Michael Emmerson

Senior Associate

2023

Associate

2020

Sourcing, assessing, transacting and supporting Seed stage technology investments that matter for Sub Saharan Africa. $5m+ deployed across 10x deals including solar financing platforms, off grid cloud compute-aaS, battery remanufacturing, AD sensors, VPP infrastructure across the EU, North America, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa.

Product Manager

2018 - 2019

Key Skills: Product Management; Market Research; Key Markets: Off Grid Energy; East Africa; West Africa; Highlights • Ownership of the Off Grid DC product line, including portfolio pricing and configuration setting, market analysis, appliance strategies and technical product performance. Piloting of a refurbished product strategy in Tanzania. • Ownership of a new Weak Grid DC product line. Defined product-market fit with field research, managed product development process and subsequent market entry into Nigeria, Tanzania and Cote d'Ivoire. Hit the target launch date with sales on Day 1 in all markets. • Oversaw development of customer facing product value proposition and positioning for 3 different markets, touching on branding, website development and product marketing.

Product Manager @ M-Kopa Labs

2017 - 2018

Key Skills: Product Management; Market Research; Monitoring & Evaluation; Key Markets: Off Grid Energy; Agriculture; Mobile; East Africa Highlights • Responsible owner of a >$1m Shell Foundation grant funded programme, mandated to deliver a portfolio of new products to market on time and budget with associated impact reporting. Recruited, trained and mentored a project support team in Nairobi. • Managed the product development and market entry of the M-KOPA Fridge into Kenya - the first Off Grid Solar Fridge. Co-authored the business case, conducted novel research into the benefits of off grid refrigeration and managed commercial relationship with $1bn+ revenue refrigeration partner.

Business Analyst

2016 - 2017

Key Skills: Enterprise Strategy; Financial Modelling; Monitoring & Evaluation; Key Markets: Energy Access; Agriculture; East Africa Highlights • Lead analyst for World Bank programme to enhance Productive Use of Mini Grids across Kenya and Tanzania. Created financial models for mini grid sites between 1.5kW and 5MW to assess impact of PU growth and accompanying M&E frameworks. • Delivered Investment Readiness workshops within the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre venture fund. Presented risk assessments and training on fund raising options.

Management Consultant

2013 - 2016

Key Skills: Business Cases; Value Chain Analysis; Risk Management; Key Markets: Transport; Energy; Defence; Highlights • Authored an approved business case advocating the development of a new Cyber Security capability.

Mechanical Engineer

2011 - 2013

Key Skills: Mechanical Design; Electrical Design; Whole Life Costing Methodologies Key Markets: Building Services; Power Generation Highlights • Devised a zero carbon energy scheme for a successful Qatar 2022 stadium bid as part of an international consortium.