About

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palindrome Data

Palindrome Data is a Data Science implementer specialising in machine learning, predictive analytics and alternative data services for the community development. Our cross-discipline team has over 10 years’ experience developing and scaling Technology for Development (ICT4D) and  Private Sector Data and Analytics Services.

Our team has executed over 50 digital health projects across 11 developing countries and have worked with implementing and funding partners across the USAID, DFID and private philanthropy sectors.

Palindrome amplifies development services using contemporary AI & ML techniques previously only accessible to large, high-tech companies. We aim to leverage these gains from the private sector to disproportionately impact development.

Data Fields Processed

Countries, across 3 Continents

Percent B-BBEE Procurement Recognition

 

Meet the team

KIERAN SHARPEY-SCHAFER

Managing Partner

Kieran is the Managing Partner and lead data scientist at Palindrome Data. With a M.Sc. In Computer Science from UCT, Kieran has spent his career  building technology teams in the international development sector at organisations like Cell- Life, UNICEF and Dimagi. Prior to founding Palindrome, Kieran has designed, delivered and scaled over 50 technology projects in public health services on the continent.

LUCIEN DE VOUX

Director, Client Success

After a decade in high- tech product development, Lucien completed his MBA and joined LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a global  data and analytics company in Atlanta, USA. He worked with digital disruptors to increase transparency and economic inclusion by identifying opportunities to mitigate fraud, facilitate financial compliance and increase the ability to evaluate consumer credit risk. 

MICHELLE WOOD

Head of Operations

Michelle has more than 15 years of administrative experience, with a demonstrated history of working in the information and services industries in both the UK and South Africa.  Skilled in a range of tasks from HR, to Budgeting, to Facilities and Operations, her niche is helping start-ups behind the scenes so that they can focus on growing the company.

 MAYA KABONGO

Partnerships Development Manager

With 17 years of experience in the sales industry and holding an MBA degree, Maya is a seasoned professional who enjoys driving revenue growth and leading high-performing sales teams. Known for their strategic approach to sales management and exceptional leadership skills, they have a proven track record of delivering results and exceeding targets. Their deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs allows them to develop innovative sales strategies that consistently drive business success. 

THOBEKA MNGUNI

Program Analyst

Trained in Urban Planning (BSc (HONS) URP (Wits)), later Human Settlement Development (MUS HHS), and Project Management (PMI accredited). Her training has offered her the ability to function as a mediator and facilitator with vast plan-making and project evaluation skills. She has strong research skills, the ability to analyse demographic information, discern trends, and lead decision-making processes.

SBONGA DLAMINI

Program Analyst

Sbonga enjoys learning about how and why things work. She started working in biomedical research looking at epigenetic pathways and mechanisms that regulate meiotic recombination and then moved into clinical research trials with a focus on HIV vaccines. She recently completed her Master of Science in Epidemiology from Imperial College London, and prior to that, her Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology (a study of how humans interact with their natural or built environments) from College of the Atlantic.

 

SHANTELLE PARROTT

Data Scientist

Shantelle is passionate about using quantitative analyses and predictive modelling to address societal and environmental challenges. With five years of postgraduate experience in biogeochemical oceanography, she has gained data, web development, and teaching experience in the education, nonprofit, and tax advisory sectors. She has a M.Sc. in Ocean and Atmosphere Science, with a particular interest in Mathematics and Climate Change. 

 

MATT SWANEVELDER

Data Science Resident

Matt enjoys leveraging data science techniques and machine learning models to exploit complex patterns within datasets. He recently attained his Master of Engineering degree in Data Science at Stellenbosch University, which focused on researching deep learning models suitable for localisation and classification of trauma implants in leg X-rays. Prior to completing his Masters, Matt worked as a systems integration specialist in the non-profit sector where he obtained experience in cloud technologies and data analytics.

THATO NKABINDE

Junior Project Manager

Thato’s background is in Urban Planning with a focus on Urban Politics and Governance, but her core strength and experience is working with public healthcare facilities and the community to bring healthcare solutions to young people. Her focus was project managing Demand Creation interventions for various HIV Prevention methods amongst disproportionately affected adolescent girls and young women. 

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Cape Town, South Africa

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+27 72 371 6469