Strategic Deep Dives
A trilogy of analysis exploring the fundamental shifts required to build inclusive and prosperous economies in emerging markets.
This analysis deconstructs the legacy of extractive economic models in Africa and the Caribbean. It argues that the next wave of venture-scale opportunities lies not in finding the next urban unicorn, but in building a portfolio of “Shopify’s for infrastructure” that plug into existing community trust networks.
The core thesis is that by layering technology onto these trust networks, we can empower communities to capture value locally and create a new class of ventures that are both highly profitable and deeply impactful.
Key Insight
"Infrastructure in emerging markets was designed to connect resources to ships, not people to opportunities. Reversing this flow is the trillion-dollar opportunity of our generation."
This piece examines the history of the venture capital model, arguing that its DNA is rooted in extraction (whaling, oil wildcatting) and is ill-suited for financing community-owned infrastructure.
It showcases a “design palette” of alternative financial models emerging from Africa and the Caribbean, from permanent capital vehicles to revenue-based financing, that are better aligned with the needs of sustainable, community-focused businesses.
Key Insight
"The 10-year fund cycle forces short-term extraction on long-term infrastructure assets. We need patient capital that grows with the community, not at its expense."
Addressing the critical challenge of the “missing middle” in venture, where promising companies die for lack of follow-on funding. It proposes Community-Based Venture Building as a solution.
This model integrates ventures into a broader ecosystem of support, providing not just capital, but also shared services, talent pipelines, and market access. This approach can de-risk ventures and create a more resilient and sustainable path to scale.
Key Insight
"We don't just need capital; we need 'scaffolding'—a support structure that holds ventures up until they are strong enough to stand on their own."