What is Zoscales Partners?
Zoscales Partners is a visionary investment firm led by a dynamic team of international professionals and local East African entrepreneurs. Their strategy? To build global connections that create mutual benefits, tapping into diverse resources to invest where it truly counts. With a strong foundation built on integrity, ambition, and innovation, Zoscales aims to deliver institutional-grade investing that generates real, tangible returns across Africa. Their main focus areas include healthcare and the decarbonization of industries. Ambitiously, they’re targeting a minimum of USD 2 billion in assets under management (AuM) within the next decade. Quite the goal, right?
Main Benefits and Key Achievements
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Zoscales stand out:
- Named East African Fund Manager of the Year in 2019
- Won Best Sustainable Investment Strategy East Africa in both 2020 and 2021
- Recognized at the prestigious SuperReturn Africa Conference in Cape Town, 2019
- Strong focus on frontier markets, especially Ethiopia
- Led by co-founders Ashenafi Alemu and Jacop Rentschler, who actively engage in industry debates and panels
The SuperReturn Africa Conference Experience
Back in December 2019, Zoscales’ investment team made waves at the SuperReturn Africa Conference in Cape Town. This event is the biggest private equity and venture capital gathering on the continent, attracting over 500 decision-makers, 200+ General Partners, and 130+ Limited Partners. Zoscales was nominated for the “SuperReturn Africa GP Awards,” which celebrates top private capital fund managers. And guess what? They took home the award for Best East African Fund Manager. Jacop Rentschler shared how surprised and honored the team felt—winning was definitely a proud moment.
Insights from Industry Experts
To understand what set Zoscales apart, the team reached out to Ziad H. Sarkis, a private capital fund expert and Director of Research at Wharton’s Joshua J. Harris Alternative Investments Program. Ziad highlighted Zoscales’ deep understanding of East African markets and their unique team composition, blending talent and backgrounds perfectly suited for the region. He sees Zoscales as an “Emerging Manager to watch,” especially for investors keen on tapping into Ethiopia’s growing economy. That’s some high praise from a top industry insider.
Engaging in Thought Leadership
Co-founders Ashenafi Alemu and Jacop Rentschler don’t just manage funds—they’re active voices in the investment community. At the SuperReturn Africa Conference, they participated in panels like “Silent Giants on the Rise,” discussing investment potential in countries like Rwanda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Ethiopia. They also contributed to “Unlocked Potential,” focusing on key drivers of economic growth in frontier markets. For them, this conference isn’t just about networking—it’s a vital platform for sharing insights, learning, and shaping Africa’s investment landscape.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through healthcare investments
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – via decarbonization initiatives
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by fostering economic development in frontier markets
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – supporting innovative industrial projects
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – leveraging global and local partnerships for sustainable impact
Looking Ahead: The Future of Zoscales Partners
With a clear vision and a strong track record, Zoscales Partners is poised to keep shaking up the investment scene in East Africa. Their commitment to doing things differently, combined with a focus on sustainability and frontier markets, sets them apart. As they push toward that ambitious USD 2 billion AuM target, the firm continues to build bridges between global capital and local opportunities—making a real difference in Africa’s economic future. Keep an eye on them; exciting times lie ahead.
