John Mairlot

John Mairlot is a fervent believer that business plays a key role in finding solutions to complex societal challenges. He is currently a senior investment manager at Aqua-Spark, a global investment fund focused on sustainable aquaculture. As part of this role, he is responsible for leading new and follow-on investments as well as supporting multiple portfolio companies. In parallel, he is also an active angel investor, with a particular interest in agrifoodtech.

Prior to joining Aqua-Spark, John worked as an Investment Manager at Cobepa, a Belgium-based private equity company, where he was responsible for due diligence, deal execution and portfolio management. Later, he headed the rural business development initiatives of the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

John holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Master in Business Engineering from the Louvain School of Management, Belgium. In his free time, he is a passionate traveler, reader and skier.

Skills and field of expertise

  • Fundraising
  • Strategy
  • Financial modelling
  • Business development
  • Corporate finance
  • Negotiations

Offer

I’ve invested in companies in a broad range of sectors and have significant experience in supporting entrepreneurs, notably by serving on the board of several high-growth startups. This exposure enables me to help you identify areas of improvement for your business and act as sparring partner to navigate complex situations. I can also help you see through the lens of a venture capital investor, and best prepare you for upcoming fundraising.

Interest

I’m interested to support any agrifood startup that has a convincing and exciting proposition and the ambition to build a cleaner, fairer and healthier world.

Personal quote

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” ~ Wayne Gretzky

Walt Disney
John Mairlot