Chris Lister-James is a visionary entrepreneur and change-driven leader, currently serving as the Founder and Executive Director of Fitech Ventures. With over 24 years of experience in Private Equity and Venture Capital, Chris is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and driving social and economic equality...
Chris Lister-James is a visionary entrepreneur and change-driven leader, currently serving as the Founder and Executive Director of Fitech Ventures. With over 24 years of experience in Private Equity and Venture Capital, Chris is dedicated to fostering financial inclusion and driving social and economic equality through innovative investment strategies. At Fitech Ventures, he focuses on providing seed funding to early-stage fintech businesses in South Africa, a region ripe with potential for disruption and growth in the financial technology sector.
In his role, Chris is responsible for the entire investment lifecycle, from identifying and analyzing promising startups to implementing strategic investments and managing post-deal processes. His expertise in corporate finance, transaction structuring, and legal implementation enables him to navigate complex financial landscapes effectively. Chris is particularly adept at driving process efficiencies and facilitating access to markets, ensuring that the companies he invests in not only secure funding but also thrive in a competitive environment.
Key projects under Chris's leadership have included mentoring founders and CEOs, helping them refine their business models and scale their operations. His commitment to profit with a purpose is evident in his approach to investment, where he seeks to balance financial returns with positive social impact. With a robust skill set that includes due diligence, financial modeling, and structured finance, Chris Lister-James continues to be a driving force in the fintech landscape, championing emerging markets and paving the way for the next generation of innovative financial solutions.