Investment Lead

What we are looking for

We're looking for an Investment Lead to support West and East Africa pre-seed and seed stage investment deals for the firm. This critical role assists us in becoming the top-performing fund in Africa by DPI and in building the best global Africa pre-seed and seed-focused investment and scout team. Responsibilities include sourcing, diligencing, and closing investments, while providing guidance to the founder community and portfolio companies.

Working closely with the firm’s General Partner and Investment Partner, the Investment Lead will pioneer and improve an efficient, data-driven investment process, create new pipeline, assess, and close new investments. Additionally, contributions to the firm’s thesis and investment process are expected as the foundation for a world-leading investment team is built, focusing on high-growth, innovative technology companies and delivering returns to world-leading limited partners.

This position requires a dynamic and strategic thinker with financial acumen. The ideal candidate enjoys working independently, has a deep understanding of the technology landscape, and extensive experience sourcing and backing exceptional African startups.

What does the job involve

Deal Sourcing, Evaluation, & Selection

• Lead the investment process, including sourcing and assessing opportunities in pre-seed and follow-on rounds within the West and East Africa technology sector.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline through networking, industry events, and relationships with entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Leverage personal network to source and diligence unique opportunities.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and market research of companies against criteria such as business model, market dynamics, technology, competitive landscape, emerging trends, and financial metrics.
• Conduct independent research and evaluate leads to enhance the fund's investment thesis.
• Lead the evaluation and structuring of investment opportunities, including negotiation of terms.
• Manage weekly pipeline calls and report on key metrics.
• Ensure processes and procedures are established and upheld within the investment team.
• Ensure pipeline responses within 8 weeks or less and convert them to investments or community members.
• Manage IC Scout community and quarterly speakers, ensuring relevant content.

Investment Strategy & Leadership

• Contribute to investment strategies aligning with the firm’s thesis, analyzing market trends, identifying emerging technologies, and evaluating risks and rewards.
• Challenge firm assumptions and improve investment department efficiency.
• Provide input on marketing strategies to attract early-stage founders and position us as a backer.
• Lead weekly investment committee meetings and enhance the firm's reputation.

Portfolio Engagement & Management

• Work closely with portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance, and connecting them with potential customers and partners.
• Use deal management software (Affinity) to ensure data accuracy.
• Advise on portfolio construction, thesis adjustments, and data analysis for top quartile performance.

Exiting / Liquidity

• Provide introductions and support for raising follow-on capital and participation in international incubators and accelerators.
• Cultivate relationships with co-investors, potential acquirers, and growth follow-on investors, facilitating introductions and leading fund transactions.

Industry Expertise

• Stay updated on technological trends, market developments, and emerging opportunities.
• Share insights to refine the investment strategy.
• Provide economics/data analysis to advise on major market trends and contribute to annual thesis audits.

Relationship Management & Industry Presence

• Build and maintain strong relationships with entrepreneurs, management teams, co-investors, and industry partners.
• Represent the firm at industry events and conferences to enhance visibility and generate pipeline.
• Develop local pre-seed and pre-founder community in West and East Africa, sourcing founders from top technical universities.

Qualifications

Education:

• A degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred; relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Strong Financial & Analytical Skills:

• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills, with expertise in analyzing financial statements, conducting market research, and evaluating risks and rewards.

Entrepreneurial:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for identifying and nurturing innovative companies and mentoring founders.

Benefits

To be discussed