Els Boerhof is a Managing Partner at Goodwell Investments who brings an unusual combination of deep frontier-market finance experience since the mid-1990s and offshore sailing expertise, explicitly using her Atlantic Ocean crossings as a mental model for navigating impact investing storms through preparation and staying the course during volatile conditions. She takes an engineering-style approach to African investments by assuming 7% annual currency devaluation over eight years upfront in her models, then targets companies growing 50-100% annually so business growth outpaces foreign exchange headwinds—an unusually specific and transparent methodology for venture capital.

• Strong focus on African innovation and economic development. Frequently highlights success stories within the African tech ecosystem, such as a Nigerian retail-tech startup raising capital, and notes on-the-ground progress like the use of 100% electric taxis upon arriving in Rwanda.
• Advocacy for gender equality and women's health issues. Shares personal anecdotes about facing wage discrimination in previous banking roles and critiques the healthcare system for making it difficult for women to access necessary hormone treatments.
• Attention to operational efficiency and customer service. Often points out specific failures in public infrastructure and services, such as inefficient call center processes at the Dutch railways or design flaws in hotel bathrooms, suggesting an eye for detail and execution.
• Interest in sports with a strong emphasis on fairness and integrity. Regularly comments on Formula 1 and football, specifically critiquing inconsistent judging, conflicts of interest among officials, and the safety of athletes performing in extreme weather conditions.
• Engagement with climate and sustainability topics. Documents local weather extremes, such as heavy rainfall and storm damage while sailing, and positively reinforces government initiatives that discourage unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking.