THE FOUNDER
mEET OUR TEAM
DR. CHRISTIAN LINDFELD
After more than 15 years working and traveling across 20+ African countries, I couldn’t shake the sense that something fundamental was being missed by the firms I’ve previously worked for. Yes, Africa is rich in natural resources, but it’s the human potential that left the deepest impression on me: the resilience, the energy, the everyday entrepreneurs solving real problems in real time.
I saw an abundance of local talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that standard consulting firms were completely ignoring.I came to a simple conclusion: if I wanted to do this work the right way, I’d have to build something from scratch.
That was the beginning of AVA: an entrepreneurial advisory firm focused on listening first, building with – not just for –its clients, and leaving behind the extractive, one-size-fits-all models that so many firms attempt to export into the African context (often unsuccessfully). As AVA began to take shape, the right people showed up.
THE TEAM
Together, the team shares a belief that impact doesn’t come from theory – it comes from presence, from partnership, and from staying long enough to implement, learn, and refine. Our diverse backgrounds and shared passion for Africa’s potential is the core to our approach.
-
Yannik Emrich
ADVISOR
Yannik is an Advisor at Africa Ventures Advisory since its inception. Specializing in the Middle East and Africa, Yannik brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.
-
Righi Rasoa
ADVISOR
Born in Madagascar and raised in Germany, Righi brings a unique blend of insights to the team. His background in entrepreneurship, founding own ventures along the way. -
Jakob Frank
ADVISOR
Jakob brings a robust blend of entrepreneurship, private sector-led development expertise, and impact investment experience to the team.
-
Frank Kämmer
MASTER SOMMELIER
Frank provides wine consulting & marketing for producers, trade & hospitality. The former Head Sommelier at Changyu Pioneer, he is also anauthor, magazine contributor & international wine school lecturer. Website.
-
Khuselo Mputa
AMBASSADOR SOUTH AFRICA
Sommelier Khuselo promotes African wines with expertise from London's Sofitel & SA's Delaire Graff Estate. He has also judged the John Platter Guide & And was a 2013 World Blind Tasting Championships team member.
-
Jule Vössing
WORKING STUDENT
Working Student Jule studies International Wine Business at Geisenheim University while contributing to Africa Ventures Advisory's THE WINEMBASSY with industry experience & fresh perspective.