Investment Banking
Icone Capital supports its clients in their equity and debt transactions at all stages, with a strong focus on confidentiality, disciplined execution and long-term value creation.
Investment approach
At Icone Capital, we partner with local and international investors to acquire family-owned businesses and private equity fund investees seeking to secure their long-term growth. Leveraging the experience of our founder and investors, we implement ambitious strategies and promote a culture of excellence and accountability, effective capital allocation and the development of new products and markets.
We primarily focus on West African companies that have achieved recurring revenues between USD 3 million and 15 million per year, show sustainable operational profitability and are led by experienced management teams and founders willing to hand over their businesses to a group of entrepreneurial investors.
We also provide asset management services for private investors. Depending on the need, this can mean dedicating a complete team of consultants with strong sector backgrounds and entrepreneurial capabilities to oversee operational activities and safeguard the business, or building flexible and modern reporting tools to support investors in their post-investment strategies.
Company criteria
Our process
1. Transaction preparation
- Opportunity identification.
- Analysis and due diligence (commercial, financial, operational and ESG).
- Fundraising and closing with aligned stakeholders.
2. Value creation
- Organic growth through new products, services and markets.
- Operational efficiency and margin improvement.
- Geographic expansion across West Africa and beyond.
- ESG policy integrated into the value-creation playbook.
ESG policy
Icone Capital is committed to having a positive impact on the communities and economies of the countries in which it invests. ESG is embedded in our investment approach, from screening to exit, with a focus on governance, social impact and long-term environmental resilience.
Our offering to investors
Deal-by-deal structures or fund formats designed to align incentives across investors, management and Icone Capital.
Extensive experience in investing in privately held companies across Africa with more than 15 transactions completed by Icone Capital’s founder.
Hands-on approach to increase company value by growing EBITDA, strengthening business models and building recurring revenues.
Close monitoring of portfolio companies with regular work on strategy, finance, investments, hiring and marketing.
Support for bolt-on acquisitions and strategic partnerships, underpinned by a culture of excellence, strong governance and growth mindset.
Well-defined plans for profitable exits, including trade sales, secondary buyouts or public listings.
Our offering to company owners
We provide liquidity solutions to owners who wish to hand over their companies while securing their legacy. Icone Capital acquires majority stakes in promising companies across West Africa and implements ambitious development plans to bring the acquired businesses to the next stage.
Structured solutions that provide liquidity to company owners or funds, combined with carefully managed transitions that preserve core values and key teams.
A hands-on approach to grow the acquired companies, improve performance and secure their longevity.
Robust governance in portfolio companies, with clear responsibilities, transparent reporting and disciplined capital allocation.
