The following article does a very good job of summarizing the internal drama at Gokada that has been brewing over the past couple of years. It appears that there have been a lot of burnt bridges. I’ll be curious if any of it is related to the death.
The many woes of Gokada
I can see there being potential for unresolved conflict among investors. Agreements are only as strong as the weakest link.
The weakest link possibly being the deranged killer in this case.
I agree that disputes involving business losses, differing business visions, or differing managerial personalities can serve as motives to murder.
At the same time, Gokada had some rapid leadership changes, but when referencing start up companies, are rapid leadership shuffles that far outside of the norm? Likewise, was monetary investment provided with the full knowledge that start ups in Africa are inherently very risky?
Though are deranged murderer does not need to have an understandable motive, the possibilities that rapid leaderships changes in start ups are not uncommon, and that African investments are inherently risky seem to diminish the possibility of a deranged partner or investor.
Then factor in the victim's personality or business style would not seem to exacerbate potentially violent situations. The victim is described as being inspiring, friendly and empowering. Not, say, "hard nosed", "demanding" or "aggressive".
Also, FS was a seasoned investor in developing nations. He knew the unwritten expectations that exist overseas and how to meet them, even if annoying, with out being exploited by them.
In short, my guess is that the financial motive is more intimate than young businessmen or investors with bright futures, even if Gokada fizzled.
I am thinking of either direct work place violence originating in the US or FS declining to further "share the wealth" to somebody who felt entitled to it.
