Our team

Grant Nichols is a driven and accomplished executive with over 25 years of international experience spanning Executive Management, Board Advisory, Green Energy Solutions, Banking and Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Risk and Project Management, Exploration and Economic Geology, Spatial Statistics, Computer Science, and Transformational Research and Development (R&D). His diverse expertise provides him with a well-rounded perspective, enabling insightful, strategic investment decisions grounded in multidisciplinary knowledge.

Grant’s career has included pivotal roles across a range of sectors, from founding and growing start-up companies to advisory roles in finance, banking, and Resources, Energy, and Infrastructure (REI). His extensive experience encompasses leading R&D initiatives, particularly within think tanks focused on innovation, and providing M&A and advisory guidance at the board level.

This unique blend of skills equips Grant with a profound understanding of complex, evolving markets, allowing him to assess and manage risk effectively while fostering impactful investments and partnerships. His dedication to advancing green energy solutions and his track record in transformative R&D make him a versatile leader in both emerging and established markets.

Qualifications:  B.Sc. (Geology & Computer Science),  DPMM (Management Diploma) (INSEAD),     

B.Sc. (Hons),  PhD (Mining Engineering) 

Louis Jordaan is an accomplished business executive with over 20 years of experience across diverse industries, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, healthcare, clean energy and finance. He has honed his expertise in funding, fundraising, and helping startups scale effectively. His deep understanding of financial management and strategic planning has made him a sought-after leader in driving operational success.

Renowned for his exceptional financial management expertise, Louis has successfully navigated the complexities of pharmaceutical sales, distribution, and manufacturing. His extensive experience includes pivotal leadership roles, such as Chief Financial Officer for HSBC's Africa business, where he shaped impactful financial strategies across the continent. Additionally, he served as the Director of Finance, Risk, and Actuarial for Old Mutual, Africa's largest financial services group, focusing on the West African region.

Louis is particularly skilled in securing funding and resources for emerging ventures, leveraging his extensive network and deep industry insights to drive growth. He has consistently proven himself as a valuable asset, contributing to the success of numerous startups by implementing effective fundraising strategies and operational frameworks.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Louis Jordaan continues to make a significant impact in the business world, inspiring others to strive for success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

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Qualifications: BCom (Acc) (Cum Laude) (UJ), 

B Com  Hons  (UJ), CTA (UJ), CIMA, CA(SA)

Naresh Ashok is a seasoned financial markets expert with over 20 years of experience across banking, corporate finance, and global markets.

Since 2015, Naresh has developed extensive expertise in fundraising, strategic partnership development, and high-stakes negotiations. His ability to secure funding and forge impactful partnerships has driven growth and supported innovative initiatives across various industries.

Most recently, Naresh held the role of Senior Business Facilitation Manager at Nedbank CIB, where he led critical projects aimed at delivering systems and products to market. 

Prior to his role at Nedbank, Naresh served as Vice President of Liquidity Management at HSBC South Africa in the Payments and Cash Management division. There, he optimized complex liquidity frameworks and cash flows, applying his advanced risk management skills to bolster financial resilience. His work involved refining operational processes to maximize efficiency within HSBC’s financial operations.

Naresh began his career in 1995 at FirstCorp Merchant Bank, where he built a foundational skill set in operations management, product development, risk management, and systems implementation across multiple asset classes and financial instruments.

Naresh’s qualifications, market insights, and operational expertise make him a versatile leader capable of driving sustainable growth, optimizing business processes, and creating long-term value across complex, global markets.

Qualifications: B.Com, Master of Business Leadership (UNISA), CertITM (ACT), APRM (PRMIA)

Andre Smith is an accomplished retail leader with a strong foundation in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. His expertise covers Strategy Development, Customer Marketing, Consumer Product Development, Retail Category Management, Market Analytics, and Business Development. With over 20 years of industry experience, Andre combines an entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on sales and business management.

Most recently, as the National Category Head for Engen Petroleum’s Convenience and Partnership Division until December 2022, Andre demonstrated his strengths in Customer Relations and Growth Management, collaborating with diverse suppliers and manufacturers on both local and international levels. In addition to his skills in Business Development and Customer Relationship Management, Andre is proficient in Brand Building, Data Analytics, and Supply Chain Management, consistently leveraging these capabilities to drive growth and elevate brand impact.

Qualifications: Business Management Diploma, (Damelin), MDP (USB), Cape Town South Africa

Boiki Tema is an accomplished executive with over 23 years of expertise across agriculture, finance, and strategic business management. As Country Head for Kopanya Botswana and CEO of Botanicals Botswana, a subsidiary of Kopanya Group Limited, Boiki leads initiatives focused on sustainable agricultural growth and the strategic use of Botswana’s natural resources. His work emphasizes eco-friendly practices and drives local economic development.

Additionally, Boiki plays a key role in Farmers United in Botswana, where he supports local farmers through initiatives to improve productivity, expand market access, and promote sustainability, enhancing food security and resilience in rural communities.

With a strong background in finance, including roles as Senior Manager of Property Finance and Senior Manager of New Business Development, Boiki is well-versed in Credit Analysis, Risk Management, and Business Development. He also serves on the Board of Access Bank Botswana, contributing strategic insights and governance expertise.

Qualifications: BCom in Economics and Accounting (University of Botswana) | MBA (University of Derby) | Certified Associate of the Institute of Bankers (CAIB)