Our Team
We're committed to using ethical investments to build a sustainable future for Africa
The faces behind the platform.
Energise Africa is a collaboration between two leading online investing platforms, Ethex and Lendahand. A small, but dedicated, professional and diverse team, we comprise experts in the fields of business, banking, marketing, social enterprise and international development, to bring you the very best products and service.
Lisa Ashford
Chair Energise Africa and CEO Ethex
With over 20 years of experience in energy and environmental markets, Lisa is a leading voice in the positive investing and social enterprise sectors in the UK.
A regular media commentator and writer on her passion for ethical investment, Lisa has led the team at Energise Africa and our sister platform, Ethex to jointly raise over £100 million from investors to support projects that are making a positive difference.
Ray Coyle
CEO Energise Africa
Ray is an experienced technology entrepreneur, having led two technology platforms, and is and award-winning social entrepreneur, having been recognised by SEUK and by the Social Entrepreneur index as a leader in the field.
Ray is also a qualified lawyer and has advised numerous investors on social investments in the UK and beyond. Ray led the impact investing team at Osborne Clarke and spent time inhouse at investment firms working in developing economies and investing in renewable energy assets.
Daniël van Maanen
Director Energise Africa and CFO Lendahand
Making sure Lendahand’s numbers add up is Daniel. His background ranges from Portfolio Manager at APG Asset Management to CFO of Aircrete Europe, an international technology company in the construction sector.
Rob Fielding
Digital Growth Manager Energise Africa and Ethex
Rob's role is to use data driven online insights to reach new audiences, ensuring that Energise Africa reaches people who want to have impact with their money.
He's an experienced digital marketer and has received several awards for his work on multiple, ambitious online projects.
Julie Dunn
Marketing Content Creator Energise Africa and Ethex
Julie has more than 15 years of marketing experience and forms part of the Energise Africa marketing team responsible for creating compelling content to help more people learn about the fantastic organisations that raise finance through Energise Africa.
Chris Butler
Finance Director, Energise Africa and Ethex
As FD, Chris looks after financial reporting and helps the team to plan for further growth and impact.
Chris brings over 30 years of experience to the role, as a former Director and Head of Research at the global equity firm Martin Currie, CFO of Casemate Publishers and advisor to Christian Aid.
Kritika Khemka
Senior Operations Manager, Energise Africa
Kritika has worked in financial services for 10+ years, in areas across Risk Management, Operations and Finance. At Energise Africa, she oversees day to day management of the Operations team.
Fernando Echeveria-Valda
Commercial Director
Fernando is a globally experienced investment professional with a strong track record across the renewable energy and clean technology sector. He has been a board level corporate advisor and worked directly within two large global energy firms completing over 5GW of new energy projects.
Prashant Shende
Investment Operations Associate
Prashant has worked in financial services since 2019 and spent over two years as Portfolio Management Operations for a major investment management firm. He studied for a MSc in Financial Analysis and Fund Management with a focus on sustainable finance at the University of Exeter before joining Energise Africa and Ethex to oversee and manage key operational aspects of the businesses.