Chinyere Okafor
About Author
I am a dual-qualified lawyer with extensive experience in startup law and venture capital, corporate finance and M&A, as well as infrastructure finance and private equity.
Before joining Labarge Weinstein, I led a boutique law firm specializing in startups, small businesses, and funds, where I provided hands-on legal consulting and advisory services to entrepreneurs, knowledge-based businesses, and the investors backing them.
My career spans diverse roles, including working at G. Elias, a tier-1 full-service commercial law firm, where I advised local and international clients—both public and private—on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, private equity, venture finance, and infrastructure/project finance transactions.
I also served as Legal Counsel at Trium Limited, a venture capital firm, where I led legal, compliance, and risk management teams. Additionally, as Head of Legal Services at Africa Plus Partners, a private equity infrastructure fund, I oversaw legal and compliance matters for the fund and its seven portfolio companies.
Beyond my professional work, I am committed to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. I serve as a Board Member at LBIH, a non-profit dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs, and actively mentor early and growth-stage startups within the Black and Caribbean communities through the Liftoff Accelerator Program, where I provide guidance on legal strategy, deal structuring, and negotiations.
Outside of law, I’m an amateur runner who loves the challenge of a new starting line, as well as a CrossFit enthusiast, constantly pushing for new PRs in Olympic weightlifting.
