African Changemaker

Laureen Kouassi-Olsson

Laureen is a seasoned executive in the African financial services and private equity industries.

She has over a decade of experience in investing in private companies and financial institutions on the African Continent.

Born in Cote d’Ivoire, Laureen is leveraging her extensive networks in the finance industry to create new pathways to capital for African entrepreneurs. She is the Founder and CEO of Birimian Ventures , a long-term investment company championing African heritage luxury and premium brands by providing patient capital, institutional support, strategic advice and operational excellence.


Her professional achievements and commitments have gained significant recognition within the African private equity industry. Laureen has twice been nominated for the Choiseul Institute’s list of Emerging Economic Leaders.

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Sanari Capital, a South African private equity firm, has announced the successful final close of its Sanari 3S Growth Fund, raising R1.5 billion (approximately $80 million).
Schroders Capital and BlueOrchard have committed $5 million to the African Infrastructure Investment Fund 4 (AIIF4) through their Green Earth Impact Fund (GEIF).