Team
Caitlin Hickey
Caitlin has extensive experience in advising entrepreneurs and managing all phases of early-stage investments. Previous to BiD Network USA, Caitlin worked at the investment bank Houlihan Lokey, first in the Private Placement Group in San Francisco where she advised early-stage companies on securing growth capital, and later in London, where she advised debt and equity investment funds on procuring, structuring and negotiating investments throughout Western / Eastern Europe and Asia. Her work has given her a deep understanding of the unique processes required for investments in typically underserved markets. Caitlin has lived in Western Africa, and has advised small to medium sized companies and social investment funds throughout Central America, South America and Asia.
Email: caitlin.hickey@bidnetworkusa.org
Matthew Davis
Matt has extensive experience in management consulting. Previous to BiD Network USA, Matt worked extensively in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of an extensive process to develop an small- to medium-sized enterprise due diligence assessment methodology, Matt interviewed over 100 small- to medium-sized enterprises in Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and Botswana. He has also worked as a senior strategist at the Touchstone Consulting Group where he served multiple senior-level clients by leading large-scale change management efforts. A deep understanding of complex scientific subject matter, culture and business management helped Matt in his role as strategist for the United States government and lays a foundation for his current role.
Email: matthew.davis@bidnetworkusa.org
Laura Grazier
Laura has extensive experience in marketing, public relations and organizational operations. She has eight years of experience in strategic communications, public relations and marketing and has worked in countries throughout Africa, Central America and Europe. As a communications consultant, she has managed communications initiatives for clients including Mayo Clinic and World Vision. For the non-profit group Mercy Ships, Laura served as the primary public relations representative, managing relationships with local and international media.
Email: laura.grazier@bidnetworkusa.org
Maria Pontes
Maria Pontes is a Senior Advisor and Sector Challenge Coordinator for BiD Network. As Senior Advisor, she covers BiD Network's activities in Liberia, Mexico and Mozambique. Prior to BiD Network, Maria worked on development programs in Mexico.
Email: maria.pontes@bidnetwork.org
Thierry Sanders
Thierry Sanders is the Director and Founder of the BiD Network Foundation. Prior to BiD Network Foundation, Thierry founded "Dutch Design in Development", a foundation that helps producers in developing countries redesign their products for western markets. In just five years, Thierry has shaped BiD Network into being the largest web-platform for SMEs in developing counties. He is also a frequent guest lecturer and author in Holland and abroad.
