Schwarzman Scholar, and a B. from Yale University. In his free time, Fil studies Chinese, practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and subscribes to more email newsletters than he can keep up with.

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Alasdair is the Marketing & Communications Manager at Lightrock. He believes that technological advances, powered by responsible capital, will play a critical role in overcoming humanity's greatest challenges. Prior to joining Lightrock, Alasdair worked as a strategic communications consultant at a top City agency primarily advising leading private equity and venture capital firms on their communications strategies, reputation management, and engagement with media. Before this, he held roles at a City-based investor relations consultancy and a financial compliance start-up. Alasdair has a BA in Jurisprudence from St John's College, University of Oxford. He loves food, wine, whiskey and regular travel (both to his native Scotland and further afield), especially if enjoyed with family and friends. 

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India is an HR Assistant at Lightrock. India is motivated by working for a company that is striving for change, particularly surrounding mental health, education and hunger. Prior to working at Lightrock, India worked as a HR Administrator at the British Museum, and previously worked as an Associate Teacher at a primary school. India studied Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Bristol and has completed her CIPD. In her free time, India enjoys swimming, travelling and reading.

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Mehdi joined Lightrock in 2023. Since his first impact investing experience in 2010, he has been a firm believer in the role business and technology can play to solve humanity's most pressing problems (climate change in particular). Before joining Lightrock, Mehdi built the growth and sustainability functions at a mission-driven scale-up. Prior to this, he started his career at McKinsey & Company before joining the Private Equity team at CDC Group, another pioneer impact investor. He holds a Master’s in Management from Essec Business School. Mehdi is an outdoor lover and spends a lot of his free time running, hiking or cycling. He also enjoys reading, listening to music, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends and family.

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James is a Financial Accountant at Lightrock. He is a motivated to work in a growing team and for an organisation with responsible goals, as well as having a natural interest in many scientific and technological topics. Prior to Lightrock, James started his career in audit before moving to in-house finance at London Stock Exchange Group. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from Loughborough University, as well completing his ACA and being a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. When not buried in spreadsheets, James enjoys playing and watching sports, travelling and cooking.

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Ariadne is Counsel at Lightrock. She is keenly motivated by the role of impact and sustainability in financial investment. Prior to joining Lightrock, Ariadne worked in the private funds and regulatory team of Weil, Gotshal & Manges. She has also spent time working in-house, forming part of the legal teams at Oakley Capital, Leadenhall Capital Partners and Brookfield Asset Management. Ariadne studied Law at the University of Cambridge and is admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales. In her spare time, she can be found at the pottery studio, at the climbing centre, or cooking Greek feasts for friends and family.

Doug is Counsel at Lightrock. Working with early-stage companies throughout their life cycle that are setting out to improve the world, motivates him in his work. Prior to joining Lightrock, Doug worked in the M&A and Emerging Companies and Venture Capital teams of Baker McKenzie and Wilson Sonsini. Doug studied Law in Scotland at the University of Aberdeen and is admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales and as a New York Attorney. In his spare time, he can be found barbecuing or exploring the local countryside, beaches and pubs with his Labradors.

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Verena is the Chief People Officer at Lightrock. She spent more than 18 years at McKinsey & Company in various roles, including as a client serving professional focusing on financial institutions and the healthcare sector, in Professional Development and Learning, as the Head of Risk and Development for the EEMA region and most recently as McKinsey’s first Global Leader of Compliance. Verena also worked as an Attorney specialising in M&A and capital markets for nearly 5 years at Wolf Theiss and as Judicial Clerk in Court. Verena holds an LLM from the University of Chicago Law School, an MA and PhD from the University of Vienna Law School and has been admitted to the New York and Austrian Bar.

Nigel is a Partner at Lightrock. He believes that the creation of positive impact and commercial value are deeply intertwined and wants Lightrock to be the leading resource for founders who care passionately about both. Before joining Lightrock, Nigel co-founded a company that scaled consumer and healthcare services businesses. Prior to this, he focused on global growth equity investments at the IFC, having started his career working in investment banking at Moelis & Company in New York. Nigel holds a BA in Political Science from Harvard University. Outside of work, he can be found open water swimming, watching any type of sport, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.

Nina is responsible for Legal Structuring at Lightrock. Her passion for organic food, sustainable fashion, and being a mother triggered her desire to combine financial investments with purpose, preserve the world’s beauty, and improve lives. Prior to joining Lightrock, Nina has worked with law, buy, and sell side firms in London, Frankfurt, and New York with a focus on the development of investment products and financial transactions. Nina received a Doctor of Laws from the University of Konstanz in Germany and holds a Master's in European Business Law from Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Nina is inspired by contemporary arts and enjoys winter sports, tennis, yoga and laughing with her family and friends.

Alex is the Group Financial Controller, Fund Accounting at Lightrock. He joined Lightrock as he strongly believes that impact investing helps build a sustainable and fairer world in an efficient way. He is particularly interested in companies using big data techniques to address key macroeconomic issues. Alex has previously worked in finance roles, including at Helios Investment Partners, Foresight Group, and PwC. He holds an honours degree in Economics from SOAS, University of London, and is an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Outside of work, Alex enjoys sports such as football, cycling and rock climbing and studying global history.

Marc is the Head of Impact at Lightrock. He holds a deep conviction that finance should be a force for good and used as a powerful tool for improving the state of society and the environment. He has spent most of his career managing impact strategies in the financial industry, joining Lightrock from a related role as Impact and Operations Manager with LGT Venture Philanthropy. Before his time at LGT, he was a lecturer on Sustainability and Stakeholder Management at the University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich. Marc earned his Doctorate from the University of Southern Queensland and holds a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Zurich. In his free time, Marc can be found adventuring in the Swiss Alps on skis, in hiking boots, or with a fly-fishing rod in his hands.

Aletia is the Chief of Staff at Lightrock. As the world continually faces societal and environmental challenges, she is proud to be part of a strong team with a common vision in the journey to do good. Aletia joined Lightrock at 2018, after spending 6 years in the energy trading sector as a commercial shipping analyst. Prior to that, her experience focused on human resources & recruiting, spanning tech, corporate law, and wealth management, at Partners Capital LLP, Vitol, and Skadden Arps. Aletia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Wales. As a South African based in London for the past 17 years, she is a keen traveller and enjoys learning about new cultures, she is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for high-altitude trekking, long distance running, in addition to yoga, cooking, and an appreciation of fine wine. She is also a history buff!

Ashna is a Senior Fund Controller at Lightrock. She believe that purpose-driven capital is the key to unlocking a future where a better world is not just envisioned, but actively built through every investment. Prior to joining Lightrock, Ashna worked within the Private Equity Group at KPMG London for 6 years. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance from Warwick Business School. In her free time, she enjoys live music, travelling to new places and spending quality time with her friends and family in London and Mauritius. 

Sophie is an Investor at Lightrock. She believes that finance and technology are powerful tools for effectively tackling global challenges, from climate change to financial inclusion, and is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs that provide cutting-edge solutions to those issues. Sophie joined Lightrock from J.P. Morgan FIG M&A, where she focused on alternative asset management and on expanding ESG coverage. She also gained experience at Goldman Sachs TMTM&A, a Berlin WealthTech called Elinvar, and a Microfinance Institution in Costa Rica. She holds an MPhil in Development Economics from University of Cambridge, and a BA in Economics & Political Sciences from University College London. In her free time, Sophie enjoys road cycling among other sports, travelling to new places, wandering around art galleries, and spending time with family and friends. 

Janier O’Garro is an Executive Assistant at Lightrock. Lightrock’s strong sustainability track record and fast-paced entrepreneurial atmosphere are a strong match for Janier’s previous career roles within the fashion and tech industries. Prior to joining Lightrock, Janier was an Executive Assistant at a health tech company, gaining experience in their New York and London offices. Janier holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice from The University of Hartford. She religiously attends classes in reformer Pilates, enjoys Soca music and regularly challenges herself to learn new recipes in the kitchen.

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Mark is the Chief Compliance Officer of Lightrock. He has always been passionate about ensuring future generations have a prosperous future, and believes that profit and purpose go hand in hand. Mark is a skilled compliance officer and MLRO with vast global experience. Prior to joining Lightrock, Mark was the Senior Compliance Manager at LeapFrog Investments, an emerging markets impact investor. Mark has also worked as Vice President at Goldman Sachs International, Compliance Officer at Investec plc and started his compliance career as a financial crime investigator at the Financial Conduct Authority. Mark holds an LLB and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and qualified as an Attorney in South Africa. In his free time, he enjoys good food, live music, playing sports, and spending time with his wife and 3 kids.

Ashish (Ash) is a Partner at Lightrock. His experiences in founding and building businesses inspire him to work side-by-side with mission-driven entrepreneurs. He joined Lightrock after founding and scaling an ecommerce business and investing in primary and secondary opportunities across Venture and Growth funds at Partech Ventures, TempoCap and Episode1. Some of Ashish’s previous investments include Depop (acquired by Etsy), Onfido, Talentsoft (acquired by Cegid), Attest, Digital Surgery (acquired by Medtronic). Ashish started his career as a consultant. He holds a double Master's in Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA and a Diplôme d'Ingénieur from CentraleSupélec, France. In his free time, Ash can be found exploring new cultures through his travels, tending to his bonsai collection, and spending time with family.

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Waseem is the Head of Information Technology at Lightrock. He believes that thoughtfully harnessed technology can drive positive, sustainable change in all areas. Having lived in London and New York City, Waseem’s previous experiences include scaling new technologies at Ticketmaster and spinning out private equity firm CCMP Capital Advisor’s technology from JP Morgan Chase. He has also worked as an independent consultant delivering cyber security, cloud, and SaaS systems to companies within the financial sector. Along with his passion for technology, Waseem loves cooking, discovering new places, and any chance to have a good laugh.

Emre is an Impact & ESG Analyst at Lightrock. He is passionate about creating positive social and environmental change by using finance as a force for good and supporting innovative and impactful businesses. Before joining Lightrock, Emre was a depositary services trainee at LGT and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at the University of St. Gallen. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, exploring the outdoors, playing chess, and spending quality time with his loved ones.

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As the Managing Partner and CEO of Lightrock, Pål Erik enjoys the bandwidth of his role from working with deal teams, entrepreneurs and portfolio companies as well as chairing Lightrock Investment Committees, to liaising with investors and the broader PE/VC-ecosystem as well as building out the Lightrock platform. A believer in sustainable capitalism, he finds the intersection of growth, tech, and impact exciting and is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in scaling impact. Prior to joining Lightrock, Pål Erik was the Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company in Europe, a Senior Partner at the firm, and a member of McKinsey’s Shareholders’ Council. He advised companies across the TMT, PE, and Automotive sectors. Before McKinsey, he served as an officer in the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Pål Erik holds a Master’s in Industrial Economics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He enjoys all types of sports, reading about history, and spending time with friends and family.

Katharina is the Head of Investor Relations at Lightrock. She is fascinated by the leverage capital, markets, innovation, and entrepreneurs can have in solving global challenges. She has also held positions at LGT Group in sustainable and impact investing. Before joining LGT, she was a project leader at Bain & Company, focused on financial services, private equity, and social impact. In 2009, Katharina received a PhD for her dissertation on entrepreneurship. She holds a Master’s in International Business Administration from the University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt. Katharina loves spending time with her family in the mountains or on the water, alternates between high-intensity training and a yoga mat, and never has enough time to read.

Tessa is an Operations & Account Manager at Lightrock. She is passionate about driving positive change in the world for a better future. Before joining Lightrock, Tessa worked for over 6 years at Van Lanschot Kempen in different roles, including a client servicing role focusing on large institutional clients. Tessa holds a Master's in Finance & Investments from the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Tessa loves spending time with her family and friends. Her other passion is exploring the world through travel and cuisine. 

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Chris is a Partner at Lightrock. He is a former-entrepreneur turned investor having founded, scaled, and exited a hospitality-focused technology company. Prior to joining Lightrock, he was at the leading venture capital firm Northzone, where he invested in technology-enabled scale-ups, including European unicorns Personio, Forto, Einride, Tier Mobility, and Flink. Through this work, he witnessed first-hand the power of founding teams that place sustainability at the heart of their enterprise. His support for such founders continues at Lightrock, where he led the investments in Distribusion, Alasco, and Katana. His focus areas are climatetech, SaaS, the future of work, propertytech, mobility and logistics, as well as foodtech. He holds an MBA from London Business School and Diplom-Kaufmann from the EBS, Wiesbaden, Germany. In his free time, he loves cycling, kitesurfing, and spending time with his family.

Oliver is an Investor as Lightrock. He has spent the majority of his career at BP, both in the London energy trading business and in BP's electrification, mobility and low carbon unit where he worked, and led, initiatives contributing to BP’s energy transition strategy and investments. Oliver holds a degree in Industrial Economics from the University of Nottingham and is an ICAS qualified Chartered Accountant. In his free time, Oli enjoys spending time with family and friends, you might also find him learning to kitesurf or refreshing his Spanish.

Caroline is on the Impact & ESG team at Lightrock. She is passionate about supporting impact-driven entrepreneurs and believes in the importance of capital as acritical force to drive innovation and sustainable development. Caroline joined Lightrock from iGravity, an impact investment boutique in Zurich. Prior to that she was a research associate at the Centre for Sustainable Finance & Private Wealth of the University of Zurich. She also worked for a global accelerator supporting sustainable start-ups in the water space. Caroline holds a Master's in International Relations and Economics from the University of St. Gallen. She is an avid podcast listener, enjoys good food and exploring new places and cultures.

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Florian is a Partner and the COO of Lightrock. He believes in the purpose of investments that address global inequalities and conserve the planet’s resources and is passionate about working with entrepreneurs. Prior to joining Lightrock, Florian was with Bamboo Capital Partners, an emerging markets private equity impact investor, where he led the establishment of the firm’s global investment platform from Geneva. He previously worked for a venture capital group in the technology space in Europe and built the Indian operations for a German supply chain specialist. Florian holds a Master's in Public Policy from the London School of Economics, where he also earned his undergraduate degree. He enjoys all kinds of outdoor sports, modern art, and spending time with his family and friends.

Michiel is a Principal at Lightrock. Before joining Lightrock, Michiel was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Van Lanschot Kempen, where he managed the listed European and Dutch small-cap strategies for 15 years. Michiel holds a Master’s in Financial Economics from the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Through long-term active ownership Michiel believes that he can have a meaningful impact on strategy, sustainability and governance with public companies. In his spare time Michiel spends his time with his family and can also be found outside running, cycling or playing padel.

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Jamison is a Compliance Associate at Lightrock. He is motivated to be part of a team that drives positive change by working with companies that seek to make sustainable improvements to society. Prior to joining Lightrock, Jamison started his career working in compliance for Eton Park Capital and Citadel. He then moved to consultancy where he provided regulatory advisory services to investment managers and other financial institutions. He holds an LLB from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Political Science & History from the University of Alberta. In his free time, Jamison enjoys playing and watching sports, travelling, reading about history, and spending time with family and friends. 

Maarten is a Partner at Lightrock. Before joining Lightrock, Maarten was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Van Lanschot Kempen, where he successfully grew and managed the listed global small-cap strategy. Maarten spent his career mostly as a buy-side portfolio manager, specialising in technology and consumer stocks. Maarten’s motivation to work at Lightrock is his fundamental belief the world requires a different mindset to tackle major issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Maarten loves spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys playing tennis, coaching his son’s football team and as a real Dutchman, cycling to the office. 

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Cornelius is a Strategic Partner at Lightrock. He is also an impact investor, investing in and serving on the boards of startups and later-stage companies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and sustainable business models. Prior to serving as an impact investor, he was a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he advised financial institutions, energy companies, public sector organisations, and other clients on growth strategies and large-scale transformations. Cornelius holds a PhD in Retail Banking from EBS University and an MBA from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. He enjoys travelling, cooking, swimming and above all spending time with his wife and his 11- and 13-year-old children.

Olivia is an Executive Assistant at Lightrock. She enjoys working in a fast-growing company with an entrepreneurial spirit and being part of a close-knit team. Olivia has worked in a variety of EA roles at other financial companies such as Budweiser Brewing Group and Helios Investment Partners. She holds a BSc degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath. In her free time, Olivia enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with friends and family, including her 2 cats!

Andrei is a Vice President at Lightrock. She is excited about mission-driven founders transforming our world and has dedicated her career to helping these founders scale. Prior to Lightrock, Andrei made over $500m of growth equity investments as a founding team member at Blume Equity and at BII. Andrei also managed acquisitions for tech unicorn Hopin and started her career at BCG. She holds a double Bachelor of Law (Hons) and Commerce from the University of Melbourne. Andrei loves all outdoor sports, traveling the world, literature, good food (but not cooking!) and time with family and friends.  

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Rachael is an Investor at Lightrock. She is inspired by the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, and believes in the power of patient capital to help solve the most pressing societal and environmental challenges. Prior to Lightrock, Rachael worked in management consulting at PwC Australia, leading strategic and operational projects across Energy and Utilities, Consumer Markets, and Financial Services. She holds an MSc in Climate Change, Management & Finance from Imperial College London, and a BCom from Monash University in Melbourne.  A lover of music and the outdoors, Rachael holds an Associate in Music Diploma in classical cello and can be found attempting to compose during the winter, or hut-to-hut hiking during the summer.

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Jorrit de Haan is an Investor at Lightrock. With a particular interest in verticals where technology and societal impact converge, he derives his motivation and drive from collaborating with entrepreneurs on their growth stories. Prior to joining Lightrock, Jorrit spent three years in Investment Banking at Nomura, covering vertical software and fintech sector themes. At the start of his career, he learned the ropes of investing during two private equity placements at Parcom Capital and Triton Partners. Jorrit holds a Master’s in Finance from Imperial College Business School in London and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics from the University of Groningen. He never misses his weekly runs and is always eager to chase a ball during a racquet game; as an avid traveller, he enjoys trekking adventures and recently completed the Mt. Everest Base Camp trek.

Lotte van Meerten is the Compliance Officer & Risk Manager for Lightrock Netherlands. Her ambition in her career is to make sustainable impact in the long-term taking different stakeholders in- and outside of Lightrock into account. Previously, Lotte worked as a Risk & Compliance consultant at Protiviti and as a Compliance officer for Van Lanschot Kempen, focusing on sustainable finance regulations and conduct. Lotte has a Master of Science in Criminology and is an Executive Master of Compliance (EMOC). Both titles were obtained at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing (and watching) sports, gardening and above all spending time with family, friends and her husband and cat.

Christian is a Strategy & Impact Analyst at Lightrock. He strongly believes that impact will increasingly coexist with traditional risk and return metrics, thus yielding unprecedented growth opportunities for investing in sustainable business models. Prior to joining Lightrock, Christian worked at South Pole and The Landbanking Group, and interned at Trill Impact and Flossbach von Storch. Christian holds a Master’s degree in Environmental and Sustainability Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. He enjoys travelling, cooking, skiing, playing padel, and, above all, spending time with his loved ones.