Rosie Afia-Ford

Senior Innovation Fund Manager

Early-stage funding isn't just capital; it's the catalyst that transforms ideas into groundbreaking solutions to tackle pressing global challenges. Balancing accountability and flexibility is crucial in impact investing. It's about empowering entrepreneurs to navigate unpredictably while meeting commitments to drive economic growth, social change, and our responsibility to a sustainable future.

Rosie is an experienced leader in designing and developing innovative funding and impact investment programmes. At Caribou Digital, she leads the Strive Mastercard Innovation Fund Advisory work. As part of Nesta (Challenge Works) Rosie previously led a large team to deliver the Ofwat Innovation Fund; a £200M initiative driving innovation in the UK’s water sector. Before this, Rosie oversaw a diverse private philanthropy portfolio at the Virgin Unite Foundation. She collaborated with major donors like BMGF, ELMA Philanthropies and CIFF on global programs spanning emergency response to climate issues. Previously, Rosie spent over six years at GSMA Mobile for Development, leading funds for FCDO and DFAT on start-ups, disability and humanitarian innovation. To date, she has invested in and managed over 100 projects and programs in Africa, Asia, MENA, EU and Latin America, especially focusing on digital inclusion for marginalized groups, refugees and displaced persons. Rosie has mentored start-ups in Iraq, East Africa, and Zambia and has served on the board of the Kuma Foundation. She holds an MSc in Development Management from LSE and a BA in Economics & Politics from Leeds University.

Contact them at: rosie@cariboudigital.net