Private Equity team 

Kobus is the Group CEO and co-founder of Fairtree. He also serves as Chairman of the Private Equity and Operational Real Estate Investment Committees and is an Equity Portfolio Manager in the Investment team. Kobus began his career at PwC, where he completed his auditing articles and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000. He then joined Sanlam’s in-house Corporate Finance team in 2001, where he was involved in several large corporate transactions. During this time, he also qualified as……

David joined Fairtree in 2021 and is the Managing Director of Fairtree Elevant Ventures. He founded and leads the European venture growth fund and leads investments in exceptional businesses that are transforming their industries through shifting consumer behaviour, emerging channels and disruptive technology. He began his career as a consultant in Bain & Company’s Private Equity Group, before taking on strategic and general management roles at SABMiller and then transitioning to building businesses as an entrepreneur. From 2010 to 2020……

Joe joined Fairtree in 2013 and is a Real Estate Portfolio Manager in the Investment team. He plays a key role in overseeing real estate and private equity investments, with a strong focus on asset management, hospitality, and operational real estate strategies. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Joe has held various leadership and advisory roles across multiple companies. He currently serves as a director on numerous portfolio companies. He is also a non-executive director at DC……

Gabriel joined Fairtree in 2019 and is a Private Equity Investment Principal in the Fairtree Elevant Ventures team. He plays a key role in identifying and partnering with innovative businesses across Europe, with a focus on high-growth businesses with a scalable technological edge. He began his career at PwC in Financial Services Assurance, gaining experience in both Cape Town and Minneapolis, before moving into equity investment management at Stonehage Fleming as a fund manager and senior equity analyst. During his……

Maurits joined Fairtree in 2025 and is an Investment Partner in the Fairtree Elevant Ventures team. He has 15 years of experience in banking and four years in venture investing, holding leadership roles across both sectors. Prior to joining Fairtree, Maurits headed Rabobank’s Energy Storage and Circularity division, and previously led a family office as General Partner while serving as an independent investment committee chair. He also serves on several advisory boards and investment committees. He brings deep expertise in……

Michael-John (MJ) joined Fairtree in 2019 and is a Private Equity Analyst in the Investment team. He is also part of the Infrastructure team, involved in both Debt and Equity mandates, where he forms part of the Investment Committee. In addition, he is involved in Real Estate and Private Equity transactions across local and global markets. He was previously part of the Real Estate Private Equity & Operational Real Estate team, based in the UK and operating across the UK,……

René joined Fairtree in 2019 and is a Financial Manager overseeing the Fairtree Group’s international finances. She began her career in 2013 at PwC South Africa, where she spent nearly seven years in the financial services audit division, including three years as an audit manager. René holds a Bachelor of Accounting Honours degree from Stellenbosch University and is a Chartered Accountant.

Marisa joined Fairtree in 2023 and is a Private Equity Analyst in the Fairtree Elevant Ventures team. She began her career in 2000 and has since gained extensive experience across various industries. Marisa holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree.