I am where I am today because of my family’s love and support – in good times and bad – my community’s cheer, my school, my colleagues and that random stranger at the café who gave up his spot in line so I could get my croissant and get to work. 

Community is connectedness in thought and action, so I am not just the result of my own hard work and commitment, but I am also a product of my community. 

My diverse professional background has perfectly prepared me for my investment analyst position at LUMO Labs.

I started my career as a legal expert at the Ethiopian Investment Commission, which gave me a broad understanding of national and international investment law with a focus on foreign direct investment. Working at Sustainable and Invest LTD, however, enabled me to unlock the other side of investment, venture investments, and dive into impact investing. My apprenticeship at VU Ventures Partners laid the foundation for what I have come to learn about venture investing. Meeting and working with many startups, experts and General Partners with years of experience further stoked my interest in venture investing.

I learned a lot in a short period of time working for these diverse organizations. Naturally, all these organizations and countries have different scopes and missions. But all share a middle ground – prioritizing sustainable investments for future generations. My experiences in Ethiopia and Germany fuel my motivation to work at a place like LUMO Labs.

I believe in the values that LUMO Labs embraces – social impacts with financial returns. I am particularly interested in LUMO’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focus on sustainable cities and communities. I’m eager to learn more about how emerging technologies help build sustainable and resilient communities and the overall role of AI in achieving that goal.

While I’m not sure I’ve lived long enough or made enough mistakes to say what is or isn’t the most important lesson in life, I have learned to refine my perspective on how I look at life. Valuable lessons I’ve learned from my own gains and losses have given me a better understanding of myself. 

The LUMO team – “my” team – is a fine mix of people with unique backgrounds, perspectives, life and work experience, but all with the common value of “togetherness.” That’s what makes LUMO Labs different, special.

I’m excited to work with founders with a thirst for success, integrity, and a shared passion to create something impactful for the world. What I bring to the table is my utmose dedication, time, support and expertise. 

Hearing the extraordinary ideas of founders, creating great connections in the industry and working with the amazing LUMO Labs team all add to my new set of knowledge and experience.

I love the quote “if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” I’ve made it my own with one addition: “if you do what you love and if you work in an environment that trusts, fosters, values, cares for and provides the intellectual needs you desire, you will never work a day in your life.”

I look forward to the exciting journey ahead.