CORE TEAM.
PURPOSE-BUILT.
SAMIR SHAH I MANAGING PARTNER
Samir has a deep passion for sustainability, and domain expertise in our core sectors through his investments, operating positions and industry affiliations over the past decade. He enjoys working closely with entrepreneurs to help build real value in companies.
Samir began his career in venture capital in 2014, through his private investment office - Sattva Capital. Sattva has invested in over 30 companies across stages and sectors in the past five years, with several strong performers in sustainability including Drinkwell, ION Energy, GIST and HST Power. Within sustainability, water purification, solar, EVs, batteries and measurement of natural capital impacts are core areas of investment and expertise. The investment office has since become known to bring strong value-add and a wealth of knowledge to its portfolio companies. Samir is also an Adjunct Professor at Ahmedabad University, teaching an MBA course on Sustainability.
Samir has been involved in global public and private markets for the past 28 years. Prior to Sattva, Samir ran a multi-strategy hedge fund in Hong Kong, and previously held senior principal risk-taking positions at Goldman Sachs (Hong Kong), Salomon Brothers (New York) and Deutsche Bank (New York). He graduated with an MBA from Wharton (with distinction), and holds a Law degree and Bachelor of Commerce degree from Bombay University. He is a certified Chartered Accountant.
AAKASH SHAH I PARTNER
Aakash is excited by the disruptive nature of technology-led innovations in sustainability, and the imminent need to decarbonize the economy. He spends time understanding emerging industries and new technologies, to identify their application to solving complex problems in unique ways within Peak's core markets.
As Partner, Aakash leads the investment team, focusing on all aspects of the deal lifecycle, in addition to , and is also involved previously headed up the early-stage ventures arm of Sattva Capital, where he was responsible for sourcing, deal evaluation and ongoing monitoring of the portfolio, leading deals in Energy Web Foundation (an energy blockchain platform) and Shortlist (an HR tech startup). Prior to Sattva, Aakash was jointly responsible for the Asia portfolio at Accion Venture Lab, a Washington D.C.-based, global fintech impact fund, where he led deals in consumer credit, SME lending and micro-insurance. He is also the co-founder of neonVest, an expert network connecting users to luminaries in their field, using data to make hyper-personalized matches. Over 300+ experts currently use the platform, from the likes of Azure Capital, Silicon Valley Data Capital, and Fifty Years VC.
Aakash previously spent three years as an Investment Research Analyst at Aksia, a New York-based hedge fund advisory firm with $150bn AUA, where he evaluated funds across long/short equity, credit and quant strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from NYU Stern, with a minor in Philosophy.
JOSEPH MARIATHASAN I OPERATING PARTNER
Joseph Mariathasan is actively involved in the climate sector, and has extensive financial services experience. He is a Director of GIST, and is on the Advisory Boards of Moneyhub and pinBox Solutions. He is a Contributing Editor at Investments & Pensions Europe (IPE). He has previously worked at Shell, Kleinwort Benson, Aviva and GMO. Joseph has a doctorate in physics from Oxford University, and maintains a dialogue with the world-leading climate physics group there.
ANDREW HOFFMAN I OPERATING PARTNER
Andrew Hoffmann is an active investor and advisor in sustainability-related ventures. He is the CEO of Rock Island LLC, a real asset investment advisor. He has 30+ years of experience in real assets at Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Brookfield, and PIMCO. He was also a Principal at Capricorn Management (Jeff Skoll's family office), one of the most active global investors in climate solutions. Andy has been an investor and advisor in companies such as AgroVision, Sevana BioEnergy, and Wild Earth.
AADIL CHITALWALA I SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Aadil is inspired by the drive of entrepreneurs who look at creating sustainability-focused businesses in environments and legacy sectors that have been operating in a traditional manner.
At Peak, Aadil focuses on deal screening and macro research. Prior to Peak, Aadil was involved on the deal-side at Baring Private Equity Asia (a $40 Bn Hong Kong based fund), where he also built out their ESG framework and Investment criteria. He also has experience working with a search fund and mid-market private equity fund.
Aadil previously worked at BNP Paribas as a Manager. He has also led a US-based non-profit for the past 6 years, which currently operates in 9 countries. Aadil holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and an B.Sc. degree from Boston University. He has also passed his CFA Level II.
SARAH BHOT I ASSOCIATE
Sarah is excited by the prospect of identifying innovative climate solutions at a grassroots level that large corporates can scale up. When she's off the clock, she likes to explore new areas and restaurants in Mumbai.
Sarah is involved in investment evaluation, research and partnerships at Peak. She joined the firm in 2022, and has been involved in some emerging new verticals, including Hydrogen and Green Buildings. Prior to Peak, Sarah was a Manager in Financial Services at Ernst & Young in London. for five years. During her time at E&Y, she worked with large asset managers to review their responsible investing policies and ESG frameworks.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with Management and Finance, from Kings College London. She is a CFA Charterholder and has attained a certificate in ESG Investing by the CFA Institute.
SWARAJ DHARIA I ASSOCIATE
Swaraj is passionate about helping alleviate the negative climate impact on distressed and low-income communities. He was also the youngest member of the Indian delegation to attend COP 26 & 27.
Swaraj is involved as a generalist on the investment team at Peak, with specific interest in Food Systems, Plastics and Carbon Markets. Swaraj joins us with deep experience in climate policy, as a Green Financing Expert in the Government of India. During this time, he played a significant role in helping with carbon market implementation and negotiations at COP 26 & 27. He was a key part of the Indian negotiation team at COP 26 that worked on adopting Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Prior to this, Swaraj was a management consultant at EY (New York) for three years, working with clients across healthcare, consumer goods, energy, agriculture-technology and policy.
Swaraj holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from VIT, Vellore and a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
ANEESA PATEL I RESEARCH ANALYST
Aneesa has a keen interest in promoting innovations and businesses that can not only mitigate climate change but offer sustainable lifestyle alternatives
Aneesa is involved on the investment, research and deal sourcing side at Peak. She's done a lot of work on alternative materials, plastics and other spaces of keen interest to the team. Aneesa previously worked at Environmental Management Centre LLP, where she focused on projects related to the concepts of Circular Economy and Sustainable Finance. Prior to that, she has worked in various sectors including sustainability research and training (Centre for Environmental Research and Education), artificial intelligence (IBM UK), alternative meat (The Good Food Institute), and sustainable fashion (ZAVI Designs). Apart from her formal work experience, she has also led multiple social projects related to sustainability.
She has completed her BSc in Business, Management and Public Policy from Aston University, UK