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Recapping our National Gathering Weekend Extravaganza
By Erin O'Connor | Sun Oct 29 2017
In case you missed it, this past weekend, we held RENEW’s third Impact Angel Network National Gathering in Washington, DC. What a weekend!
On Friday, Hussein Hirji and the team at the Canadian Embassy hosted RENEW’s Impact Angel Network for an amazing event. What an evening it was! Sunset views of the Capitol. Amazing smoked arctic char paired with a crisp Riesling. RENEW’s own Tom Scriven facilitated a conversation with Bertrand Badré, former CFO of the World Bank, stretching our minds through discussion about the macro environment in the global investment space. Laura Davis and Marcus Samuelsson discussed poverty, adoption, entrepreneurship, and the desire for a new brand for Africa (and of course, his culinary talents). Girma Baker, employee of MFTC, bringing the impact our investments are having on Ethiopians closer to home. And finally, CEO Matt Davis casting a vision for Africa in 20 years. If that didn’t get you excited, we do not know what will.
On Saturday morning, Solomon Kebede hosted us at the Ethiopian Embassy for the IAN portfolio meeting. We had an engaging discussion about Ethiopia, each company in the IAN portfolio, and answered a number of questions about the challenges, lessons learned and opportunities of managing companies in emerging markets.
On Saturday evening, Dr. Andrew Umhau hosted us at his residence for the IAN pipeline dinner during which we had a lively discussion about the deals in our pipeline, which we will continue to work through over the coming months.
The encouragement throughout the weekend was for our members and guests to double down and be change agents related to investing in Africa’s private sector. There are many ways to get involved, here are just a few:
- Join RENEW’s Impact Angel Network.Registration is easy, free and has no strings attached. You will immediately be plugged into a global network of like-minded change agents working on deals, helping companies access global markets and prepping for trips to Africa to experience the portfolio and pipeline first hand. Our members call happens during the middle of each month, with the next one slated for November 15. Still have questions? Don’t be shy! Let me know and I am happy to jump on a call with you individually.
- Follow and share.Here’s some easy ways to follow us and share about our National Gathering experience: Facebook: Renew Capital, Twitter: @Renew_Capital, LinkedIn: Renew Capital, Instagram: @renewcapital
- Host an event with other change agents.The RENEW team will be making trips around the U.S. to meet with change agents in cities near you to spread the word. If you are interested in organizing or being involved in an event, let us know. We’ll help you organize a great event.
- Come on an Econ-Tourism Trip.Our next trip will be February 18 – 24, 2018. You will not regret meeting with entrepreneurs first-hand and experiencing the unique culture and amazing cuisine. If you want to attend the trip let us know ASAP. Slots are limited and are filling fast.
- Mark your calendar.Our next National Gathering (look for a new name, as we are increasingly a global group) is already being planned for Spring 2019. Please make a note and plan to attend.
- All of the above…do it all!Your experience with us can be as hands-on as you would like it to be!
A special thank you to Hussein Hirji, The Canadian Embassy, Marcus Samuelsson, Bertrand Badre, the IAN advisory board chairs, Dr. Andrew Umhau, Veris Wealth Partners and Limalimo Lodge for helping us deliver an unforgettable event. We also thank the members of the IAN and their families for coming to D.C. for a memorable fall weekend.
Renew Capital is an Africa-focused impact investment firm that backs innovative companies with high-growth potential. Renew Capital manages investments made on behalf of the Renew Capital Angels, a global network of angel investors, foundations and family offices who seek financial returns and sustainable social impact. For the latest on investing in Africa, subscribe and follow us at our social links below.
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