First Circle Capital has announced the appointment of two seasoned industry professionals, Samantha Ghiotti and Andi Dervishi, as independent members of its Investment Committee. The move signals the firm’s commitment to strengthening its decision-making capabilities as it continues to expand its influence across Africa’s growing fintech ecosystem. With a combined five decades of global fintech expertise, the two executives are expected to bring a wealth of knowledge to the firm’s investment strategies.
Strengthening Governance and Strategy
The inclusion of Ghiotti and Dervishi reinforces First Circle Capital’s ambition to become a leading investment platform in African fintech. The firm emphasized that their advisory input will be critical in shaping portfolio decisions, driving growth, and identifying opportunities aligned with long-term value creation. Both appointments also highlight the fund’s focus on marrying global perspectives with local execution.
Samantha Ghiotti’s Track Record
Samantha Ghiotti currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Habitto, a Japanese insurtech startup that helps consumers simplify financial planning. She also sits on the board of a Thiel Capital portfolio company, reflecting her strong connections with the global investment community. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Ghiotti was Deputy CEO at Singlife, where she played a central role in the firm’s IPO preparations and $3.4 billion exit, and she previously held a partner role at Anthemis, a prominent seed-stage fintech venture capital firm.
Andi Dervishi’s Global Experience
Andi Dervishi brings a rich background from his tenure at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where he was Chief Investment Officer and Global Head of Fintech, ePayments, and New Finance. Over his career, he managed a fintech portfolio spanning 80 companies across 28 countries, making him one of the most experienced thematic investors in the sector. His expertise lies in identifying global trends, guiding founders through regulatory hurdles, and designing long-term growth and exit strategies.
Impact on Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem
First Circle Capital stated that the addition of these two figures is aimed at accelerating the development of Africa’s financial technology landscape. With Ghiotti’s operator and exit expertise and Dervishi’s institutional investment background, the firm is positioning itself to back startups that can redefine financial inclusion and digital finance in emerging markets. Their involvement is also expected to help portfolio companies attract international investors and strengthen corporate governance.
Future Outlook for First Circle Capital
The appointments come at a time when African fintech continues to attract record levels of venture capital, driven by rapid digital adoption and underserved market demand. By bringing in global leaders with both operational and investment experience, First Circle Capital is reinforcing its credibility and enhancing its ability to deliver returns to investors. The firm expects these perspectives to help identify transformative companies that can scale across borders and achieve sustainable impact.
With the addition of Samantha Ghiotti and Andi Dervishi to its Investment Committee, First Circle Capital is making a clear statement about its growth ambitions and its role in shaping Africa’s fintech future. The firm is betting on experienced leadership to drive its strategy, deepen its portfolio, and strengthen its international reach. As the African fintech sector matures, this move positions First Circle Capital to play an even more influential role in advancing the ecosystem.