May 26, 2022

E053: Irene Arias Hofman: IDB LAB

Irene Arias Hofman, a Spanish national, was appointed CEO of IDB Lab, the IDB Group innovation laboratory, in January 2018. Irene leads a purpose-driven multidisciplinary team that fosters innovation for inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under her direction, the lab uses tools of financing, knowledge, and connections to co-create projects and support entrepreneurship. IDB Lab looks for market-driven solutions able to transform the lives of populations that are vulnerable due to economic, social or environmental factors.

E053: Irene Arias Hofman: IDB LAB

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:38 What inspired you to become a VC?
01:38 What is your investment thesis? What is the motivation for your thesis?
03:34 What are you currently reading or learning or listening to these days?
04:41 In 2 years, how do you see venture capital evolved or changed?
05:27 How do people contact you?
05:46 Thank you

Featured Guest Bio:
Irene Arias Hofman, a Spanish national, was appointed CEO of IDB Lab, the IDB Group innovation laboratory, in January 2018. Irene leads a purpose-driven multidisciplinary team that fosters innovation for inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under her direction, the lab uses tools of financing, knowledge, and connections to co-create projects and support entrepreneurship. IDB Lab looks for market-driven solutions able to transform the lives of populations that are vulnerable due to economic, social or environmental factors.

Previously, she developed her career working for more than 20 years with the World Bank Group, specifically with the IFC, the largest international development institution focused on the private sector. There, Irene had investment responsibilities with global reach and also focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. She managed the IFC's largest portfolio - US$ 16 billion - and annual investment programs of more than US$ 6 billion. Her focus has been on innovation, venture capital, and fintech.

Irene holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carlos III University in Madrid, an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, and an M.A. in Advanced European Studies from the College of Europe. She is a CFA® Charterholder.

Fund Information:
IDB Lab is the innovation laboratory of the IDB Group, the leading source of development finance and know-how for improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

IDB Lab mobilizes resources to develop innovative projects and early stage ventures with a potential for impact and great scale, benefiting populations that are vulnerable due to economic, social, or environmental factors.

Since 1993 IDB Lab has approved more than US$ 2 billion in projects deployed across 26 LAC countries.

As of October 29, 2018, IDB Lab is the new identity of the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF).

Fund Site:
Fund Contact:
Irene Arias HofmanProfile Photo

Irene Arias Hofman

CEO

Irene Arias Hofman, a Spanish national, was appointed CEO of IDB Lab, the IDB Group innovation laboratory, in January 2018. Irene leads a purpose-driven multidisciplinary team that fosters innovation for inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean. Under her direction, the lab uses tools of financing, knowledge, and connections to co-create projects and support entrepreneurship. IDB Lab looks for market-driven solutions able to transform the lives of populations that are vulnerable due to economic, social or environmental factors.

Previously, she developed her career working for more than 20 years with the World Bank Group, specifically with the IFC, the largest international development institution focused on the private sector. There, Irene had investment responsibilities with global reach and also focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. She managed the IFC's largest portfolio - US$ 16 billion - and annual investment programs of more than US$ 6 billion. Her focus has been on innovation, venture capital, and fintech.

Irene holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Carlos III University in Madrid, an M.A. in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University in Washington DC, and an M.A. in Advanced European Studies from the College of Europe. She is a CFA® Charterholder.