Leading with imagination
Meet the team
Team
At Sanari, our investment team is driven by a collective entrepreneurial zeal and a shared purpose, notwithstanding our diverse backgrounds. Set on a foundation that is technical, analytical, rigorous, and disciplined, we seek inventive investment solutions and consider the art of the possible.
Samantha Pokroy
Founder and CEO
Founder and CEO
Samantha Pokroy
2013
Sam founded Sanari Capital
22
years investment experience
Samantha is the founder and CEO of Sanari Capital. She has more than 20 years of private equity experience in the South African and United States markets. With experience in the fields of finance, technology and psychology, Samantha works with portfolio companies to unlock business potential through digital and human enablement.
Prior to founding Sanari in November 2013, she played a leading role in investments at Ethos Private Equity, which she joined in 2006. Before that she spent two years at a Chicago-based private equity firm (KRK, now Winona Capital), and worked in investment banking (JPMorgan, Financial Sponsors Group) and consulting (Stern Stewart) in New York.
Sam has capabilities across the private equity value chain with extensive board and strategic experience across numerous portfolio companies. She served on the board of SAVCA (South African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association) from 2015 to 2022.
Sam holds an MBA (Cum Laude) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a BCom degree and a BA Honours degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is also a CFA Charterholder.
Prior to founding Sanari in November 2013, she played a leading role in investments at Ethos Private Equity, which she joined in 2006. Before that she spent two years at a Chicago-based private equity firm (KRK, now Winona Capital), and worked in investment banking (JPMorgan, Financial Sponsors Group) and consulting (Stern Stewart) in New York.
Sam has capabilities across the private equity value chain with extensive board and strategic experience across numerous portfolio companies. She served on the board of SAVCA (South African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association) from 2015 to 2022.
Sam holds an MBA (Cum Laude) from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a BCom degree and a BA Honours degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is also a CFA Charterholder.
My passion for what I do comes from growing up in an entrepreneurial family and realising the tremendous opportunity I had the learn about and develop a love for business around the dinner table. Through my work I hope to be instrumental in affording others with access to opportunity and success. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing potential being realised.
Moushmi Patel
Investment Partner
Investment Partner
Moushmi Patel
2016
joined the team
14
years investment experience
Involved since Sanari’s first investment, Moushmi is custodian of the full private equity value chain, driving evaluation, execution, portfolio management and exit in equal measure. She has 9 years’ direct private equity experience and 18 years in financial services.
Before joining Sanari, she worked in the Investment Banking division at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where she was involved in several high profile leverage finance transactions primarily in the Tech, Media and Telecoms (TMT) space. Moushmi brings extensive private equity, debt and structuring experience along with an understanding of the inner workings of businesses forged from her early experience at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, both locally and internationally.
Moushmi has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Moushmi has an MBA from Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria and is an alumnus of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.
Past and present portfolio directorships include Edulife, Fernridge, JAYCOR, and LightWare.
Before joining Sanari, she worked in the Investment Banking division at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where she was involved in several high profile leverage finance transactions primarily in the Tech, Media and Telecoms (TMT) space. Moushmi brings extensive private equity, debt and structuring experience along with an understanding of the inner workings of businesses forged from her early experience at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, both locally and internationally.
Moushmi has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Moushmi has an MBA from Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria and is an alumnus of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.
Past and present portfolio directorships include Edulife, Fernridge, JAYCOR, and LightWare.
It took a lot of courage to step outside of my comfort zone and become an entrepreneur. I partnered with Sam in building out Sanari Capital because I wanted to make a positive impact on South Africa and her people; to be part of building the next generation of businesses in Africa that drive a strong profit-with-purpose agenda.
In investments, I like to ask the right questions, drilling into the detail, establishing and building in the right controls and processes to ensure that the business has a solid foundation from which it can scale. I look for dedicated passionate management teams who understand their businesses and have a good grasp of their industry, and as always, is backed up by the numbers!
Sihle Gumede
Investment Partner
Investment Partner
Sihle Gumede
2020
joined the team
17
years investment experience
Sihle joined Sanari as one of the team’s senior investment executives in 2020. She has over 10 years of private equity experience, another 7 years in corporate finance and an aggregate 21 years in financial services. Prior to joining Sanari, Sihle ran her own business advising companies on financial strategies and fundraising readiness, gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience and exposure to companies seeking to scale.
Sihle began her private equity career at Convergence Partners where she gained extensive technology and telecom experience in transactions across a number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, Kenya and others. Prior to this, Sihle worked in the Corporate Finance division at Investec Bank where she was involved in several Mergers & Acquisition transactions, capital raisings and BEE transactions across difference sectors.
Sihle started her career as a trainee accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, gaining both local and US experience across sectors.
Sihle is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She led Sanari’s investments in iiDENTIFii and Energenic and serves on their boards.
Sihle began her private equity career at Convergence Partners where she gained extensive technology and telecom experience in transactions across a number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, Kenya and others. Prior to this, Sihle worked in the Corporate Finance division at Investec Bank where she was involved in several Mergers & Acquisition transactions, capital raisings and BEE transactions across difference sectors.
Sihle started her career as a trainee accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, gaining both local and US experience across sectors.
Sihle is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She led Sanari’s investments in iiDENTIFii and Energenic and serves on their boards.
I always seek to make a positive difference for a more equitable world where every person has a chance at success regardless of their starting point. In assessing investments, I look for the perfect balance between a sound business case and purpose, guided by diverse and driven management teams. I draw on my experiences in the professional environment over many years in different geographies and from my personal experiences having travelled widely, to recognise current and future value in businesses.
Ofentse Pelle
Investment Partner
Investment Partner
Ofentse Pelle
2020
joined the team
13
years investment experience
Ofentse joined Sanari as one of the team’s senior investment executives in 2020, bringing a combination of entrepreneurial and corporate experience. He has more than 13 years experience in investment banking, private equity and venture capital in South Africa.
Before joining Sanari, Ofentse managed a boutique private equity firm, Frontier Impact Fund. Prior to that, Ofentse spent the majority of his career at Investec as a financial engineering consultant on the Equity Structuring team. During this time, he was responsible for sourcing, structuring and executing derivative-based transactions over South African listed equities for hedging and monetisation purposes, as well as B-BBEE and stock accumulation transactions. After completing his MBA, Ofentse moved to San Francisco to join a synthetic biology start up, and later worked on his own entrepreneurial ventures, both in the US and South Africa. Ofentse started his professional career as a financial accountant at Eskom.
Ofentse holds an MBA from INSEAD where his areas of interest were strategy, business model innovation and entrepreneurship. He obtained his BCom Finance from the University of Johannesburg and is a CFA Charterholder.
Before joining Sanari, Ofentse managed a boutique private equity firm, Frontier Impact Fund. Prior to that, Ofentse spent the majority of his career at Investec as a financial engineering consultant on the Equity Structuring team. During this time, he was responsible for sourcing, structuring and executing derivative-based transactions over South African listed equities for hedging and monetisation purposes, as well as B-BBEE and stock accumulation transactions. After completing his MBA, Ofentse moved to San Francisco to join a synthetic biology start up, and later worked on his own entrepreneurial ventures, both in the US and South Africa. Ofentse started his professional career as a financial accountant at Eskom.
Ofentse holds an MBA from INSEAD where his areas of interest were strategy, business model innovation and entrepreneurship. He obtained his BCom Finance from the University of Johannesburg and is a CFA Charterholder.
My passion for what I do comes from my desire to fulfil my innate entrepreneurial ambitions while leveraging my formal education and professional experience. At Sanari I get to do just that and extend this further to my work with our portfolio companies. I look for business models that are adaptable to an ever-changing world and businesses that solve today’s problems while embracing tomorrow’s technologies. I’ve also explored tech ecosystems across the world, and I try to bring those learnings back into a South African context.
Samantha Watermeyer (SamW)
Operations & Compliance Partner
Operations & Compliance Partner
Samantha Watermeyer (SamW)
2017
joined the team
12
years compliance and operations experience
Sam (“SamW”) heads up Operations, Legal and Compliance for Sanari and is responsible for the full operational value chain. She also oversees fund administration and finance and manages the back-office team. SamW has been involved in the establishment of various investment vehicles and fund structures and manages governance across multiple funds and investments.
She is an admitted attorney who has specialised in financial services compliance for the last 12 years.
Prior to joining Sanari in 2017, SamW headed up the compliance department at RCS, focusing on National Credit and FAIS Act compliance and the associated legislative, regulatory and best practice business requirements.
SamW completed her Bachelor of Social Sciences in Law and Politics and then her LLB at the University of Cape Town. She also holds a higher certificate in Compliance and Risk Management.
She is an admitted attorney who has specialised in financial services compliance for the last 12 years.
Prior to joining Sanari in 2017, SamW headed up the compliance department at RCS, focusing on National Credit and FAIS Act compliance and the associated legislative, regulatory and best practice business requirements.
SamW completed her Bachelor of Social Sciences in Law and Politics and then her LLB at the University of Cape Town. She also holds a higher certificate in Compliance and Risk Management.
I was looking for a new challenge and clicked with the team, their passion and work ethic. I was also fuelled by the opportunity to cut my teeth in an industry where my experience with principles of good governance and compliance could make an outsized impact.
I have grown to recognise the fundamental value that governance and compliance play in the ultimate success of any business, regardless of size or industry. I focus on positioning the importance of contractual, regulatory, and legislative obligations, as well as industry standards and best practice, in a way that does not compromise the goal, purpose and performance of the business itself.
I’m also a fanatic for processes to drive business deliverables, efficiency and productivity!
My passion for what I do comes from my hunger for being my very best self, achieving the best out of every situation, and getting the best out of people!
Zoaib Hoosen
Executive in Residence
Executive in Residence
Zoaib Hoosen
2022
joined the team
>35
years tech and general management experience
Zoaib is the former CEO of Microsoft South Africa and has over 35 years of experience in the ICT sector, initially with IBM. Zoaib has been associated with Sanari since 2020, initially in a non-executive and advisory capacity and formally joined the team early in 2022.
He holds the important role of Executive-in-Residence and Value Add Executive, working with management in our portfolio companies to unlock value through strategy and general management, sales and business development, leadership and management development, as well as leveraging his sectoral know-how and network,
Zoaib spent 22 years at IBM (where he led the Outsourcing, Software, Hardware and Public sector businesses) and 9 years at Microsoft South Africa. Prior to being appointed as the Microsoft SA Managing Director in 2014, he was the leader for the Enterprise and Partner Organisation as well as Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft SA.
Zoaib has a MBA from the Open University in the UK and a BSC degree (Mathematics and Computer Science) from the University of Durban-Westville. He is an IODSA Certified Director and is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the South African Reserve Bank (Chair of the Board Risk and Ethics Committee). Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Pretoria’s GIBS Business School.
He holds the important role of Executive-in-Residence and Value Add Executive, working with management in our portfolio companies to unlock value through strategy and general management, sales and business development, leadership and management development, as well as leveraging his sectoral know-how and network,
Zoaib spent 22 years at IBM (where he led the Outsourcing, Software, Hardware and Public sector businesses) and 9 years at Microsoft South Africa. Prior to being appointed as the Microsoft SA Managing Director in 2014, he was the leader for the Enterprise and Partner Organisation as well as Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft SA.
Zoaib has a MBA from the Open University in the UK and a BSC degree (Mathematics and Computer Science) from the University of Durban-Westville. He is an IODSA Certified Director and is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the South African Reserve Bank (Chair of the Board Risk and Ethics Committee). Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board of the University of Pretoria’s GIBS Business School.
In my role at Sanari, I focus on building trusted relationships with the leaders and executives of the businesses I engage. Effective outcomes require collaboration, trust, and inclusion. I have had the opportunity to acquire the kind of insights, learnings (successes and failures) and networks that can support value creating growth. Whilst elusive at times, it is certainly attainable when the right mindset, strategies and capabilities prevail.
I joined Sanari Capital, a majority women-run and led private equity firm in South Africa, because it feeds my passion to contribute to fostering a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive economy. This type of work requires curiosity, generosity, hard work and a healthy dose of humility (for those times when life is kind and unkind!). I am excited to be part of building a platform that enables the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders!
Lehlogonolo (Hloni) Thankge
Investment Analyst
Investment Analyst
Lehlogonolo (Hloni) Thankge
2024
joined the team
Hloni joined Sanari Capital in 2024 as an Investment Analyst with experience in both management consulting and investment banking.
Prior to joining, Hloni worked in investment banking at Standard Bank, initially as an Investment Banking Graduate. In this role Hloni gained experience in the Capital Markets, Equity Financing and Corporate Finance teams, allowing for a firm understanding of the banking sector. Subsequent to this, Hloni specialised in Corporate Financing Solutions, with a large emphasis on ESG linked funding. During his time with Standard Bank, Hloni completed transactions with clients across different sectors and countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, the United Kingdom and others.
Hloni started his career at a Non-Profit Organisation called Phaphama SEDI, which advises entrepreneurs in the Cape Town area to improve social awareness and drive a more economically inclusive South Africa.
Hloni holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town.
Prior to joining, Hloni worked in investment banking at Standard Bank, initially as an Investment Banking Graduate. In this role Hloni gained experience in the Capital Markets, Equity Financing and Corporate Finance teams, allowing for a firm understanding of the banking sector. Subsequent to this, Hloni specialised in Corporate Financing Solutions, with a large emphasis on ESG linked funding. During his time with Standard Bank, Hloni completed transactions with clients across different sectors and countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, the United Kingdom and others.
Hloni started his career at a Non-Profit Organisation called Phaphama SEDI, which advises entrepreneurs in the Cape Town area to improve social awareness and drive a more economically inclusive South Africa.
Hloni holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree from the University of Cape Town.
A key determinant in my career path has always been to look at how I can assist in growing Africa into the global giant I know it should be. From building up small enterprises in the townships of Cape Town to funding the investments of multi-national corporations into South Africa, this has always been my north star.
Coming to Sanari offers me that next stage of responsibility in ensuring my dream becomes a reality. Here I form part of a team that builds up various sectors by unlocking the value proposition in the companies we invest in and partner with.
Trevashan Pillay
Investment Analyst
Investment Analyst
Trevashan Pillay
2023
joined the team
Trevashan joined Sanari in 2023 as an Investment Analyst. He is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in finance, specialising in Global Markets, M&A, and Transaction Support.
He embarked on his career journey as a graduate at HSBC, where he honed his skills and knowledge in Global Markets. Prior to his current position, Trevashan enriched his expertise at boutique investment banks, where he actively contributed to M&A deals, provided crucial transaction support. His career path also included virtual secondments to London and New York, where he immersed himself in the unique financial ecosystems of these global hubs, gaining invaluable insights.
Trevashan holds a BCom Honours Degree from the University of Witwatersrand.
He embarked on his career journey as a graduate at HSBC, where he honed his skills and knowledge in Global Markets. Prior to his current position, Trevashan enriched his expertise at boutique investment banks, where he actively contributed to M&A deals, provided crucial transaction support. His career path also included virtual secondments to London and New York, where he immersed himself in the unique financial ecosystems of these global hubs, gaining invaluable insights.
Trevashan holds a BCom Honours Degree from the University of Witwatersrand.
Embarking on my journey in private equity, I was captivated by the prospect of navigating through a diverse landscape of industries and business models. At Sanari, I leverage my entrepreneurial spirit and draw upon my experience to identify adaptable business models and foster innovation.
Sanari’s commitment to positive developmental impact resonates deeply with me, as I am dedicated to fostering job creation, skills development, and economic prosperity in the markets we serve. By empowering companies to thrive, we not only contribute to the broader economy’s success but also create a better world for generations to come.
Patricia Umeche
ESG and Impact Officer
ESG and Impact Officer
Patricia Umeche
2018
joined the team
Patricia Umeche joined Sanari in January 2018 where she holds ESG and impact investment responsibilities. Previously Patricia spent 12 years in community development and outreach, environmental education and climate research at organisations such as SANPARKS and Lapalala Wilderness School and several volunteer organisations.
In her role at Sanari she develops and implements the ESG and Impact Systems and Frameworks at Sanari and across its portfolio, and supports the firm’s operations.
Patricia has an N.Dip and B.Tech in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology and a MSc. in Environmental Science from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In her role at Sanari she develops and implements the ESG and Impact Systems and Frameworks at Sanari and across its portfolio, and supports the firm’s operations.
Patricia has an N.Dip and B.Tech in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology and a MSc. in Environmental Science from the University of the Witwatersrand.
My passion for what I do comes from my interest in how the environment and economy can harmonise and create something meaningful as well as the enjoyment of working with people. Before Sanari I worked in remote areas for many years focusing on education and community development and have had a love specifically for reptiles from the beginning. I joined Sanari because of its unique and committed team with a shared vision of purpose and impact, as well as a strong respect for family and focus on building relationships.
Chantal Clark
Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Chantal Clark
2023
joined the team
Chantal is the Finance Manager at Sanari overseeing the fund administration and finance functions. She has over two decades of financial experience of which more than 10 years has been in private equity.
Prior to joining Sanari in 2023, Chantal was the Finance Manager at Phatisa Managers following her prior position as the Head of Operations for Actis Africa and Brazil.
Chantal has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Pretoria. She is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and a qualified marker for the APT and ITC exams at South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Prior to joining Sanari in 2023, Chantal was the Finance Manager at Phatisa Managers following her prior position as the Head of Operations for Actis Africa and Brazil.
Chantal has a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Pretoria. She is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria and a qualified marker for the APT and ITC exams at South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
I was looking for a new challenge and felt right at home with the wider team.
I have been fortunate enough to have had work opportunities across various industries such as auditing locally and abroad in the US, private equity, banking and managing our own family business in civil engineering & construction. These experiences help me daily to ensure my deliverables are met.
My passion is numbers and I thrive on attention to detail and having proper controls. I am a people person and have a “can do” attitude!
Philasande Caleni
Accountant
Accountant
Philasande Caleni
2023
joined the team
Suentha Moodley
Office Administrator
Office Administrator
Suentha Moodley
2023
joined the team
Ntomfuthi Sibanyoni
Receptionist
Receptionist
Ntomfuthi Sibanyoni
2018
joined the team
Nuku Wa Lesego
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Nuku Wa Lesego
2022
joined the team
Together, we bring a diverse array of talents and a rich tapestry of private equity expertise to the table. This allows us to offer holistic, hands-on support to the visionary founders we partner with.
Non-executives
Dean Sparrow
Chair of the Investment Committee (Independent)
Chair of the Investment Committee (Independent)
Dean Sparrow
2017
joined the team
24
years investment experience
Dean Sparrow is the CEO of Fintech group, Crossfin Technology Holdings. Previously he was the CEO of technology investment company, Capital Eye Investments (CEI). Dean has more than 20 years’ experience investing in businesses in Africa, predominantly in the ICT sector.
Prior to heading up CEI, Dean was a member of the senior leadership at UCS, a listed ICT company, which he joined in 2002. In the role of CFO, Dean participated in the group’s acquisitive growth strategy, through which the company grew from R200 million in annual revenue and approximately 200 employees in 2002 to in excess of R1.5 billion in revenue and more than 2500 employees in 2007.
In most instances, the acquisitions were of founder-run or owner-managed small- to medium-size businesses. These required improved reporting and governance as part of a JSE-listed entity, whilst retaining the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of the founder and existing management team.
In 2009, Dean was appointed Deputy Group CEO and played a lead role in the disposal of the greater part of the group’s assets to BCX in 2011, where he then served as a non-executive director on the board of BCX until Telkom’s acquisition and delisting of BCX in 2015.
Dean qualified as a Chartered Accountant (SA) and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree and Honours (CTA) from UNISA.
Prior to heading up CEI, Dean was a member of the senior leadership at UCS, a listed ICT company, which he joined in 2002. In the role of CFO, Dean participated in the group’s acquisitive growth strategy, through which the company grew from R200 million in annual revenue and approximately 200 employees in 2002 to in excess of R1.5 billion in revenue and more than 2500 employees in 2007.
In most instances, the acquisitions were of founder-run or owner-managed small- to medium-size businesses. These required improved reporting and governance as part of a JSE-listed entity, whilst retaining the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of the founder and existing management team.
In 2009, Dean was appointed Deputy Group CEO and played a lead role in the disposal of the greater part of the group’s assets to BCX in 2011, where he then served as a non-executive director on the board of BCX until Telkom’s acquisition and delisting of BCX in 2015.
Dean qualified as a Chartered Accountant (SA) and holds a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree and Honours (CTA) from UNISA.
Jacob Mashike
Investment Committee Member (Independent)
Investment Committee Member (Independent)
Jacob Mashike
2022
joined the team
>25
years investment experience
Jacob's investment management experience spans more than 25 years across various roles in prominent organisations, including Treacle Private Equity, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and CDC Capital Partners.
Jacob was a Director at Treacle Private Equity where he concluded and managed investments in vendor neutral data centre business Teraco, South Africa’s largest grain storage company, Senwes and boat builder for the charter market, Robertson and Caine.
At the IDC he provided financing to over 200 companies and conducted due diligence on more than 300 companies, gaining expertise in structuring debt and equity investments. He played a key role in notable transactions, including with McDonald's SA and Nando’s Ltd, and helped establish financing policies for healthcare and ICT sectors. At CDC Capital Partners he was responsible for deal origination, structuring and management of investments.
Jacob started his career at Sasol II as an assistant process engineer and gained experience in a wide range of business and operational activities such as optimisation of the production plant, people management and the design and costing of capital projects.
He holds a BSc (Eng) Chem from University of the Witwatersrand and a Masters of Business Leadership (MBL) from Unisa. Jacob completed the Young Managers Programme at INSEAD.
Jacob was a Director at Treacle Private Equity where he concluded and managed investments in vendor neutral data centre business Teraco, South Africa’s largest grain storage company, Senwes and boat builder for the charter market, Robertson and Caine.
At the IDC he provided financing to over 200 companies and conducted due diligence on more than 300 companies, gaining expertise in structuring debt and equity investments. He played a key role in notable transactions, including with McDonald's SA and Nando’s Ltd, and helped establish financing policies for healthcare and ICT sectors. At CDC Capital Partners he was responsible for deal origination, structuring and management of investments.
Jacob started his career at Sasol II as an assistant process engineer and gained experience in a wide range of business and operational activities such as optimisation of the production plant, people management and the design and costing of capital projects.
He holds a BSc (Eng) Chem from University of the Witwatersrand and a Masters of Business Leadership (MBL) from Unisa. Jacob completed the Young Managers Programme at INSEAD.
Hany Assaad
Investment Committee Member (Independent)
Investment Committee Member (Independent)
Hany Assaad
2024
joined the team
>35
years investment experience
Hany Assaad has had a long investment career of over 35 years in emerging markets, managing both fund investments as well as direct investments, including 12 years as co-founder and chief portfolio and risk officer of Avanz Capital Management and more than two decades at International Finance Corporation (IFC). Hany is currently the non-executive chairperson of Avanz Capital Egypt, the Egyptian subsidiary of Avanz Capital Management, which was established to manage fund-of-funds and other specialist private capital funds investing in private equity and venture capital in emerging and growth markets.
Hany was Chief Investment Officer for IFC’s sector-specific funds, such as sustainable energy, financial inclusion, infrastructure, and healthcare, and was responsible for fund investment programs across four regions, including about 15 new fund investments per year, and overseeing a portfolio of about 84 funds.
As co-founder of Avanz Capital, Hany managed three funds with his colleagues, that invested in multiple Private Equity and Venture Capital funds and co-invested in companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as one fund in Egypt. Hany was a member of several advisory committees of funds across multiple regions and a member of several investment committees.
Hany is widely recognized for and has notable knowledge of, networks in, and commitment to sustainable and impact investing, SME finance, microfinance and gender-lens investing. He is a recognized expert in PE fund management, fund governance and in corporate governance. He has been working with the Africa Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) for about 12 years on private equity and venture capital training programs and designed and led several private capital masterclasses across Africa.
He holds a BA in Near Eastern Studies, a MA in Egyptology from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Hany was Chief Investment Officer for IFC’s sector-specific funds, such as sustainable energy, financial inclusion, infrastructure, and healthcare, and was responsible for fund investment programs across four regions, including about 15 new fund investments per year, and overseeing a portfolio of about 84 funds.
As co-founder of Avanz Capital, Hany managed three funds with his colleagues, that invested in multiple Private Equity and Venture Capital funds and co-invested in companies across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as one fund in Egypt. Hany was a member of several advisory committees of funds across multiple regions and a member of several investment committees.
Hany is widely recognized for and has notable knowledge of, networks in, and commitment to sustainable and impact investing, SME finance, microfinance and gender-lens investing. He is a recognized expert in PE fund management, fund governance and in corporate governance. He has been working with the Africa Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) for about 12 years on private equity and venture capital training programs and designed and led several private capital masterclasses across Africa.
He holds a BA in Near Eastern Studies, a MA in Egyptology from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Jo-Ann Pöhl
Non-Executive Chair of the Board
Non-Executive Chair of the Board
Jo-Ann Pöhl
2018
joined the team
Jo-Ann chairs the board at Sanari Capital, with her association with the firm as an advisor and non-executive director dating back to 2017.
A seasoned board member and c-suite professional, Jo has experience spanning start-ups to listed corporates; having operated locally, regionally and globally.
She is currently a Senior Advisor for Kearney Africa, and chairs the Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa Board. Prior to this, she held positions as the Group CFO for iOCO (EOH Group) and Bowmans, an Executive Director and Group CFO for Telesure Investment Holdings, Africa CFO for Standard Chartered Bank, Executive Director and CFO for Ubank Ltd, and the Head of Finance for Barclays Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Jo is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCCA and CA(SA)), Certified Financial Officer (SA), member of SAICA and SAIBA, a Professional Banker of the Institute of Bankers in SA (PBSA), and a member of the IOD. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Wales and completed an executive development programme with the University of Oxford – Said Business School.
She mentors entrepreneurs, is an advisor for the Women in Technology Global movement, adjudicator for the Gender Mainstreaming Awards, on the ACCA member network panel, and supports the One Young World National Organising Committee.
A seasoned board member and c-suite professional, Jo has experience spanning start-ups to listed corporates; having operated locally, regionally and globally.
She is currently a Senior Advisor for Kearney Africa, and chairs the Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa Board. Prior to this, she held positions as the Group CFO for iOCO (EOH Group) and Bowmans, an Executive Director and Group CFO for Telesure Investment Holdings, Africa CFO for Standard Chartered Bank, Executive Director and CFO for Ubank Ltd, and the Head of Finance for Barclays Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean.
Jo is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCCA and CA(SA)), Certified Financial Officer (SA), member of SAICA and SAIBA, a Professional Banker of the Institute of Bankers in SA (PBSA), and a member of the IOD. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Wales and completed an executive development programme with the University of Oxford – Said Business School.
She mentors entrepreneurs, is an advisor for the Women in Technology Global movement, adjudicator for the Gender Mainstreaming Awards, on the ACCA member network panel, and supports the One Young World National Organising Committee.
Sanjay Kassen
Non-Executive Director
Non-Executive Director
Sanjay Kassen
2017
joined the team
Sanjay Kassen is the Joint Head of Corporate Commercial Practice at ENSafrica, Africa’s largest law firm.
Sanjay specialises in Mergers & Acquisitions, Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and heads up the group’s implementation, regulation and operation of B-BBEE transactions.
Sanjay’s qualifications include a BA (University of Cape Town), LLB (University of Cape Town), and he is admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is also a trustee of Education Africa, a non-profit organisation aimed at providing education for under-privileged children in rural communities in South Africa.
He also serves as a trustee of various broad-based BEE employee schemes and BEE charitable foundations. Sanjay chairs the BEE share scheme for a large listed medical aid and financial services group in South Africa.
Sanjay specialises in Mergers & Acquisitions, Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and heads up the group’s implementation, regulation and operation of B-BBEE transactions.
Sanjay’s qualifications include a BA (University of Cape Town), LLB (University of Cape Town), and he is admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is also a trustee of Education Africa, a non-profit organisation aimed at providing education for under-privileged children in rural communities in South Africa.
He also serves as a trustee of various broad-based BEE employee schemes and BEE charitable foundations. Sanjay chairs the BEE share scheme for a large listed medical aid and financial services group in South Africa.
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