OUR APPROACH IS DIFFERENT
1) We are one of very few funders exclusively focused on filling the "finance gap.”
2) We offer both equity and debt investments and are purposefully flexible as the capital needs of the companies are diverse.
3) We provide a solution to prepare startups for funding rounds and put the right tools at their disposal.
OUR TEAM
Rekia Foudel, Managing Partner
Rekia is a corporate finance professional, with experience working and investing in Africa. Rekia leads Barka’s investment activities and manages the team. Rekia's professional career spans more than 15 years in the financial services sector, across 3 continents (North America, Europe and Africa). As Head of Project Development at MCA, a structure of the Office of the President of Niger, Rekia helped raise $437 million for two greenfield, growth-focused climate-resilient projects.
Rekia graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA in Finance. She is bilingual in English and French.
Stephon Smith, Venture Partner Investments
Stephon is a financial modelling, accounting and fund management professional. Stephon is responsible for implementing the infrastructure and systems to support Barka’s strategic objectives and overseeing the 'investability' of startups. Stephon has a wealth of experience working with founders in tech, energy and finance to achieve the company’s mission by simplifying, clarifying and systematizing the financial and organizational structures.
Stephon graduated from Penn State University, Schreyer Honors College with a B.S. in Economics.
Issa Boubacar, Venture Partner Operations
Issa is a financial services professional with more than 10 years experience working in the banking sector. Issa started his career at Ecobank, the biggest bank in Africa in a relationship management role, supporting startups and small & medium enterprises. As a branch manager, Issa supervised a team of 9 multi-functional managers, responsible for commercial banking, sales, operations, marketing and VIP services.
Issa graduated from Institut International de Management – Bruxelles with an MBA in Management of Enterprises. He is bilingual in French and English.
Rori Fararo-Brooks, Analyst
Rori is a recent college graduate providing qualitative and quantitative support to the team. Rori is an active collaborator, clear communicator and a skilled writer.
Rori graduated from Clark University with a BA in Sociology.
