George Gachara is the managing partner at HEVA Fund, a finance and business support facility for creative industries in East Africa. As Managing Partner, George works to define strategy, identify investors and funding partners and provide assistance to creative and cultural sector ventures to achieve their growth plans. His hands-on approach allows for intimate understanding of the creative sector and has helped to focus his efforts on proactive planning, analysis and client support.

George has a background in Communication from Daystar University (Kenya), Conflict Prevention and Management from the International Peace and Security Institute (Italy), Design Thinking and Problem Solving from the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Private Equity and Venture Capital, Strathmore Business School (Kenya). He brings to this role a unique blend of career experiences working in non-profit resource development and governance with particular focus in youth development, social innovation and arts management.

George has significantly contributed to the transformation of creative economy policy environment in Kenya and in the region, most notably spearheading the development and finalization Kenya's first film policy white paper (2017). George continues to work closely with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts and the Executive Office of the President to create and implement interventions for cultural and creative economy growth.

In addition to his work at HEVA, George is a member of the NEST Collective - a dynamic Nairobi-based arts company, where he is a writer, film maker and thought leader. He is also an advisor for the Africa region with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for Young People, a Global Fellow for the International Youth Foundation and a recipient of the International Development Committee's Outstanding Leadership Award.

All sessions by George Gachara