About Meraki Impact

We started our impact investing journey in 2017. Take a look at how our theory of change has evolved and get to know our team!

Meraki Impact Theory of Change
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2023
And the team behind this story is…

Fernando Russo

Founder and General Manager

He has over twenty years of experience in business, nine of which was managing his own company.Fernando has been dedicated to impact investing since 2016 because he strongly believes that a sustainable food system is what can help achieve his life’s mission of restoring our natural ecosystems.

Felipe Russo

Founder and Head of Impact Strategy

is our Head of Impact and co-founder of Instituto Meraki. His background is in Biology, Education and Art. Felipe has worked as a researcher in Landscape Ecology and Conservation, having been involved in several academic and educational projects. As a Photographer, he has worked for the press, with NGOs, and independently produced artwork that was exhibited at institutions such as the Museum of the City of São Paulo and the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Vinícius Contieri

Head of Investments

Vinicius is based in Amsterdam and has been the Investment manager of the family office since 2022. With a background in Chemical Engineering and a CFA Charterholder, Vinicius spent 3 years in the capital markets before deciding to transition into impact and sustainable investing. This decision was driven by his belief in the pivotal role that sustainability plays in investment management and the fundamental role of the capital market in fostering sustainable development.
Since making this transition, Vinicius has taken on the responsibility of leading due diligence and monitoring efforts for both traditional and alternative investments within the Family Office.

Raquel Rodrigues

Head of Operations and Community

Raquel’s mission at Meraki Impact is to foster opportunities for collaboration that transcend financial gains, leveraging diverse talents and resources within the network. With over 20 years of experience in business development, Raquel has contributed to companies such as Natura&Co and Nielsen, as well as in international and startup environments. She holds a master’s degree in Ecological Design Thinking from Schumacher College in the UK, a master’s degree in Wine Business from Université Montpellier in France, and a degree in Business Administration from the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

Val Paviatti

Executive Assistant

Graduated in Marketing, Val has over 30 years of experience in executive assistance. Within our organization, she plays a key role in managing the flow of information, ensuring organization, adherence to deadlines, processes, and schedules. Beyond her professional career, Val is passionate about communication and volunteer work. In her free time, she shines as a talented storyteller.

Nayara Pereira

Administrative Assistant

Nayara is our Administrative Assistant and has played a crucial role in the daily operations of our São Paulo office, Brazil, since 2019. With a degree in Human Resources Management, she brings valuable knowledge and skills that significantly enhance our operations. Her experience and education make her a vital part of our team, constantly striving to improve processes and provide high-quality support.

Alberto Sansiviero Junior

Member of the Investment Committee

Based in São Paulo, Brazil, Alberto is a lifelong learner, late-blooming entrepreneur, who has an extensive experience in financial markets, mergers & acquisitions, corporate governance, investment analysis, asset allocation and wealth management.
With over 35 years of experience in banking and advisory services, he is currently a Senior Partner & COO of Pipeline Capital, member of the audit committee of Instituto Paradigma (former chairman of the board), board member at Esporte Clube Pinheiros and advisory board member of privately controlled companies.

Antonio Azevedo

Member of the Investment Committee

Based in Lisbon, Portugal, Antônio is the CEO of Luxor Group, a global investment company whose purpose is to empower businesses and people creating exceptional returns through a conscious culture. With a background in finance and over 20 years of experience, he also serves as a director at Luxor Agro, one of Brazil’s leading regenerative agriculture companies.

We believe that the regeneration of the planet is connected to the transformation of people, where making a shift to a regenerative food system is key in this healing process.