Jarryd Kennedy has joined the CV VC family as our new Head of Investments Africa! With his wealth of experience and passion for transformative investments, Jarryd is poised to help CV VC make a significant impact, particularly through our initiatives on the African continent.

As demand for our African Blockchain Fund I continues to grow, Jarryd’s insights and expertise couldn’t have come at a better time. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, his vision for Web3, and what excites him most about blockchain in Africa.

‍

‍

Jarryd, tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you and where do you come from?

I’m South African by origin, professionally qualified as a Chartered Accountant and CFA charterholder. Over the years, my career has taken me to New York, London, and South Africa, where I’ve worked in Investment Banking (focused on M&A in TMT) and Private Equity, particularly in the technology and financial services/fintech sectors.

Recently, my work has been centered on deploying impact-led capital in technology businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi. It’s incredibly rewarding to work in spaces where technology is being used to solve real-world problems.

‍

How did you get into the Web3 and blockchain space?

For a long time, my experience in financial services gave me the sense that things could be ‘done in a better way’. Fintech captivated me for this reason. Entrepreneurs were using tech-enabled solutions to solve the challenges I had seen firsthand.

Blockchain has always been a natural extension of this interest. When the world slowed down during COVID-19, I took the opportunity to explore blockchain from an academic perspective. Since then, I’ve been deeply interested in the space, monitoring markets, engaging with ecosystems, and diving into the technological applications. 

Joining the CV VC team is the perfect opportunity to merge my personal passion for blockchain with my professional investing skillset.

‍

You’ve worked at major institutions like KPMG and Deutsche Bank. What lessons from those experiences will you bring to your role at CV VC?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that integrity is non-negotiable. In every role so far, I’ve seen how integrity builds trust and sets the foundation for long-term success. With this mindset comes a healthy appreciation of the value of processes, procedures, and corporate governance, which these big firms have instilled in me, and which I will be looking to bring along to CV VC.

That said, I also recognize the pitfalls of bureaucracy. Inertia is a productivity killer, and sometimes bureaucracy and meetings about meetings are not the answer. There’s a lot to be said about the dynamism that comes from working in a young and dynamic company like CV VC, so I am excited to experience that!

‍

What excites you most about CV VC’s vision for blockchain on the African continent?

Africa has always demonstrated this exciting propensity to adopt new technologies and to leapfrog an old way of doing things, as we’ve seen with mobile money platforms like the well-known M-Pesa case in Kenya. Combine this adaptability with a fast-growing, youthful population and low levels of financial inclusion and digital penetration, and you have a massive opportunity to create meaningful impact. 

The African Blockchain Fund is at the forefront of this opportunity. I find it very invigorating to be part of a team allocating investors’ capital to enable the building of really progressive businesses that have the potential to meaningfully solve some of these real-world problems. By aligning innovative technology with Africa’s unique needs, I believe we can unlock a wave of growth that will resonate far beyond the current applications.

‍

What do you see happening in the Web3 space over the next five years?

There’s so much potential for growth and transformation in Web3. I expect we’ll see:

1. Regulatory clarity across multiple jurisdictions, enabling significant institutional capital flows;
2. A smoother, seamless user experience, where people interact with Web3 platforms without even realizing blockchain is in the background;
3. The continued rise of stablecoins as a killer use case, thanks to their speed, efficiency, and instant settlement capabilities; and
4. The convergence of blockchain and AI, where blockchain facilitates decentralized data aggregation, computing, and AI model ownership.

It’s an exciting time to be part of this industry. The opportunities for innovation are unparalleled, and I’m eager to contribute to shaping this future through my role at CV VC.

‍

When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I absolutely love to exercise, so you will probably find me at the gym, out for a run with my Ridgeback, Thimba, or winding through mountain bike trails. In my downtime, I’m also a big fan of a good braai (that’s South African for barbecue) with family and friends. And, like many South Africans, I’m rugby-obsessed. I never miss a Springboks game!

I also love spending time in the bush on safari to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with nature. 

‍

Looking Ahead

Here at CV VC, we are more committed than ever to fostering innovation on the African continent and beyond. With Jarryd joining Brenton Naicker (Director of Fundraising & Growth Africa) on the ground in Africa, we are well-positioned to identify, support, and scale the next wave of blockchain-driven ventures.

Welcome to the team, Jarryd!