About Orinoco
A gap in the market
We are based in the region, which has helped us gain unrivalled access in local markets.
We work in political risk, economic analysis, due diligence, and market entry.
This project was born to cover the lack of reliable intelligence on Venezuela’s sovereign debt and energy markets, but has since grown to work on countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Forget about relying on analysts and reporters who do not have the deep knowledge required to make investment decisions.
Speak to a team that has access to a wide network of experts and key actors in the public and private sectors, while it is present in the markets we cover.
Our Team
Elias Ferrer
Founder & DirectorElias Ferrer founded Orinoco Research while reporting from Caracas, finding an opportunity in the arduous difficulty for foreign investors to know the reality on the ground.
As a political economy and development analyst, his idea was to help investment funds, traders, energy firms, and public sector institutions to receive exclusive, actionable intelligence. He and Orinoco Research have since become leading experts in political risk and commodities for Venezuela and the region.
While in Caracas, he later co-founded Guacamaya, a bilingual media platform to help analyse and explain Venezuela and regional dynamics to the world.
He graduated in Development Studies at SOAS, University of London, one of the world’s top schools for the field, with a focus on Latin American political economy.
Before launching Orinoco, he worked as a research analyst in London, and as a reporter and contributor for various media publications, including Forbes. Elias is originally from Barcelona, Spain.
Philippe Jackson
Partner & Political Risk Advisor, Guyana and Trinidad and TobagoPhilippe Jackson has joined Orinoco to help grow the firm’s presence in the English-speaking Caribbean, especially in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago. He has strong knowledge of Southern Caribbean geopolitics and practical experience working with both public and private sectors in the region.
Philippe has advised multidisciplinary teams across the Caribbean, combining solid project management with hands-on logistical expertise. He has supported companies in refining their value propositions, improving operations, and opening new distribution channels. He has also carried out market research and due diligence for foreign businesses looking to enter Caribbean markets.
Today, Philippe focuses on providing clear, practical guidance to foreign companies and investors exploring these growing markets. He identifies risks and opportunities, turns them into actionable recommendations, and develops step-by-step plans to help businesses launch smoothly and build a reliable foundation with trusted local partners.
Philippe and the Orinoco team are ready to help you explore and seize your next investment opportunity in the Caribbean.
Jorge Barragan
Political Risk Advisor, North Andes regionJorge Barragan is the lead political risk advisor for the North Andes region, encompassing Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. He also co-founded Guacamaya with Elias Ferrer.
He has advised campaigns, companies, and international organizations on scenario analysis, governance, and actor dynamics in fragile institutional environments.
He brings a deep knowledge of the region’s politics thanks to his experience: He worked as the international coordinator for a Venezuelan presidential candidate and as a frontline figure in the national political landscape, allowing him to build an active network of relationships with diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders across Latin America, the United States, and Europe.
He graduated in International Relations at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), and he is in the process of completing a Masters in Oil Geopolitics at the same UCV. He is an alumnus of the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Fabbiana Lamboglia
Energy AnalystFabbiana Lamboglia is an energy analyst with experience in project finance and risk assessment in emerging markets. Her work focuses on evaluating the financial viability and risk profile of energy and infrastructure projects in complex operating environments.
Her professional background spans roles at consultancies and multilateral development institutions in Italy, Mexico, and Austria, including her tenure at the OPEC Fund for International Development in Vienna. In these roles, she has focused on financial analysis, market research, and portfolio management for energy and infrastructure developments across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region. She also served as an IRENA Youth Delegate, engaging with policymakers and industry professionals on global energy market trends and challenges.
Fabbiana holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) from the University of Navarra in Spain. Originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, she brings first-hand perspective on hydrocarbon dependent economies, bridging her regional insights with international expertise in energy finance and risk analysis.