John currently serves as the Managing Partner at Side B Group, an asset management firm specializing in early-stage technology risk within Africa. He boasts two decades of experience in the East African investment landscape, with a background encompassing work and residence in emerging markets such as the Czech Republic, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Side B Group's primary focus lies in investment management, where they operate an early-stage technology and innovation fund dedicated to Africa with ambitions to become the continent's largest early-stage backer, managing $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) by 2030. At the local level, they also conduct early-stage advisory under Side B Partners.
John is a Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda. The American Chamber of Commerce in Uganda is an independent private members' body fostering greater cultural understanding, cooperation, and dialogue between Ugandan and American businesses aimed at promoting strong commercial, economic, and trade ties. He is also a Faculty Advisor for Cavendish University in Uganda Business School, focusing on building an endowment and aligning education to more practical lessons and experiences.
Prior to his tenure at Side B, John's career included roles at Amani Partners, the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC, now Development Finance Corporation - DFC), USAID's Development Credit Authority (DCA), and large NGOs involved in housing, media, broadcasting, and international development.
John's educational background comprises of a BA in Agricultural Resource Economics & Statistics from UC Davis in California, an MBA in Finance from George Washington University's School of Business, and an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a father and considers East Africa his home.
