Investment Associate

Position description

At Unconventional Capital, our mission is to fuel the growth of early-stage businesses by going beyond traditional financing. Our Revenue-Based Financing (RBF) approach aligns our success with yours. We invest in your potential, sharing the risks and rewards of your journey.

Key responsibilities

Investment Evaluation and Due Diligence

Deal Analysis: Lead detailed due diligence, including financial analysis, management evaluation, market analysis, and risk assessment. Conducts primary and secondary research to assess the viability of deals.

Financial Modelling: Build financial models and conduct cash flow projections to assess revenue-sharing potential and repayment capacity under Unconventional Capital’s RBF model.

Credit Score Modelling: Implement credit scoring frameworks for assessing the risk and viability of target businesses.

Investment Memo Preparation: Draft comprehensive investment memos, synthesizing due diligence findings, financial forecasts, and strategic fit.

Deal Sourcing and Originiation

Market Scanning: Conduct detailed market research to identify trends and opportunities that align with the fund’s investment thesis.

Initial Screening: Review pitch decks and business plans, providing quick assessments of investment fit based on Unconventional Capital’s criteria and presenting early-stage deal summaries to the Managing Partner.

Pipeline Management: Maintain an active pipeline of deals, tracking the status of all prospective investments and ensuring timely progression through the investment process.

Portfolio Management

Financial Monitoring: Regularly track portfolio company performance, focusing on financial health, operational execution, and key metrics outlined in financing agreements.

Value Creation: Work closely with portfolio companies on financial restructuring, capital planning, and growth strategies, particularly during periods of financial distress or underperformance.

Reporting & Communication: Prepare quarterly performance reports on portfolio companies, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for senior management and LPs.

Exit Strategy Planning: Assist in developing and executing exit strategies, including preparation for secondary sales, mergers, or acquisitions when appropriate.

Recovery & Default Management

Default Risk Management: Monitor distressed portfolio companies, assisting in implementing turnaround strategies, renegotiating repayment schedules, or restructuring debt to improve recovery prospects.

Enforcement of Covenants: Ensure compliance with loan covenants and financing agreements, liaising with legal counsel where necessary to enforce terms.

Debt Recovery: Work closely with legal teams and external agents to maximize recovery on non-performing investments.

Restructuring Support: Lead efforts in financial restructuring of defaulting portfolio companies, including renegotiation of terms and developing long-term recovery strategies.

General

Fund Reporting: Contribute to internal fund reporting, updating senior leadership on the fund’s performance, deal flow, and portfolio metrics.

Talent Development: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior analysts, overseeing their work on financial modelling, research, and due diligence tasks.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field. MBA or CFA qualification is highly preferred.

Experience: 4+ years of experience in banking, private equity, venture capital, impact investing or management consulting with significant exposure to financial modelling, debt structuring, investment due diligence, and data analytics experience.

Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modelling and data analytics tools
- Strong understanding of debt instruments, credit analysis, securitization, and valuation methodologies.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a team, managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

What we offer

An exciting environment with plenty of opportunities to grow your skills and take on new responsibilities.

The chance to join a growing, ambitious and diverse team on its journey to revolutionize access to funding by democratizing capital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Very open, hands-on and supportive work culture.