Sander Smits van Oyen and Paul van Aalst manage SOVEC together with two investment managers from Amsterdam.
We work closely with our partners in Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Furthermore we are supported by Freeland Corporate Advisors for administrative and compliance issues. The Supervisory Board oversees the performance of SOVEC and functions as Investment Committe. Stichting Social Venture Capital Foundation has taken the initiative to set up the fund in 2007 and is the guardian of the social investment principles of SOVEC.
SOVEC Management
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Sander Smits van Oyen Managing Director; sander[at]sovec.n l“Why should we invest if they don’t invest?” Read more. |
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Paul van Aalst Managing Director; paul[at]sovec.nl “Quote van Paul” Read more. |
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Wietse van Scheltinga MSc Investment Manager; wietse[at]sovec.nl “Quote van Wietse” Read more. |
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Som Toohey CFA MCSI Investment Manager; som[at]sovec.nl “Quote van Som” Read more. |
Supervisory Board
![]() Until recently Hein Verloop was CEO of the Driessen Aerospace Group BV. Prior to that he was CEO of Schreiner Aviation Group where he led their reorganisation. As delegate member of the NPM, a Dutch private equity firm, Hein serves on the board of various companies. Hein studied Law and holds a MBA from the Technische Universiteit Delft. |
![]() Philip Liverpool is the Commercial Director of Kosmos Energy Ghana HC, a role which includes responsibility for dealings/negotiations with Joint Venture partners and Government. Prior to that he worked for Shell International, initially in technical roles and in the latter half of his career in Business Development, focusing on Asia Pacific, the Former Soviet Union, the Middle East and Africa. Philip holds an MSc in Applied Geophysics, from Technische Universiteit Delft. |
![]() Since 1996 Fred is a self-employed interim manager. As of 2008 Fred is manager of a family office that invests its revenues to “empower underserved people”. From 1982 – 1996 he has worked for the consultancy arm of a middle sized accountants firm, Exxon (IT), BASF (Finance & Control) and a family owned company in the confectionary industry. Fred has extensive experience in positions on various levels and in multiple sectors. He is convinced that a healthy financial return is a condition for continuity and believes that local initiatives and local management are key for development. Foreign knowledge and experience should focus on supporting local initiatives, not on creating them. |
![]() Jacques is chairman of the SOVEC Foundation. He is also Partner at Ordina NV. Before joining Ordina in 2006, he worked for KPN in The Netherlands. He has a background in mathematics and strategic management. He holds a Master of Science degree in computer science from the Eindhoven University of Technology and a doctor degree in business administration (with distinction) from the Maastricht School of Management. Throughout the years, his work has focused on helping companies to drive business transformation through innovation. Jacques is also involved in business development projects for small and medium enterprises, and large enterprises in Africa. In part-time, he is associate professor of corporate innovation strategies and emerging markets at the Maastricht School of Management. |
SOVEC Foundation Board
Jacques Brook See above. |
![]() Ruud Bakhuizen is member of the Board of the SOVEC Foundation and treasurer. He is owner of a real estate investment company. In 1995 Ruud and his wife founded Foundation to Earth and Mankind through Inspiration and Initiative (FEMI). The goal of this foundation is to create possibilities for people all over the world who live in poverty and have very few chances. Through his positions in several charitable organisations Ruud has an extensive network. |
SOVEC Foundation Board of Advisors
H.H.F. Wijffels PhD![]() |
L.C.A. Burgers![]() |
J. W. Eenhoorn MSc![]() |
M.A. de Haan MSc![]() Michiel de Haan founded Atlas Venture (atlasventure.com) in 1980, originally a Dutch venture capital company, which has grown into a transatlantic firm under his leadership. Michiel currently supports and finances several projects in developing countries and is a member of the Board of the European Venture Capital Association and co-founder of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA). |
![]() Henk Hietink is a former Board member of a significant number of both Dutch and foreign companies. Currently Henk is involved as a Board member of several charities. Henk holds a Masters degree in Economics and Political Science. |