Wakiuru Njuguna is the Managing Partner of the HEVA Fund.
For the last 15 years, she has dedicated her career to addressing the "missing middle”, businesses too large for microfinance but too unconventional for traditional banking, proving that creativity can be a highly profitable investment.
Her visionary approach combines the rigour of investment banking with the empathy of impact investing, developing hybrid financial models that recognise the inherent value in the arts, fashion, film, and digital media.
Under her leadership, HEVA has successfully committed over $40 million (about Ksh5.17 billion at the current exchange rates) to the creative industries, directly supporting more than 100 businesses and benefiting over 10,000 creatives across 14 African countries.
In addition, she has spearheaded the creation of key investment facilities, such as the Young Women’s Creative Enterprise Fund, Thrive Fund, Cultural Heritage Fund, and Sanara, which support businesses traditionally locked out of financial access.
Recognised as a 2023 BWAM 40 Under 40 Award recipient for Impact Investment, Wakiuru shapes Africa's creative future through her work in research, training, policy development, and ecosystem-building
In March 2025, Njuguna spearheaded the launch of Ota Kopa and Ota Kopa Plus, two groundbreaking financial products providing Ksh 644 million (approximately $5 million USD) in funding opportunities to thousands of Kenyan creatives, with a strong focus on empowering young women in the sector.
Wakiuru is also a proud member of the Global Creative Economy Council (GCEC), a 15-member council convened by Creative PEC and the British Council, where she contributes her expertise to shaping global discussions on the future of the creative sector.
At the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in September 2025, she highlighted the critical boost to Africa's creative industry infrastructure, such as studios and event spaces, showcasing how improved facilities are lowering production costs and expanding market access across the continent.