Jefferson Rumanyika
Founder of The Grio
Jefferson Rumanyika
Founder of The Grio
Kigali, Kigali City
Overview
Work Experience
Founder - Investor -Writer
2024 - Current
The Grio is the top destination for investors, founders, and operators to learn about business, markets and investing in Africa. Join here: https://thegrio.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Pioneer
2022
Colossus® is the premier destination for investors, founders, and operators to learn the world's best information on business building and investing. My work includes preparing detailed investment and business research, analysis,content creation/ curation on industries, companies, business concepts and frameworks. These research reports form the basis of the conversations on the Colossus family of podcasts i.e. Invest Like The Best, Business Breakdowns, Making Markets, Making Media, Art of Investing, Return on India, 50X, Founders Field Guide
Investment Associate
2022 - 2024
Proximity Ventures is an Africa focused venture fund backing founders looking to accelerate Africa.
Web3 Investor Program
2023 - 2023
A comprehensive and hands-on educational investor program delivered in the Metaverse that provides a deep dive into the world of blockchain startups and analytics. Key Tasks Completed: - Conducted in-depth research on blockchain startups, including market analysis and competitive assessments - Evaluated blockchain projects using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including technical assessments and financial analysis - Conducted due diligence on potential investments and presented findings to stakeholders - Collaborated with peers and instructors to develop investment recommendations for real-world blockchain startups
Co-Founder
2021 - 2023
African Crypto Research was a market intelligence platform dedicated to the study of activity related to blockchain and cryptocurrency in Africa. Our customers included leading venture capital firms and venture-backed start-ups seeking in-depth information on the adoption of cryptoassets in Africa.
Venture Partner
2022 - 2023
Seedscout is a platform that connects founders, investors and operators together across the global startup universe. My work includes helping these great founders as they build the next unicorns.
Fund Manager
2019 - 2022
Guardian Angels is a syndicate fund that invests in tech enabled businesses in Fintech, Healthcare, EdTech, SaaS, Agritech, PropTech in Africa etc.
Contributing Writer
2016 - 2021
The Nation Media Group (NMG) founded in 1959 by His Highness The Aga Khan, is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa and has operations in print, electronic and digital media and attracts unparalleled audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia,DRC, South Sudan and Rwanda. The company is a publicly listed company on the Nairobi, Rwanda, Uganda and Dar-es-Salaam bourses and aspires to be the Media of Africa for Africa. My responsibilities include; 1. Identifying compelling stories that are strategically aligned with The EastAfrican to be part of integrated communications strategies across multiple media. These stories will ideally have strong human interest, connect to a broader topic/trend.
Business Executive
2016 - 2019
The Nation Media Group (NMG) founded in 1959 by His Highness The Aga Khan, is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa and has operations in print, electronic and digital media and attracts unparalleled audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia,DRC, South Sudan and Rwanda. The company is a publicly listed company on the Nairobi, Rwanda, Uganda and Dar-es-Salaam bourses and aspires to be the Media of Africa for Africa. My responsibilities include; 1.Developing plans and strategies for achieving sales targets for the Core Rwanda products(The East African and Rwanda Today) and other Nation Media Group products like (Daily Nation, Business Daily, Daily Monitor,Taifa Leo, Mwananchi, NTV Kenya, NTV Uganda, QTV, QFM , Easy FM,Nsoko.com, Nation Courier) 2.Building relationships and networks aimed at developing new business opportunities with new customers. 3.Preparing and delivering sales demonstrations and presentations to prospective customers. 4.Developing proposals and quotes for prospective customers. 5.Providing timely performance feedback to management. 6.Maintaining accurate records for sales pipeline, billing and commissions. 7.Performing negotiations as requested in order to deliver value to customers consistent with company revenue and profitability objectives. 8.Staying current with industry trends as they relate to Grasp products and services. 9.Informing management of shifting competition and market conditions in order to address changing needs for assurance of overall company success. 10.Recommending ideas to improve selling process, for management consideration as needed. 11.Maintaining contact with customers to assure positive on-going customer relations.
Co-Founder
2017 - 2019
Envest was a fintech startup that was an online stockbroker allowing local and international investors to access the Rwanda Stock Exchange. Responsible for: • Leading the team and providing the short term and long-term company vision • Formulating strategies for the firm’s expansion and product offerings. • Recruiting tech talent to the team. • Creating a user acquisition strategy and roadmap for the business • Establishing strategic partnerships with companies • Developing strategic business plans for the company
Business Manager
2015 - 2016
KOLBE is an established Rwandan menswear fashion house offering luxry goods with product lines including suits, shirts, pants, accessories etc. Responsible for: • Creating KOLBE’s brand image and story • Formulating strategies to increase revenue and product offerings. • Conducting cost benefit analyses of proposed deals and work to see what makes business sense. • Maintaining and constantly updating an accurate database of prospect information and contact details • Constantly monitor the marketplace to identify and establish areas of growth.