Julio De Souza

Julio De Souza is a seasoned financial advisor, management consultant, and entrepreneur with extensive experience in venture capital and impact finance. He has worked in various capacities, including as the Private Sector Advisor for the DFID/SIDA funded project at SOBA (Sierra Leone Opportunities for Business Action) from January 2016 to September 2018. In this role, he focused on collaborating with local and international companies in sectors such as agriculture, light manufacturing, and renewable energy to enhance business operations, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and raise capital for innovative and inclusive businesses.12

Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Venture Capital and Impact Finance at StratLink, where he leads initiatives to support clients in fundraising, capital structuring, and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Southern Asia. His background includes significant achievements in connecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups with private equity funds and high-net-worth individuals.13

De Souza, originally from Brazil, has been based in Africa since 2005, where he has developed a strong network and expertise in the impact ecosystem, particularly in the energy sector and social enterprises.34