Member Interview: Anne Alexandre

Biologist | Founder of Conservation Connect

 

From Biologist to Impact Entrepreneur

After years working in the nature and non-profit sector, Anne decided it was time for change. “I’m a biologist and manage a nature fund that finances conservation projects worldwide,” she explains. “Three years ago, I launched a new platform to make the funding sector for nature projects more efficient and to create more impact.”

Her career has taken her all over the world, from West Africa to South America, but she’s now back in Amsterdam, the city where she was born.

 

An Idea That Grew Into a Start-up

What started as an internal project within her fund unexpectedly grew into an independent company. “It was originally meant to make my own work easier and more efficient, but it got out of hand,” Anne laughs. “By now it’s become a full-fledged start-up. Since May, I’ve hired a team of five people, which makes everything not only more productive but also a lot more fun.”

 

Adventures in Namibia

One of the projects that has stayed with her the most took place in Namibia. “We work there with two initiatives: one focuses on tracking desert lions (yes, they really exist) and developed radio-tracking technology to monitor animals, specially adapted to desert conditions. The other ensures that water points remain safe for the local communities,” she says.

Desert elephants often visited the same water sources as the villagers, which created dangerous situations. “By building small dikes, we separate humans and animals, preventing conflict and keeping elephants from being shot. Those kinds of projects, where technology, nature, and people come together, are what I love most.”

Although she’s not always directly involved in fieldwork, staying connected to what happens on the ground is essential. “We fund and support the projects, but it’s beautiful to see the real results. I work with some of the most passionate conservationists in the world. That gives me hope and energy.”

 

Sharing Positive Stories from Nature

Anne describes her way of working as innovative, creative, and collaborative. “It’s really a connecting initiative,” she explains. “I want to highlight the positive stories in nature conservation. We often hear negative news about the climate and the environment, but there are also many positive developments happening. Those deserve attention.”

The platform she developed focuses on local conservationists who are often overlooked. “These are the people achieving enormous impact with very few resources. Yet they rarely receive funding, because most of the money goes to large international organizations with expensive offices and glossy magazines. We want to make sure the funds go directly to the people in the field.”

 

Collaborating for Greater Impact

According to Anne, the biggest challenge is breaking through the traditional, isolated way of working. “Everyone still tends to do their own thing. With our platform, we now bring together more than twenty funds, from zoos to nature organizations in the UK, the United Arab Emirates, and the US. By collaborating more closely, we can better coordinate where the money goes and avoid duplication of work. That really makes a difference.”

 

Working in the Tower

Anne is too social to spend all her time working alone at home. “I really wanted a workspace away from home. It motivates me to get out of the house,” she says. The A’DAM.works community plays an important role in her week. “There’s so much focus here on connection. That’s one of the reasons I love working here,” she explains. “I try to attend as many events as I can: the Friday drinks, the lunches. It’s inspiring to be around so many different people. Everyone does something different, and that’s exactly how you learn from each other.”

If she had to describe the atmosphere in the Tower in one word, she doesn’t hesitate: vibrant. “It’s a lively place full of energy and ideas.”

 

Rhythm, Dance, and Relaxation

Outside of work, Anne can often be found on the dance floor. “I love Latin dancing, salsa, Brazilian styles. There’s an entire community around it. Once you’ve gone a few times, you start recognizing everyone again. It’s such a wonderful way to relax and meet people.”

 

Tip for Other Entrepreneurs

Her advice for other members and entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: “Ask each other questions. There’s so much knowledge and experience in this building. By showing genuine interest and learning from what others do, the most beautiful collaborations can emerge. Often, something big starts with a single good conversation.”