On Monday, Cikü Mugambi was appointed as the new Investment Director of DOB Equity. This transfer represents a strategic addition to the team, capitalising on Mugambi’s extensive experience in investment and operations throughout Africa.
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Cikü Mugambi’s background and expertise
Cikü Mugambi has a proven track record of deploying capital into high-impact enterprises and has 15 years of investment and operational experience in Africa.
Before joining the International Finance Corporation (IFC), she began her career in KPMG’s audit and transaction advisory teams. There, she oversaw equity investments in technology startups and venture capital funds throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.
Her most recent position was CEO of Kobo360, a prominent digital logistics platform, where she promoted significant commercial growth, operational excellence, and sustainability.
A sequence of leadership changes and financial issues at Kobo360 led to her resignation. Kobo360, known as the “Uber of trucks,” garnered $79 million from investors, including Goldman Sachs affiliate Juven, the IFC, and TLcom Capital. Her decision to resign after one year as CEO was due to operational and financial issues at the firm.
Mugambi holds an MBA from Strathmore Business School and IESE Business School, a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi, and is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K). Her investment strategy, portfolio management, and operational leadership expertise will enhance DOB Equity’s mission to support businesses that drive economic growth and lasting development impact.
Cikü Mugambi’s role at DOB Equity
At DOB Equity, Mugambi will focus on identifying and backing local founders building scalable solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. DOB Equity is a Netherlands-based private equity fund focusing on East Africa, investing in innovative, scalable, and impactful companies that contribute to a more social and sustainable society. All investment proceeds are reinvested as an evergreen fund, making DOB Equity a long-term growth partner for its portfolio companies.
Mugambi’s appointment also marks her relocation from Lagos to Nairobi, reinforcing DOB Equity’s commitment to the East African investment ecosystem. Her role will involve working closely with entrepreneurs to mitigate environmental, social, and governance risks while creating value and social impact for companies and their communities.
DOB Equity expressed its enthusiasm for Mugambi’s appointment on LinkedIn, saying, “DOB Equity is delighted to welcome Cikü Mugambi as our new Investment Director.
DOB Equity’s approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising long-term profitability and social responsibility. With Mugambi on board, the firm is poised to strengthen its impact in East Africa by supporting businesses that address the region’s most pressing challenges.