Helios Investors II

Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.

Techniques Science Santé is a distributor of high tech medical equipment. For 25 years, T2S has been the leader in the distribution and maintenance of radiology (MRIs, scanners) and radiotherapy equipment (accelerators for oncology) and has today the largest installed base in Morocco. It has since broadened its product range and is now the one stop shop service provider for healthcare projects. It is active in Africa since 2008 and has run projects in Mauritania, Ivory Coast and Mali. The company has revenues of c.m40€ and has 140 employees.

Africell was established in 2001 in Africa and has been shaped by traditional African values, putting the communities in their markets at the heart and soul of our business. Connecting and empowering local communities lies at the very core of our strategy. Africell is one of the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications operators in Africa. They have established theirselves as the number one provider in Gambia and Sierra Leone and are rapidly growing our newer operations in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where we purchased Orange Uganda. Africell Holding owns 100% of Africell’s operations in Gambia, Sierra Leone, DRC, and 98.99% of Africell Uganda. The total number of active subscribers reached 11 million by end of 2016. All four operations offer voice and 3G data services with plans to deploy LTE services, which are already available in Kampala, Uganda.

Thunes is a B2B cross-border payments network that enables corporates and financial institutions to move funds seamlessly and provide financial services in emerging markets. Our global platform connects mobile wallet providers, banks, technology companies, and money transfer operators in more than 100 countries and 60 currencies. Through our growing network, Thunes' solutions allow over 400 partners across the world to send and receive money on a global scale. Thunes is headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in London, Shanghai, New York, Dubai, and Nairobi.

Starsight Energy specializes in providing clean energy solutions to commercial and industrial clients across Africa, focusing on both on-grid and off-grid services. The company offers sustainable solar power and energy efficiency services, along with cooling solutions. By employing a team of experienced engineers, Starsight Energy customizes energy storage systems to meet specific application needs and budget constraints. This approach enables clients to achieve significant cost savings while also reducing their carbon emissions. Notably, Starsight Energy eliminates upfront costs by allowing clients to pay a monthly fee for comprehensive services, making clean energy a financially viable choice.

Starsight Energy specializes in providing clean energy solutions to commercial and industrial clients across Africa, focusing on both on-grid and off-grid services. The company offers sustainable solar power and energy efficiency services, along with cooling solutions. By employing a team of experienced engineers, Starsight Energy customizes energy storage systems to meet specific application needs and budget constraints. This approach enables clients to achieve significant cost savings while also reducing their carbon emissions. Notably, Starsight Energy eliminates upfront costs by allowing clients to pay a monthly fee for comprehensive services, making clean energy a financially viable choice.

Thunes is a B2B cross-border payments network that enables corporates and financial institutions to move funds seamlessly and provide financial services in emerging markets. Our global platform connects mobile wallet providers, banks, technology companies, and money transfer operators in more than 100 countries and 60 currencies. Through our growing network, Thunes' solutions allow over 400 partners across the world to send and receive money on a global scale. Thunes is headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in London, Shanghai, New York, Dubai, and Nairobi.

Taptap Send is an app that lets immigrants send money back home to Africa instantly and at very low prices. Since launching in summer 2018, it has already moved tens of millions of dollars and reached tens of thousands of customers. It is live in seven European countries, and support payments into Senegal, Mali, Zambia, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, with more countries launching soon.

Misr Hytech Seed Int. S.A.E, founded in 1993 and based in Cairo, Egypt, specializes in the production and marketing of proprietary hybrid seeds, including white corn, yellow corn, grain and fodder sorghum, sweet corn, and various vegetables. As one of Egypt's leading seed companies, it employs advanced breeding and production technologies to deliver high-quality seeds tailored to the local agricultural market. The company's efforts aim to meet the growing food demand in Egypt while enhancing food security by improving domestic farming productivity. Additionally, Misr Hytech Seed provides technical services to support farmers in optimizing their crop production, reinforcing its commitment to the agricultural community.

Axxela Limited is a natural gas distribution company based in Lagos, Nigeria, that focuses on developing gas and power infrastructures across West Africa. Originally established as Oando Gas and Power Limited in 2001, the company rebranded to Axxela Limited in October 2017. Axxela operates a comprehensive gas distribution network that includes pipeline gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as captive power services featuring high-pressure transmission pipelines and gas processing facilities. By providing these services, Axxela aims to help clients meet their natural gas requirements while minimizing emissions of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and sulfur oxide through a transition to cleaner energy sources.

Lionano Inc. is a battery technology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries. Founded in 2013, Lionano has developed a drop-in replacement material that has been nano-engineered to enhance the capacity and cycle life of batteries. This innovative technology aims to improve key components of lithium-ion batteries, leading to lighter and more cost-effective solutions for consumer electronics and extended range for electric vehicles. The company’s technology has been fully developed at Cornell University, and its leadership team includes experts from diverse backgrounds in chemistry, business, and electrochemistry research, positioning Lionano for a successful product launch.

TPAY Mobile is a mobile payment service provider established in 2014 and headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. As a subsidiary of A15, the company offers an open mobile payment platform that connects consumers, businesses, and mobile operators, facilitating operator billing. TPAY's platform enables users to purchase online products and services using their mobile phone numbers, with costs either added to their mobile phone bills or deducted from their prepaid balances. This approach creates a seamless direct carrier billing ecosystem, allowing both telecom operators and online merchants to efficiently access consumers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Africell was established in 2001 in Africa and has been shaped by traditional African values, putting the communities in their markets at the heart and soul of our business. Connecting and empowering local communities lies at the very core of our strategy. Africell is one of the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications operators in Africa. They have established theirselves as the number one provider in Gambia and Sierra Leone and are rapidly growing our newer operations in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, where we purchased Orange Uganda. Africell Holding owns 100% of Africell’s operations in Gambia, Sierra Leone, DRC, and 98.99% of Africell Uganda. The total number of active subscribers reached 11 million by end of 2016. All four operations offer voice and 3G data services with plans to deploy LTE services, which are already available in Kampala, Uganda.

Starsight Power Utility Ltd is an energy services company based in Ikoyi, Nigeria, specializing in solar-diesel-battery systems, as well as cooling and lighting solutions for commercial and industrial clients. Founded in 2008, the company focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability by providing innovative energy solutions that aim to deliver significant cost savings while reducing carbon emissions for their customers. Through its comprehensive services, Starsight Power Utility positions itself as a key player in promoting environmentally friendly energy practices in the Nigerian market.

Starsight provides captive power and energy efficiency solutions to commercial, multi-site clients in Nigeria through long-term contracts.

Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.

The Quantum Group, a company based in Ghana with vertically-integrated operations in the transportation and logistics of refined petroleum products.

The GB Foods, S.A. is a food manufacturing company based in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain, established in 2015. The company specializes in producing and marketing a variety of meal solutions, including soups, ready-to-eat dishes, and fish products. Its operations extend across several countries, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, and the CIS Republics. Through its diverse product offerings, GB Foods aims to cater to the growing demand for convenient and ready-made meals in various markets.

Trustco Bank is a savings and loan holding company that focuses on community banking by providing a wide range of financial services to individuals and businesses. Its core activities include accepting deposits and offering various loan products, such as mortgages, auto loans, and building loans. Trustco Bank also provides personal banking services, including savings accounts, retirement accounts, and money market accounts. The bank operates in several states, including New York, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Vermont, serving the communities within these regions. Trustco Bank aims to deliver high-quality services at a low cost while ensuring an above-average return on investment for its owners.

Axxela Limited is a natural gas distribution company based in Lagos, Nigeria, that focuses on developing gas and power infrastructures across West Africa. Originally established as Oando Gas and Power Limited in 2001, the company rebranded to Axxela Limited in October 2017. Axxela operates a comprehensive gas distribution network that includes pipeline gas, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as captive power services featuring high-pressure transmission pipelines and gas processing facilities. By providing these services, Axxela aims to help clients meet their natural gas requirements while minimizing emissions of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and sulfur oxide through a transition to cleaner energy sources.

Tailor Brands is a revolutionary branding platform that allows clients in over 35 countries across the world to design everything their business needs with zero effort and minimal costs. Using machine learning we create unique, beautiful logos and brand identities within minutes. Our automated process requires no technical skills, and allows anyone to build their perfect brand.

Zola Electric provides off-grid solar solutions primarily for African markets, focusing on Tanzania, Rwanda, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The company offers solar home kits that can be either leased or purchased, utilizing a pay-as-you-go micro-finance model that accommodates various income levels. By employing advanced solar, battery, and power electronics technology, Zola Electric delivers renewable energy systems tailored to the needs of individual households and businesses in rural communities. Since its inception in 2012, the company has powered over 180,000 homes and businesses. Formerly known as Off-Grid Electric Tanzania Limited, it rebranded to Zola Electric in July 2018 and has established its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The company has garnered recognition through various awards and has attracted investment from notable firms, including Tesla and EDF.

OVH Energy, is the second largest downstream fuels company in Nigeria.

Telkom Kenya, established in April 1999, is a telecommunications operator offering a comprehensive range of integrated communication solutions in Kenya. The company provides voice and data services, including broadband, messaging, and various other communication connections, catering to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, government entities, and large corporations. With a significant presence across the country, Telkom Kenya serves millions of customers, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity for both commercial and non-commercial users. The company plays a vital role in the information and communications technology sector, contributing to the advancement of communication infrastructure in Kenya.

The Resort Group is a leading luxury resort development company based in Cape Verde, specializing in the creation of five-star holiday resorts and hotels. The company oversees the entire development process, which includes identifying prime land, architectural design, and managing construction to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. By establishing partnerships with some of the world's most recognized hotel brands, The Resort Group aims to enhance occupancy and profitability for its hotel operators, solidifying its position in the luxury hospitality sector.

Crown Agents Bank Limited provides banking, public financial management, procurement, supply chain management.

Pipeline Network develops software-based Internet of Things (IoT) solutions aimed at enhancing yield and efficiency across various industries. The company focuses on creating a cellular network that connects a range of electronic and electrical devices, specializing in wireless connectivity. Its offerings include autonomous drones that provide WiFi coverage and low power wide area network (LPWAN) solutions. These technologies are designed to prevent electricity theft, improve transportation efficiency, and reduce operating expenses, while also facilitating the convergence of data for better operational insights.

Fawry for Banking Technology and Electronic Payments S.A.E. is an electronic payment network based in Giza, Egypt, founded in 2008. The company provides a wide range of financial services to both consumers and businesses, facilitating payment solutions through various channels including online platforms, ATMs, mobile wallets, and retail locations. With a network of approximately 111,000 service points, Fawry caters to around 20 million customers, including individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. Its offerings encompass payment gateways, e-commerce solutions, bill payments, customer acquisition, and business-to-business collection services. Fawry's extensive network includes small retailers, pharmacies, and post-offices, all equipped with point-of-sale systems to enable convenient and reliable transactions.

Starzs Investments Company Limited is a prominent indigenous offshore oil and gas services provider based in Nigeria. The company specializes in marine transportation and logistics services tailored for both international and local oil companies. Its offerings include towage, anchoring, and positioning of offshore assets, as well as ship management and maritime security logistics support. By delivering a comprehensive range of services, Starzs Investments enables its clients to select the specific solutions that meet their operational needs in the offshore oil and gas sector.

Africa Oil is a Canadian oil and gas exploration company focused on emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as Puntland in Somalia through its equity interest in Africa Energy Corp. The company holds a significant land package exceeding 200,000 square kilometers in the East African Rift Basin, a region noted for its exploration potential. Africa Oil has been involved in several notable oil discoveries, particularly in the Lokichar basin of Kenya, where it has a 50% interest alongside operator Tullow Oil. The company is actively engaged in advancing its exploration projects in this prolific area.

Wananchi Group Holdings Limited, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, is a prominent provider of home entertainment and communication services in East Africa. The company serves both residential and corporate customers, offering a range of services that includes high-speed internet via its fiber optic network, DTH satellite pay TV, and original programming for its pay TV channels. In the corporate sector, Wananchi provides voice, video, data, and internet connectivity to enterprises, governments, and media organizations. Additionally, it offers value-added services such as data security, cloud solutions, and web hosting. Wananchi Group is recognized for its commitment to delivering high-quality and affordable services, making it a key player in the region's telecommunications and entertainment industries.

Impact Oil & Gas is an oil and gas exploration company focused on uncovering new opportunities in underexplored sedimentary basins offshore Africa. The company specializes in early-stage deep-water hydrocarbon plays, employing detailed geological and geophysical assessments to identify significant drilling prospects. By targeting these areas, Impact Oil & Gas aims to provide multinational corporations with access to substantial reservoirs that could represent material inventory for future extraction. The company's commitment to exploration positions it to become a leading player in the industry.

Helios Towers Africa has operations in Ghana, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and a sister company in Nigeria. The number of mobile subscribers in Africa has increased from just 16 million people in 2000 to over 500 million today. Based on these growth levels and without an increase in the sharing of telecoms tower facilities, the number of towers in Africa will need to double from the current number of 75,000, a significant environmental impact.

ARM Pension Managers PFA Limited (“ARM Pensions”), a subsidiary of ARM. ARM Pensions is Nigeria’s largest independent pension fund manager.

Mulu, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in creating an online platform designed to make content shoppable in real time. Founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles, California, Mulu enables users, including individuals, retailers, and influencers, to create profiles that recommend products and indicate where to purchase them. The platform utilizes deep learning to identify millions of commercially available products mentioned online, allowing publishers and bloggers to seamlessly integrate product sales into their content. Additionally, advertising platforms leverage Mulu to display targeted ads and generate user interest graphs. Retailers and curation sites benefit from Mulu's ability to automate affiliate links and organize inventory into curated collections efficiently.

Bayport Management Limited, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius, offers a range of retail financial services across multiple countries, including Zambia, Ghana, and South Africa. The company's services include personal loans—such as payroll and retail loans—alongside savings accounts, flexible deposits, and transaction accounts. Additionally, Bayport provides mobile banking solutions, e-wallets, payment kiosks, and ATM services to enhance customer accessibility. To further support its clients, the company also offers credit insurance and protection plans for education, hospital, and funeral expenses. As a parent company, Bayport Management oversees its subsidiaries, including Bayport Financial Services Limited, which specializes in microfinance lending for low and middle-income borrowers and small businesses since its incorporation in 2002.

MallforAfrica is an online mall that enables Africans to find and purchase items from international retailers. Its online platform and payment system gives its users access to numerous retailers from the U.S. and U.K. MallforAfrica was launched by Chris Folayan in June 2012 and its operations are based in Kano.

Eland Oil & Gas PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in development, exploration, and production of oil and gas properties in West Africa. The company primarily holds interests in the OML 40 license, which covers an area of 498 square kilometers located in the Niger Delta; and a 40% interest in the Ubima field that covers an area of 65 square kilometers located in the northern part of Rivers State. It also provides financing services. Eland Oil & Gas PLC was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Aberdeen, the United Kingdom. As of December 17, 2019, Eland Oil & Gas PLC operates as a subsidiary of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc.

Interswitch is an Africa-focused integrated digital payments and commerce company that specializes in facilitating the electronic circulation of money and the exchange of value among individuals and organizations. Founded in 2002, the company initially operated as a transaction switching and electronic payments processing entity. Interswitch builds and manages payment infrastructure, offering innovative payment products and transactional services across the African continent. Its services are designed for banks, institutions, and government agencies, helping clients reduce costs, enhance operational efficiency, and promote sustainable revenue growth.

Vivo Energy is a prominent distributor and retailer of fuels and lubricants in Africa, founded in 2011 and based in London, United Kingdom. The company operates through three main segments: Retail, Commercial, and Lubricants. In the Retail segment, Vivo Energy sells petrol and diesel at service stations branded as Shell and Engen, and also operates convenience retail shops and restaurants. The Commercial segment provides fuels, lubricants, and services to various sectors including transport, construction, and aviation, while also supplying liquefied petroleum gas to consumers. The Lubricants segment markets products to both commercial clients and retail customers through a network of service stations and distributors. Vivo Energy has a significant presence in the African market, operating over 2,200 service stations across 23 countries. The company is jointly owned by Vitol, Helios Investment Partners, and Shell, and is known for its commitment to quality and service in the petroleum industry.

JCDecaux South Africa (Pty) Ltd provides advertising services for marketers across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Its services include the design and printing of artwork, and the display of outdoor advertising.

Equity Bank Kenya is a financial services provider headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is licensed as a commercial bank by the central bank of Kenya, the central bank, and national banking regulator. Equity Bank Kenya Limited was incorporated in 2014 as a result of the corporate restructure of Equity Group Holdings Limited.

Africatel Holding BV is a holding company that specializes in providing a range of telecommunication services. The company offers both fixed and mobile telephony, catering to diverse communication needs. In addition to voice services, Africatel provides broadband and data transmission, ensuring that customers have access to reliable internet connectivity and data solutions. Through its comprehensive offerings, Africatel aims to enhance communication infrastructure and connectivity across its operational regions.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Ltd is a full service banking group, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria with the vision to be the Premier Financial Services Group of African origin.

HTN Towers is the first independent tower operator in Africa, established in 2006. The company operates a diverse portfolio of over 2,000 tower sites, primarily located in urban and suburban areas across 34 of Nigeria's 36 states. A significant portion of these sites is concentrated in Nigeria's largest cities, Lagos and Abuja. HTN Towers specializes in providing passive infrastructure for the telecommunications industry, which includes colocation services, distributed antenna services, and managed services. Additionally, the company designs, builds, and operates tower site infrastructure, ensuring reliable connectivity through advanced power management systems for uninterrupted power supply.