Accion

Amee Parbhoo brings nearly a decade specializing in inclusive fintech for emerging markets and hands-on microfinance experience, applying a thesis-driven, practitioner-focused approach to embedded fintech and educating founders via podcasts.

John Fischer is Chief Investment Officer at Accion. He has more than 20 years of experience investing in equity positions within financial inclusion businesses, including both financial institutions and fintech companies at various stages from early-stage through scaling phases.

Matt Schaar is a Partner at Accion Ventures with over 20 years of experience across technical, customer-facing, and marketing roles. He has previously worked at GitHub and BCG, and holds an aerospace engineering background. His experience includes leading initiatives in technical design, user growth, and community programs, with a focus on inclusive fintech investment.

Rahil Rangwala moved from Bridgewater into impact investing after a Delhi sabbatical; podcaster of Fintech for the People, he champions embedded finance for the underserved in Africa and emerging markets.

Sebastian Molina Gasman is Principal of Latin America at Accion Venture Lab, where he oversees investment activity in inclusive fintech and manages deal sourcing, diligence, and post-investment support. Previously, he served as Investment Manager at Seedstars International, focusing on early-stage technology ventures in emerging markets, and held a position at Bloomberg L.P. in financial technology. He holds a CFA Charter, a BS in Economics, International Relations, and International Development from Tulane University, and an MPA from Cornell University, where he was an Environmental Finance and Impact Investing Fellow.

Chris Coxon is Chief Communications Officer at Accion. He has developed brands and multi-channel communications and content strategies, with expertise in traditional and social media. He has served as a speechwriter and spokesperson, advising senior political figures and thought leaders.

Karthik Venkataraman is Chief Operating Officer of Accion International, where he oversees global operations and advisory functions for the organization's work in financial access and digital financial technologies. He previously spent nearly 17 years as a Partner at Bain & Company's Washington DC office, leading the firm's Social Impact practice and Travel and Leisure practice across multiple regions. Venkataraman holds an MBA from the Wharton School, an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and an AB in History from Princeton University, and serves on the boards of the Gustavo Dudamel Foundation and Education for Employment.

Maria Hermida serves as Chief Legal, Compliance and Risk Officer at Accion. She has held senior leadership positions in legal, compliance, and risk management across domestic and multinational financial services organizations, and serves on boards where she focuses on ethics, integrity, and human rights initiatives.

Melissa Baez is Chief Administrative Officer at Accion, where she oversees human resources, global technology, and facilities operations. She joined Accion in 2006 and has held positions including Vice President of Global Program Management for Accion Advisory, where she managed operations and talent development, and roles supporting partners in Africa and Haiti in strategic planning and institutional transformation. In 2012, she helped establish Accion's Training and Capacity Building team and led knowledge exchange forums for advisory staff and financial service providers.

Nataša Goronja is Managing Director of the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion. She brings 30 years of operational experience across the World Bank, international NGOs, and advisory services firms, with expertise in financial inclusion policy analysis. She serves as teaching faculty at a leading international financial inclusion institute.

Paulo Silva is Chief Financial Officer at Accion with over 15 years of experience in financial management across banking, asset management, the public sector, and management consulting. He holds a Master's in Data Science from Harvard, an MBA from Iona University, and is a licensed CPA in New York. Silva previously served as an infantryman in the United States Marine Corps.