Nico has assisted in over $1.7 billion in trade deals and helped close $600 million in investments across sectors in financial inclusion, agribusiness, manufacturing, digital payment systems, renewable energy, and climate finance. Known for combining institutional rigour with an operational mindset, he works alongside founders and management teams to take businesses from early-stage or underperforming to scalable and investment-ready.
At Lighthouse, Nico focuses on shaping investment strategy, expanding LP and deal networks, and bringing global best practices to African mid-market private equity.
Continental Track Record
Africa & Beyond
Nico’s career has spanned Southern, East, West, and North Africa, as well as the US, Norway, India, and Eastern Europe. His work has taken him from boardroom deals in New York to on-the-ground operational turnarounds in Tanzania, Zambia, and Kenya.
USAID – African Trade & Investment Program
As Investment Specialist for USAID’s flagship $520 million ATI program, Nico mobilised capital, structured blended finance solutions, and facilitated landmark trade deals across 54 countries, assisting in over $1.7 billion in trade and helping close $600 million in investment.
Soros Economic Development Fund & Norfund
In senior investment roles, Nico led multi-million-dollar private equity and debt transactions in SMEs, financial services, logistics, agribusiness, and renewable energy, actively participating from deal origination, board participation, through to exit.
Driving $2.3 Billion in Trade and Investment Across Africa
Over the past two decades, Nico has originated, structured, and closed transactions worth over $2.3 billion, spanning private equity, venture capital, and blended finance. His portfolio includes large-scale trade finance deals, institutional equity investments, and complex restructurings. These transactions have delivered strong commercial returns while catalysing growth in frontier markets, strengthening cross-border trade, and attracting global capital into African enterprises.
Education
- MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship, Bond University, Australia
- BCom in Finance & Economics, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Advanced Diploma in Bank Credit & Risk Management, Damelin School of Banking
Thesis & Investment Focus
Nico’s investment philosophy is grounded in three core beliefs:
- Capital alone is not enough: Scalable businesses require operational discipline, governance, and market linkages.
- Blended finance unlocks scale: Strategic combinations of private equity, debt, and catalytic capital can transform SMEs into market leaders.
- Continental integration is the opportunity: Africa’s next wave of growth lies in connecting businesses to cross-border trade and global markets.
At Lighthouse, Nico focuses on opportunities where African businesses have proven demand but need both capital and strategic guidance to scale, particularly in sectors that combine commercial viability with long-term impact.
