Website Gaia Impact
About Gaia Impact
Gaia Impact is an investment and advisory firm focused on financing startups and SMEs in the distributed renewable energy sector across Africa. With headquarters in Paris and offices in Nairobi and Abidjan, Gaia Impact has spearheaded investments in 17 companies within the renewable energy value chain since its inception in 2017. This involves both rural and urban areas, aiming to balance long-term impact with financial returns. The firm manages the Gaia Energy Impact Fund II (GEIF II), an impact VC fund with a goal to raise €60M by August 2026. Funds are earmarked for equity and quasi-equity investments in startups that provide affordable, clean, and reliable power to communities and businesses, primarily throughout Africa. Gaia Impact operates as the exclusive advisor for Capital Croissance, driving the investment activities of GEIF II.
About this Role
The Principal position at Gaia Impact represents a strategic role as the firm expands its activities in Africa. The Principal will lead the investment processes, overseeing existing portfolio companies and ensuring effective deal execution. Reporting directly to the Partners, the role is crucial for sourcing, executing, and managing the fund’s investments in the African market. The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, or Abidjan, with frequent travel required across Africa to perform due diligence, support portfolio companies, and represent the firm at a variety of events.
Responsibilities
- Identify and engage with high-potential startups and SMEs in the energy transition across African markets.
- Build and maintain a strong deal pipeline and relationships with accelerators, incubators, DFIs, and co-investors.
- Lead due diligence workstreams, including leadership assessment, and business model analysis.
- Conduct impact and ESG due diligence aligned with Gaia Impact’s mission.
- Lead structuring, negotiation, and execution of equity investments.
- Prepare and present investment cases and support materials to the Investment Committee.
- Monitor financial, operational, and ESG performance of portfolio companies.
- Provide strategic and operational support to founders and management teams.
- Represent Gaia Impact on the boards of portfolio companies.
- Build relationships with ecosystem stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
- Represent Gaia Impact at conferences and industry forums.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
- 5 to 7 years of experience in Venture Capital, Private Equity, or Private Debt, with African market exposure.
- Strong financial modeling, valuation, and investment analysis skills.
- Understanding of equity-related deal structures.
- Experience in negotiating investment agreements.
- Monitoring lead experience.
- Track record in working with startups or SMEs in energy, agriculture, or climate tech.
- Exposure to ESG principles and impact measurement frameworks.
Benefits
- Be at the forefront of energy and climate investing in Africa.
- Join a committed and passionate team with a hands-on approach.
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