01
Mandate definition
Ticket size, return requirement, horizon, currency tolerance and any restrictions your investment committee already applies. Most wasted time in African origination comes from a mismatch that was visible at this stage.
How we work
Six stages, and a written record at each one
Investment committees ask how a conclusion was reached. Every stage produces something you can put in front of yours.
02
Screening
We shortlist against the mandate rather than against availability. A screen typically returns three to six opportunities and a written note on what was rejected and why, which is often the more useful document.
03
Counterparty introduction
Direct introductions to promoters, operators, regulators and co-investors. This is the part that does not exist in a database. It is why an origination desk is a relationship business before it is an analytical one.
04
Diligence support
Coordination of local legal, tax, technical and commercial diligence, with an independent read on what the local advisers are telling you. We do not replace your advisers; we translate between them and your committee.
05
Structuring and entry
Entity structure, licensing, currency and repatriation mechanics, local content and shareholding requirements where they apply. The structure question is usually settled before the price question in these markets.
06
Post-investment
Board support, regulatory relationship management and follow-on origination. Most of our second mandates come from the first one going well rather than from new business development.
Engagements
Four ways the desk is engaged
Fees are agreed in writing before work starts, and are a mix of retainer and success fee depending on the structure.
Retained origination
A continuing mandate to source and screen against a defined investment thesis, typically twelve months with a quarterly review point.
Single transaction
Support on one identified opportunity, from diligence coordination through to close.
Market entry
Entity establishment, licensing and counterparty introduction for a corporate or fund setting up in a new market.
Advisory note
A defined written piece of work (a market assessment, a sector map, a counterparty landscape) delivered against a scope and a fee agreed in advance.
Enquiries
Start with the mandate
Tell us the mandate, the stage and the timing. If we are not the right desk for it, we will say so and point you at who is.
