Kristofer Madu, a 25-year-old private equity investor with dual Jamaican-Nigerian heritage, has earned prestigious recognition by being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Finance category. Currently affiliated with TPG Investments, Madu specializes in technology, media, and entertainment sector investments, demonstrating exceptional expertise in high-value financial transactions.
Born in the United States to Dr. Dainia Baugh, a Jamaican mother, and Professor Ernest Madu, a Nigerian father, Madu spent his formative years in Jamaica after his family relocated to the Caribbean nation. His multicultural background has shaped his unique perspective in the finance world.
Madu’s recent professional accomplishments include his instrumental role in TPG’s monumental US$7.6 billion acquisition of DirecTV from telecommunications giant AT&T. Prior to joining TPG, he honed his skills as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, where he contributed to landmark deals including the US$17 billion acquisition of Catalent by Ozempic and AbbVie’s US$10 billion purchase of Immunogen.
Beyond his finance career, Madu maintains a parallel path as a musical artist, releasing original compositions and touring as a professional rapper. Demonstrating his commitment to social impact, he founded the non-profit organization “When We Grow Up,” which aims to provide underserved youth with early exposure and access to high-impact career paths in fields such as finance, technology, medicine, and law.
Madu’s selection to the elite Forbes list was determined by alumni of previous 30 Under 30 cohorts, recognizing his exceptional achievements across both finance and social entrepreneurship.