From professional basketball to investment and impact
I grew up in Natitingou, Benin. At 17, I left home to pursue a basketball scholarship in the United States, beginning a journey through Montrose Christian School, Villanova University and professional basketball in Europe.
At Villanova, I studied finance while competing at NCAA Division I level. I then spent nearly a decade in professional basketball, won the 2016 French Cup with Le Mans Sarthe Basket and played with the Boston Celtics during the 2016 NBA Summer League.
A serious Achilles injury forced me to rethink what came next. That transition led me to HEC Paris and, today, to work at the intersection of investment, leadership and social impact through Askya Investment Partners, advisory work and MY BARIKA.
Key Milestones of My Journey
From Natitingou to Montrose Christian, Villanova, professional basketball in Europe, then HEC Paris, investment and MY BARIKA.
The courage to leave home
At 17, I left Benin to pursue a basketball scholarship in the United States and join Montrose Christian School.
Finance, leadership and NCAA basketball
Four years as a finance student-athlete at the highest level of U.S. college basketball, a three-year Wildcats captain and one of only eight players in program history to reach 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 100 blocks.
Nearly a decade at the professional level
A career across Serbia and France, including the EuroCup, Basketball Champions League, the 2016 French Cup and NBA Summer League with Boston.
Turning transition into impact
After an Achilles injury, I prepared for life beyond sport with the HEC Paris MBA (Excellence Scholarship, elected Class Speaker 2024) and now apply that experience through investment, advisory work and MY BARIKA.
In pictures
A few moments from the journey. See the full gallery on the dedicated page.
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Discover My Story in Video
An authentic testimony of my journey, my challenges, and my vision for Africa.
The Values That Guide Me
Forged by experience, these principles are at the heart of every action and decision.
Excellence
Aiming for excellence in everything we undertake, never accepting mediocrity as a standard. It is a daily commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Solidarity
Believing in the power of the collective and mutual aid to transform communities and build the future. Together, we are stronger and go further.
Authenticity
Staying true to one's values and origins, while opening up to the world and its opportunities. Authenticity is the foundation of trust and mutual respect.
Sustainable Impact
Creating profound and lasting change in communities. Every action must contribute to a positive and measurable transformation for future generations.
I dream of an Africa where every young person has the means to realize their potential, where excellence is the norm and not the exception, where our leaders are trained to sustainably transform our communities.
Mvingalakani Yércia
Founder of MY BARIKA
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