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    Tony Chen

    General Partner at Verdant Frontiers Fintech Fund

    Tony Chen is a prominent figure in the fintech sector, currently serving as a Partner at Verdant Frontiers since April 2021 and as a General Partner at the Verdant Frontiers Fintech Fund since January 2023. Based in the Greater Chicago area, he focuses on building large-scale businesses that aim to deliver significant returns for investors while creating impactful job opportunities across Africa, particularly in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, and Mauritius.1

    Professional Background

    • Verdant Frontiers: As a Partner, Chen leads efforts to develop a fintech platform that supports various ventures in Africa. His work involves extensive engagement with local entrepreneurs and investors, having conducted over 400 meetings to foster business development.1
    • Kinyungu Ventures: Prior to his current roles, he was the Managing Director of Kinyungu Ventures from July 2017 until its acquisition by Verdant Frontiers in May 2022. During this time, he built a portfolio of East African fintech companies.1
    • Redica Systems: Chen co-founded and served as CEO of Redica Systems from February 2010 to July 2017, guiding it into a profitable SaaS business before it gained venture capital investment.1

    Education

    Tony Chen holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. from Cornell University.1

    Achievements

    Chen has been recognized for his contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. He has published research reports that have garnered media attention from outlets like BBC and CNBC East Africa.1

    His diverse experience and dedication to fostering entrepreneurship in emerging markets make him a significant player in the fintech landscape.

    Highlights

    TonyChen | Biomimetics and Dextrous Manipulation Lab
    Feb 8 · Nairametrics
    Funding options for startups in Africa are quite limited – Co-founder, Kinyungu Ventures - Nairametrics
    Jan 20 · Modern Ghana
    Kinyungu Ventures Research calls for Changes to Cut-and-paste VC Strategy In Africa - Modern Ghana

    Related Questions

    What are Tony Chen's main responsibilities at Verdant Frontiers?
    How did Tony Chen transition from Channel Factory to Verdant Frontiers?
    What are some notable investments made by Verdant Frontiers under Tony Chen's leadership?
    What inspired Tony Chen to focus on African fintech ventures?
    How has Tony Chen's experience at Small Ventures USA influenced his career?
    Tony Chen
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    Experience

    General Partner at Verdant Frontiers Fintech Fund (January 2023 - Present)
    Partner at Verdant Frontiers (April 2021 - Present), Member / Angel Investor at Nairobi Business Angel Network (April 2021 - Present), Managing Director (Acquired) at Kinyungu Ventures (July 2017 - June 2022), Investment Committee Member, Fund I at Triphammer Ventures (June 2018 - May 2021), Co-Founder / CEO at Redica Systems (February 2010 - July 2017), Founder (Acquired) at Savvy Daddy (June 2008 - July 2012), Founder and Editor-in-Chief (Acquired) at Hospital Impact (March 2005 - July 2009), Director, New Business Development at NorthShore University HealthSystem (June 2006 - June 2009), Director, Product Innovation at HFMA (June 2005 - June 2006), Manager, Business Strategy at HFMA (July 2003 - June 2005), Senior Analyst at Merck (June 1997 - July 2001)

    Education

    B.S. from Cornell University (1993 - 1997), MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management (2001 - 2003)

    Location

    Greater Chicago Area