Head of Investment

at  Esquared

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY

• Translate E Squared Investments’ strategic vision into actionable investment plans encompassing pre-seed, venture capital, growth equity, and buyout opportunities.
• Set clear performance goals and objectives for the investment team, ensuring alignment with the overall investment strategy and expertise development across deal structures.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the investment function, emphasising best practices in deal evaluation and execution across various stages and structures.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Law, Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Postgraduate degreein Finance, Business Administration, or a relevant field (MBA, CFA, CA(SA) preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of experiencein private equity, venture capital, or a related field, with a proven track record of success across various deal stages (pre-seed to Series C+) and deal structures.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, evaluate, and execute successful investmentsacross pre-seed, venture capital, growth equity, and buyout opportunities.
• Strong understanding of alternative investment instruments(including special purpose vehicles, venture debt, convertible notes, etc.) and the ability to structure complex transactions (MBOs/MBIs, mezzanine finance, and M&A).
• Expertise in financial modeling and valuationmethodologies applicable to different stages and structures of investment.
• Demonstrated leadershipcapabilities with a proven ability to motivate, inspire, and guide a team in executing complex transactions effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and deal advisors.
• Passion for entrepreneurship and a strong commitment to E Squared Investments’ mission.

PURPOSE OF ROLE

E Squared Investments is seeking an experienced Head of Investments (HoI) to lead and drive the success of our core investment programmes. Empower responsible entrepreneurs to become catalysts for economic development, transformation, and social upliftment in South Africa.
The HoI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of E Squared Investments. You will lead a dedicated team of investment professionals, overseeing the entire investment lifecycle – from deal sourcing and analysis to execution, portfolio management, and potential exits through complex transactions. This is a hands-on, results-oriented position that requires a strong blend of strategic thinking, investment acumen, experience across various deal structures, and exceptional leadership skills.

OBJECTIVES OF ROLE

• Implement a comprehensive investment strategyencompassing pre-seed, venture capital, growth equity, and buy-out opportunities, aligned with E Squared Investments’ overall mission and objectives.
• Lead the deal sourcing and originationprocesses, actively identifying and evaluating high-potential investment opportunities across the entire investment spectrum (pre-seed to Series C+, MBOs/MBIs, mezzanine finance, and M&A).
• Oversee a rigorous investment due diligenceprocess, ensuring comprehensive financial, legal, and market analysis of potential investee companies, with a specific focus on uncovering potential risks and opportunities in complex transactions.
• Lead the preparation of investment proposalsand spearhead presentations to the Investment Committee, clearly articulating the investment thesis and potential value creation for each deal, including those with complex structures.
• Champion successful deal negotiation and structuringof investment terms, demonstrating expertise in structuring complex transactions like MBOs/MBIs, mezzanine finance, and M&A.
• Manage a team of Investment Managers, Associates, Analysts, and Interns, fostering a high-performing and collaborativework environment.
• Provide coaching and mentorshipto investment team members, supporting their professional development and expertise across diverse deal types.
• Track portfolio performance and measure impactagainst established metrics, ensuring alignment with E Squared Investments’ social and economic development goals.
• Maintain strong relationships with entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders within the South African investment landscape.