Board Members

Michael Elias Managing Director, London

Michael has been at the forefront of the development of European technology private equity as it grew from a fledgling niche into the multi-billion dollar market it is today. He has been a member of the Executive Committee of the European Venture Capital Association (EVCA) and chaired its Venture Capital Committee from 2002 to 2006.

Michael founded Kennet in 1997. Earlier, he was responsible for establishing the international operations of Thompson Clive & Partners in California and Paris.

Michael holds a B.A. with highest honours from Harvard University, and received an M.Sc. from Cambridge University where he was a Marshall Scholar.

Hillel Zidel Director, London

Hillel joined Kennet as a Director from ETV Capital, where he undertook over 15 transactions providing hybrid debt and equity-based capital to technology companies across Europe & the US. Prior to this Hillel worked as a Management Consultant at KPMG, advising clients on strategic, performance management and regulatory issues. Earlier, Hillel worked in Corporate Development at two internet businesses in South Africa.

Hillel is a CFA Charterholder. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Law from the University of South Africa, an Honours Degree in Economics and a Masters Degree in Economics (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg.

Amaury Fournial Associate at Montségur Finance

Amaury began his career within the strategy consulting firm Telesis - AT Kearney.

At the end of 2000, he set up the Mercuris company, specialised in reducing costs for large companies.

After strong growth in the banking, insurance and industry sectors, the company was sold to the English group Xchanging in 2008.

At the start of 2011, after having advised the CEO of the La Fayette UK Hedge Funds, Amaury joined Montségur Finance, a portfolio management company, as an Associate focused on private and institutional clients.

He is a director of several companies.