Trailblazer Laureen Kouassi-Olsson invests in Africa's heritage fashion brands
African Creatives Spotlight Series
•
13-Mar-2024
Meet Laureen Kouassi-Olsson, a trailblazing Franco-Ivorian executive with over a decade of experience investing in private companies and financial institutions on the African continent.
Throughout her career, she has helped unlock capital flows and financial opportunities across Africa's private sector. After holding historic roles at Lehman Brothers and Proparco, Kouassi-Olsson joined the founding team of Amethis, a French private-equity fund specializing in the African market. In 2016, she moved to Abidjan to launch Amethis West Africa, supporting small to medium-sized enterprises in Francophone West and Central Africa.
Inspired by the vibrant fashion industry across the continent, in 2020, she founded Birimian Ventures the first financial institution dedicated to the sustainable development of African heritage luxury brands. She currently serves as the chief executive officer of Birimian. Through this company, Kouassi-Olsson aims to cultivate African designers striving to lead sustainable creative enterprises capable of driving lasting economic value across the continent.
ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 3/13/24
Up Next in African Creatives Spotlight Series
-
Nigerien designer Alphadi spotlights ...
Meet Alphadi. Born in Timbuktu, Mali, and raised in Niger, Alphadi was apprenticed in couture as a child. His work has brought global attention to African textiles, histories, and artistry. Over the course of his career, he has opened several boutiques across the world, including in Morocco, the ...
-
US Congressman John James: African ar...
There’s a new group of artists at center stage across the globe, according to US Congressman John James (R-MI).
That group is comprised of African creators in arts, design, fashion, music, and more, James explained, arguing that the group has a “vital role” to play in the African continent’s fu... -
Grammy-winning musician Mohombi inspi...
Meet Mohombi, a multi-talented Congolese artist using his musical gifts to inspire youth and build creative infrastructure in Africa. Born in Kinshasa, Mohombi began sharing his passion for singing, dancing, and writing at a young age. Despite his humble beginnings, he's awed by the impact his mu...
