Claude Barras is the founding partner of SIFEM AG. He has over 17 years of experience in development, investment and economic co-operation in developing and transition economies. Claude began his career as an advisor to the Swiss Government in bilateral economic relations with Asian countries. Subsequently, he served as advisor to the Swiss Executive Director at the World Bank Group in Washington DC. From 1999 until the founding of Sifem Claude was in charge of managing SECO’s investment portfolio in SME-specializing private equity funds and direct SME investments.
 
Claude holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.