The International Investment Fund (IIF) is a student-run venture capital fund at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver above-market returns while supporting positive social and environmental outcomes through catalytic capital and value creation.
Founded in 2019 with the support of the William Davidson Institute (WDI) at the University of Michigan, IIF pioneered investing in emerging markets amongst the top U.S. graduate schools.
Working With the Best Partners
The William Davidson Institute is an Independent, non-profit research and educational organization at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
WDI is guided by its founding principle that thriving businesses drive economic development and improve social welfare in emerging countries.
U-M Law International Transactions Clinic (ITC) helps clients execute complex international transactions across the globe.
The clinic’s client base is diverse and unified by a desire to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges such as poverty, adequate housing, environmental degradation, and climate change.
We provide a unique Action-Based Learning experience to University of Michigan graduate students, equipping them with a variety of skills they need - regardless of whether they want to become investment professionals or pursue other career paths.
On The Ground
Each year, IIF Investment Associates and legal partners travel to our regions of interest to connect with startup founders, accelerators, and local agencies, gaining firsthand insights into local ecosystems and identifying opportunities for investment and engagement.
Interested in Hosting IIF in Your Country or Organization?
Our Team
2026-2027 Management Team
Mariana Chapouto Lopes
Managing Director
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Hometown: Jaipur, India
Degree Program: Weekend MBA
Background: Financial Services, Economical Analysis and Pricing
About Me: Traveling, reading non-fiction books and running
Joshua Ogbeifun
VP of Due Diligence
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Devinaa Mangal
VP of Sourcing & Partnerships
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Vladimir Stewart
VP of Education
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Hometown: Pruthvi Kuppam
Degree Program: Weekend MBA
Background: Automotive Engineer, Systems Design, Product Development, Data Analytics
I enjoy: Sports and games in general, and am a big Formula 1 fan. Running, playing tennis and video/board games are my main stress busters.
Pruthvi Kuppam
VP of Value Creation
Investment Associates
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Alexander Rodriguez
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Degree Program: FTMBA
Background: Corporate Finance & Financial Services
I enjoy: Anything active, whether it be running, skiing, hiking, biking. If it is outside and gets my heart up I am up for trying it!
Caroline Hubbard
Hometown: São Paulo (SP), Brazil
Degree Program: MBA/MS
Background: Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Technology Startup
I enjoy: Travelling, Baking/Cooking Vegan Recipes, Video/Board Games, Biking/Walking/Hiking (any outdoor activity!) and Playing Sports
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Degree Program: FTMBA
Background: Corporate Finance & Financial Services
I enjoy: Anything active, whether it be running, skiing, hiking, biking. If it is outside and gets my heart up I am up for trying it!
Nebyat Teferra
Advisors
Faculty Advisor
Gautam Kaul
Professor of Finance
University of Michigan Ross Business School
Legal Advisor
Carl A. Valenstein
Adjunct Clinical Assistant & Professor of Law
University of Michigan Law School
Our Portfolio
DohYangu
Kawu
Swyft
Year Founded: 2020
Investment Year: 2022
Corporate Office: Nairobi, Kenya
DohYangu gives Kenyan consumers purchasing fast-moving consumer goods access to promotion offerings from multiple FMCG brands.
DohYangu also tracks the marketing performance for FCMG suppliers, gather consumer insights to implement promotional campaigns.
Year Founded: 2021
Investment Year: 2024
Corporate Office: Kampala, Uganda
Website: kawu.africa
Kawu allows parents transfer funds, track their child’s expenses, and set limitations through secure mobile money services application. Students gain access to the funds with the Kawu Smart Card.
Year Founded: 2019
Investment Year: 2025
Corporate Office: Douala, Cameroon
Website: myswyftapp.com
Swyft offers last-mile delivery to Cameroon’s residents, local businesses, and e-merchants.
IIF evaluates 5 to 10 startups annually,
sourced through our elite deal-flow partners.
The fund invests in startups operating in the following verticals:
Agriculture
Education
Energy and Climate Action
Financial Inclusion
Healthcare
Transportation