Kathryn Zealand

Accomplished Founder and Impact Investor with a Proven Track Record of Driving Innovation and Sustainable Growth

Professional Overview

Kathryn Zealand is a seasoned entrepreneur and impact investor with a strong focus on sustainable business practices and innovative solutions. As the Founder of Skip, she is leading the development of transformative technologies that address critical global challenges. Additionally, Kathryn serves as a Board Member at FreeWill, where she provides strategic guidance and oversight, and as a Venture Partner at KJA Investments, where she leverages her expertise to identify and support promising startups.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder, Skip (2023-02-01 to Present)

• Spearheading the development of groundbreaking technologies that address pressing global issues

• Driving the company's strategic vision and ensuring the execution of innovative, sustainable business practices

• Fostering a collaborative, purpose-driven culture to attract and retain top talent

Board Member, FreeWill (2022-05-01 to Present)

• Providing strategic guidance and oversight to the leadership team

• Contributing to the organization's long-term growth and impact initiatives

• Leveraging industry expertise to support the expansion of FreeWill's innovative charitable giving solutions

Venture Partner, KJA Investments (2017-01-01 to Present)

• Evaluating and selecting promising startup investments that align with the firm's focus on sustainable and socially conscious ventures

• Mentoring and advising portfolio company founders on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and growth strategies

• Actively participating in the firm's investment decision-making process and portfolio management

Career Progression

General Manager, X, the moonshot factory (2018-01-01 to 2023-03-01)

• Spearheaded the development and implementation of disruptive technologies aimed at addressing global challenges

• Drove the successful commercialization of several groundbreaking products, resulting in significant impact and market traction

• Cultivated a dynamic, innovative team culture that fostered collaborative problem-solving and rapid prototyping

Sustainable Private Equity, The Cranemere Group (2017-06-01 to 2017-09-01)

• Evaluated and conducted due diligence on potential sustainable investment opportunities

• Collaborated with the investment team to develop strategies for driving positive environmental and social impact

• Contributed to the firm's thought leadership and industry engagement on sustainable investing practices

Manager - Africa, Acceso, Clinton Guistra Enterprise Partnership (2014-01-01 to 2016-01-01)

• Managed the implementation of sustainable agricultural initiatives and social enterprise development programs in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Fostered partnerships with local communities, governments, and NGOs to ensure the long-term success and scalability of the organization's impact projects

• Developed and executed strategies to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and promote inclusive economic growth

Academic Background

Kathryn holds a Master's degree in International Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she specialized in sustainable economic and social policies. She also earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, graduating with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Sustainable business practices and impact investing

• Disruptive technology development and commercialization

• Strategic leadership and organizational transformation

• Collaborative cross-functional team management

• Stakeholder engagement and multi-sectoral partnership building

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the development and launch of several groundbreaking sustainable technologies at X, the moonshot factory

• Drove the successful implementation of impactful agricultural and social enterprise initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa as the Manager - Africa at Acceso

• Contributed to the growth and strategic direction of the sustainable private equity practice at The Cranemere Group

• Actively mentors and advises startup founders as a Venture Partner at KJA Investments, supporting the scale-up of innovative, purpose-driven businesses

Conclusion

Kathryn Zealand's extensive experience as a successful entrepreneur, impact investor, and strategic leader positions her as a respected voice in the sustainable business and technology innovation space. With a proven track record of driving transformative change and delivering measurable social and environmental impact, Kathryn is poised to continue making significant contributions to the advancement of sustainable solutions that address global challenges.