John Tidmarsh

Co-founder and CEO (VAI Capital) - VAI Capital

John is Partner at the Mobility Credit Fund, Africa’s first fund dedicated to the e-mobility industry, bringing flexible, USD-denominated financing to companies and projects across the e-mobility value chain, including vehicles, batteries, charging, and energy infrastructure. John is also Founder of VAI Capital, a sustainable finance platform focused on investment in opportunities in clean mobility and renewable energy.

Previously, John was Chief Investment Officer at R20 Regions of Climate Action, where he led investment strategies across climate-smart infrastructure. He also held senior roles at EY, where he advised GPs and LPs on sustainable fund formation, and earlier co-founded cleantech and impact-focused venture funds. His track record includes originating and structuring transactions such as a USD 350 million sustainable infrastructure fund—and a EURO 100 million sustainable VC fund with the European Space Agency.

John holds a BA, MA, and MBA from the University of Cambridge, and completed the Climate Leadership Programme (Cambridge) and Fintech Programme (Oxford). He has served on the Board and as Executive Director of Sustainable Finance Geneva, was nominated “VC Personality of the Year” by GP Bullhound, and sat on the selection board of the London Social Stock Exchange.