Valentina Costa

Valentina Costa is an Associate at Olaniwun Ajayi (UK) LLP in London, where she advises clients on complex cross-border investment transactions and strategic commercial matters. Her practice focuses on private equity, venture capital, private credit lending, fund formation, and investment management, with particular experience supporting transactions involving emerging markets and African-focused investments.

Prior to joining the firm, Valentina served as Legal Counsel at AfricInvest Group and previously worked as in-house legal counsel for a leading financial institution operating across emerging markets. She has extensive experience supporting investment teams throughout the full transaction lifecycle, from initial investment and structuring through portfolio management and eventual divestment.

Her work includes advising on cross-border equity investments, private credit transactions, venture capital financings, fund formation, investment restructurings, and regulatory compliance matters. She also provides guidance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, business integrity frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and contractual risk management. In addition, she assists clients with portfolio-related disputes, including matters resolved through litigation and arbitration.

Valentina is a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. She completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at BPP University and holds a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Catania, Italy. In addition to English, she is fluent in Italian and conversational in French, enabling her to support clients on international and multi-jurisdictional matters.