Born on June 26, 1990 in Natitingou (Benin), my journey took me from neighborhood courts to Villanova University (United States) where I obtained a degree in finance and international business while competing at the highest NCAA level.
After a successful college career, I played nearly ten years in Europe (France & Serbia) as a center, with notable stints at Le Mans, Antibes, Levallois, Boulazac, Nanterre and Le Portel.
Driven by continuous learning, I then joined the HEC Paris MBA where I deepened my knowledge in leadership, strategy and entrepreneurship.
Villanova Wildcats – 1,000+ points, 800+ rebounds, 100+ blocks
French Cup Winner (2016)
French League All-Star (2018) & 3× top rebounder in France
HEC Paris MBA (2024) – Class Speaker
Founder of MYBARIKA Foundation
NCAA Division I – Villanova University (USA)
Captain: Villanova, Le Mans, Levallois
Pro career (2013–2022): France & Serbia
French Cup 2016 – Le Mans
NBA Summer League: Warriors, Celtics, Sixers
Villanova University – BBA, Finance & International Business (athletic scholarship)
Among the first Beninese student-athletes in NCAA DI at a business school (finance specialization)
HEC Paris – MBA (Finance & Strategy), Excellence Scholarship
Elected Class Speaker – 2024
Founder – MYBARIKA (2018–present)
Scholarships, sports camps, mentoring, educational programs
Impact in Benin and West Africa
HEC MBA Ambassador; speaking & mentorship
Investment Associate Fellow
Apr. 2025 – current
• Sourcing, due diligence and portfolio monitoring in African tech
• Valuations and investment analysis
MBA Summer Associate
Jun. 2023 – Sep. 2023
• Strategic client initiatives (+25% interactions)
• Support for digital twin Metaverse development
Internal consultant
Oct. 2023 – Jun. 2024
• DCF & comparables, business plan, cap table
• Structuring for autonomous flight of climate-tech startup
Retirement Plans Analyst
2013 – 2017 (off-season)
• Analysis of stocks/ETFs/funds for 50+ executives
• +10% performance through optimized allocations
Discover my story, from my beginnings in Benin to the creation of MY BARIKA, through Villanova University and my professional career in Europe.
From Benin to HEC Paris, discover my inspiring story
These values, forged by my journey, guide each of my actions and training programs.
Striving for excellence in everything we undertake, never accepting mediocrity as a standard.
Believing in the power of collective action and mutual aid to transform communities and build the future.
Staying true to our values and origins, while opening up to the world and its opportunities.
"I dream of an Africa where every young person has the means to realize their potential, where excellence is the norm and not the exception, where our leaders are trained to sustainably transform our communities."
— Mouphtaou Yarou, Founder MY BARIKA