How I Invest with David Weisburd E119: How the Visa Foundation Invests w/Najada Kumbuli
Dec 10, 2024
Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at Visa Foundation, shares her expertise in impact investing and fundraising. She discusses the challenges faced by first-time fund managers and the essential role of storytelling in engaging investors. Najada sheds light on navigating new markets, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the evolving dynamics of venture fundraising. Her insights reveal how strategic communication and understanding investor motivations can lead to successful fundraising in today's complex environment.
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Visa Foundation's Investment Strategy
- Visa Foundation's investment strategy focuses on aligning the endowment with its mission of supporting women entrepreneurs.
- This involves investing in diverse fund managers and considering regional nuances for impact.
Entering New Markets
- To understand new markets, listen and take a bottom-up and top-down approach.
- Leverage local colleagues and co-investors, and visit companies on the ground.
Navigating Challenging Fundraising Markets
- Emerging managers should be adaptable and have a clear fundraising strategy.
- Consider smaller fund sizes initially and prioritize building a track record with smaller investors.