Linda Du: How an Adventurer, Investor, and Entrepreneur is Shaping the Future of Fintech and Impact Investing

I’m Linda Du, an investor, entrepreneur, and adventurer with a global background in banking, asset management, and financial education. I founded Okta Investment GmbH, a private investment firm managing a multi-jurisdictional portfolio across late-stage tech, emerging markets, and renewables. I also co-founded Moola Money, a fintech startup helping millennials in the UK gain personalized financial insights to make smarter money decisions. By combining behavioral finance, AI-driven recommendations, and financial education, we make financial planning accessible, actionable, and engaging. Previously, I worked with McKinsey in management consulting across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, advising retail banks on strategy and transformation.

Outside of work, I’m an avid explorer, currently preparing for a cross-country skiing expedition in Norway. I’ve completed cycling expeditions across Europe, Central America, and Madagascar, a kayaking expedition in Greenland, and I hold certifications as a PADI Divemaster and AIDA Advanced Freediver.

Work-life balance can be a constant struggle for entrepreneurs. How do you manage your time and maintain a healthy balance?

A big reason I started my own companies was to create work that fits my lifestyle, rather than the other way around. I’m deeply passionate about adventure sports and long expeditions, whether it’s cycling across continents, kayaking in Greenland, or preparing for a polar expedition. Having my own businesses means I can structure my time to take on these challenges that are meaningful to me while still focusing on strategic growth and investing in what matters. I’ve found that these experiences fuel my creativity and resilience, making me a better investor and entrepreneur. Instead of seeing work and adventure as opposites, I see them as complementary forces that help me think big and long-term.

Did you have any female founders you looked up to as role models?

One of my biggest inspirations is my friend Ruth, whom I met on my cycling expedition in Madagascar. We later roomed together while cycling across Central America, and I was always struck by her tenacity and independence. She pursued an MBA while working at a bank, but when she finished, she didn’t settle for a role the bank offered her in HR that didn’t excite her. Instead, she co-founded a private equity firm, carving out her own path in finance. At the same time, she raised two kids as a single parent and managed to ski to both the North and South Poles. Her ability to juggle career, family, and adventure on her own terms has been a huge source of inspiration for me.

How have you navigated situations where you felt underestimated? How did you win?

People often underestimate my physical capability, especially when it comes to endurance challenges and extreme environments. Whether it’s cycling across continents, freediving, kayaking in Greenland, or training for a polar expedition, I’ve learned that the best way to counter doubt is to simply do it. Each expedition I complete reinforces that resilience and strategic preparation matter more than assumptions about what someone "should" be capable of. Winning, for me, is pushing past my own limits—not just the ones others set, but the challenges I set for myself.

What practices have you found most effective for building a strong and supportive team culture?

I prioritize hiring people I genuinely want to work with and giving them flexibility and autonomy. The two people I’ve worked with formally both have super flexible working agreements—from handling paperwork at my kitchen table in Berlin to checking in remotely from Malaga. I trust them because they’re great at what they do, whether it’s administration or analysis, but more importantly, they’re fun to work with. My intern joined me last year after we met at a supper club in Berlin—she took the initiative and asked at dinner if she could work with me. My investment associate and I had previously worked together at McKinsey, so we already knew our work styles were compatible. For me, team culture is about mutual respect, shared values, and making work feel collaborative rather than transactional.

What does the future hold for your company, and what are your biggest goals for the next few years?

For Okta Investment GmbH, I’m moving into earlier-stage VC investing with a special focus on fintech (currently my portfolio is late-stage investments), where the ecosystem is higher risk but also higher impact. I’m pursuing formal VC training and exploring affinity funds, including Ganas Ventures, where I’ve joined as a deal partner to support community-focused ventures in the US and LATAM. On the fintech side, the goal for Moola Money is to hit the ground running and build something truly useful for people navigating financial decisions. I want to give users confidence and empowerment to take control of their finances—not just passive advice, but actionable, personalized insights. The broader vision for both companies is to reshape finance to be more accessible, impactful, and aligned with the real needs of people.

Inspired & Ready to Level Up? Get A Mentor, Change Your Life.

After immersing yourself in the transformative stories of visionary female founders on WERULE, it’s time to elevate your journey to new heights. Imagine a world where ambition meets unparalleled guidance—our network of advisors is your gateway to that reality. Handpicked for their brilliance and success, these mentors are ready to empower you with strategic insights and bespoke support tailored to your aspirations. Don’t just dream big; take action and connect with the minds that are shaping the future. Your empire awaits—explore our advisors and unleash your potential!

Or click here to learn more about our work as we’re on a mission to make mentorship accessible to everyone around the world.