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Ollie Howie
Venture Capital
Ollie Howie is a venture capitalist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in finance and investment. He served as the Chief Financial Officer at Afriex from May 2020 to June 2022.1 Afriex is a financial technology company that focuses on money transfers, providing a platform for sending and receiving money quickly and securely, particularly for transactions involving African countries.2
Currently, Howie holds several prominent positions:
- Managing Director at Mount Auburn Venture Partners1
- Head of Finance at Afriex (since June 2022)1
- Venture Partner at NextGen Venture Partners (since November 2019)1
- Managing Director of the New Community Transformation Fund (since November 2021)4
Howie's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Harvard University.1 His professional experience spans roles at major financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, as well as venture capital firms like Greenspring Associates and SoftBank's SB Opportunity Fund.14
As the first managing director of the New Community Transformation Fund, Howie is focused on investing in businesses owned by people of color in West Michigan. The fund aims to raise $25 million and invest between $250,000 and $500,000 in second-stage, Brown and Black-owned businesses in various sectors.45
Howie has received recognition for his work, including being named in the Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 under 40 and HBCUVC's 31 under 31 Venture Capital list.3 He is also a member of the Forbes Business Council and has been involved in various advisory and board positions for startups and economic development initiatives.3


