John P. Causey IV

John P. Causey IV is the Founder and Managing Director of Vantage FDI, a capital-focused investment and advisory firm specializing in trade finance, working capital solutions, and transaction execution for investors, lenders, and operators in emerging and frontier markets.

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With over 20 years of experience in frontier markets, John has led or advised on more than $500 million in transactions across private credit, structured finance, joint ventures, M&A, real estate, infrastructure, and industrial projects in Africa, Southeast Asia, and other emerging markets. His work focuses on complex transactions requiring disciplined capital structuring, risk allocation, and multi-party coordination.

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In 2024, while serving as CEO of Novare’s West Africa business, John originated and structured a $100 million strategic partnership with U.S.-based ReElement Technologies to develop Africa’s first rare and critical minerals refining facility capable of producing ultra-high-purity separated oxides, positioning Novare as the lead capital partner for the platform.

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Earlier, as CEO of Novare’s Zambia operations, he established the in-country operating platform and led capital-intensive development projects totaling 695,000 square feet (64,600 square meters). These projects comprised three Grade-A shopping malls and the Standard Chartered Bank headquarters in Zambia, with total development costs exceeding $123 million. They were financed through a $480 million private equity fund alongside debt from the International Finance Corporation, Stanbic, and Standard Chartered. During this period, John originated Novare’s first IFC debt facility, secured the firm’s largest lease by economic value, and coordinated sponsors, lenders, and counterparties through financial close and execution.

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Across his career, John has served on more than ten boards and three investment committees, overseeing governance, capital allocation, and transaction oversight.

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Earlier still, John was active in venture capital investing and advisory across emerging markets, working closely with founders, family offices, and senior investment professionals on seed-stage and early-growth transactions, emphasizing origination, capital and governance structuring, syndication, and hands-on post-investment support. Several of these investments later progressed to institutional rounds and strategic outcomes.

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John is an active public speaker on investment, finance, and emerging market capital formation, having spoken at multiple industry conferences and professional forums. Earlier in his career, he also taught business law at the university level and has regularly guest lectured on venture finance, deal structuring, and capital markets.

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John began his career in investment and financial services, including capital markets experience at Morgan Stanley, which he left in 2011 to relocate to Cape Town, South Africa, to internationalize his track record. He holds a law degree (Juris Doctor), an MBA, and a Master’s in Finance (with distinction) from the University of Cape Town, where his thesis examined private equity syndication, governance, and risk-sharing between local and global investors. He has also completed executive and professional training in real estate, investment analysis, and trade finance.