Helios Investors II

Helios Investors II is a private equity fund managed by Helios Investment Partners, established in 2009 and based in Lagos, Nigeria. The fund focuses on investments across Africa, particularly targeting the exploration, production, and refining sectors. Helios Investors II seeks to make impactful investments in areas such as energy, agriculture, and real estate. The firm aims to support growth-stage companies and engage in various investment types, including buyouts and structured investments. With a strong emphasis on the African market, particularly in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, Helios Investors II is committed to fostering economic development through its strategic investment approach.

Dennis Aluanga

Partner, Portfolio Operations

Henry Obi Cbe

Partner, Public & Regulatory Affairs and Member of Investment Committee

Paul Cunningham

Partner & Chief Financial Officer

Temitope Lawani

Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and Member of Executive & Investment Committee

Tope Lawani

Managing Partner

Alykhan Nathoo

Partner

Babatunde Soyoye

Co-Founder, Managing Partner, and Member of Executive & Investment Committees

Dabney Tonelli

Investor Relations Partner

45 past transactions

Zola Electric

Venture Round in 2021
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

Acquisition in 2021
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 Holding

Debt Financing in 2021
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

Series B in 2021
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

Debt Financing in 2021
Starsight Energy provides premier clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to commercial and industrial clients in Africa. We make clean energy a smart bottom-line decision for clients by eliminating all up-front costs. Clients pay an all-inclusive monthly fee for end-to-end service.

Starsight Energy

Debt Financing in 2020
Starsight Energy provides premier clean on-grid and off-grid energy services to commercial and industrial clients in Africa. We make clean energy a smart bottom-line decision for clients by eliminating all up-front costs. Clients pay an all-inclusive monthly fee for end-to-end service.

Thunes

Series B in 2020
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

Venture Round in 2020
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

Acquisition in 2019
Misr Hytech Seed International S.A.E, established in 1993 and based in Cairo, Egypt, specializes in the production of hybrid seeds tailored for the Egyptian agricultural market. The company offers a diverse range of seeds, including white and yellow corn, grain and fodder sorghum, sweet corn, and various vegetables such as cucumber and squash. As one of Egypt's leading seed producers, Misr Hytech utilizes advanced breeding, production, and conditioning technologies to ensure high-quality seeds for farmers. In addition to seed production, the company supports its agricultural clients by providing technical services aimed at enhancing crop production. Misr Hytech operates as a subsidiary of Hytech Seed U.S.A.

Axxela Ltd

Acquisition in 2019
Axxela Limited is a Nigerian company that operates a natural gas distribution network. Originally incorporated as Oando Gas and Power Limited, it rebranded to Axxela Limited in October 2017. The company is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and focuses on providing efficient and reliable natural gas solutions to various sectors, contributing to the energy infrastructure in the region.

Lionano

Series B in 2018
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

Acquisition in 2018
TPAY Mobile is a mobile payment service provider based in Cairo, Egypt, that operates in the Middle East and North Africa. Founded in 2014, TPAY Mobile offers an open platform that facilitates mobile payments by connecting consumers, businesses, and mobile operators. The company's services enable operator billing, allowing users to make transactions seamlessly through their mobile devices. As a subsidiary of A15, TPAY Mobile plays a significant role in enhancing the digital payment landscape in the region.

Africell Holding

Debt Financing in 2018
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

Private Equity Round in 2018
Starsight provides captive power and energy efficiency solutions to commercial, multi-site clients in Nigeria through long-term contracts.

Starsight Power Utility

Private Equity Round in 2018
Starsight Power Utility operates as an energy efficiency company. StarSight is an independent energy efficiency company delivering sustainable solar power and cooling services to our customers. Our objective is to achieve significant and measurable cost savings for our clients whilst being the catalyst to deliver a substantial reduction in Carbon Emissions for your business.

Zola Electric

Series D in 2018
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

Debt Financing in 2017
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

Private Equity Round in 2017
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

Post in 2017
The mission of Trustco Bank is to be the low cost provider of high quality services to our customers in the communities we serve and return to our owners an above average return on their investment. To learn more, click on the links below.

Axxela Ltd

Private Equity Round in 2016
Axxela Limited is a Nigerian company that operates a natural gas distribution network. Originally incorporated as Oando Gas and Power Limited, it rebranded to Axxela Limited in October 2017. The company is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, and focuses on providing efficient and reliable natural gas solutions to various sectors, contributing to the energy infrastructure in the region.

Tailor Brands

Series A in 2016
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

Series D in 2016
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 - Oando Licensee

Private Equity Round in 2016
OVH Energy, is the second largest downstream fuels company in Nigeria.

Telkom Kenya

Acquisition in 2016
Telkom Kenya was established as a telecommunications operator under the Companies Act in April 1999. We provide integrated communications solutions in Kenya with the widest range of voice and data services as well as network facilities for residential and business customers. We are proud to play a prominent role in the information and communications technology sector, serving millions of Kenyans across the country. The company, as at June 2011, has a customer base of approximately 2,800,000 customers on GSM, fixed and CDMA wireless platforms with a country-wide presence.

The Resort Group

Debt Financing in 2016
TRG is the market leader of luxury resort development in Cape Verde and have established partnerships with some of the world’s most recognized hotel brands.

Crown Agents Bank Ltd

Acquisition in 2016
Crown Agents Bank Limited provides banking, public financial management, procurement, supply chain management.

Pipeline Network

Seed Round in 2016
Pipeline implements software based IoT solutions to enable various industries to enjoy increase in yield and efficiency.

Fawry

Private Equity Round in 2015
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

Debt Financing in 2015
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 Corp

Post in 2015
Africa Oil is a Canadian oil and gas company with assets in Kenya and Ethiopia as well as Puntland (Somalia) through its 41% equity interest in Africa Energy Corp. Africa Oil's East African holdings are within a world-class exploration play fairway with a total gross land package in this prolific region in excess of 200,000 square kilometers. The East African Rift Basin system is one of the last of the great rift basins to be explored. Several new significant oil discoveries have been announced in the Lokichar basin of Kenya in which the Company holds a 50% interest along with operator Tullow Oil plc. The Company is listed on the TSX and on Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol "AOI".

Wananchi Group

Private Equity Round in 2014
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 Ltd

Private Equity Round in 2014
Impact Oil & Gas aims to become a leading oil and gas exploration company.

Helios Towers Africa

Private Equity Round in 2014
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 Ltd

Private Equity Round in 2014
ARM Pension Managers PFA Limited (“ARM Pensions”), a subsidiary of ARM. ARM Pensions is Nigeria’s largest independent pension fund manager.

Mulu

Seed Round in 2013
Mulu is a deep learning platform built specifically to identify millions of commercially available products, however, and wherever they're mentioned online. Publishers and bloggers use Mulu to automatically offer the products they mention for sale on the page. Ad platforms use Mulu to show target ads and build user interest graphs. Retailers and curation sites use Mulu to automate their affiliate links around the web and organize their inventory into thousands of curated collections on the fly.

Bayport Management

Private Equity Round in 2013
Bayport Financial Services Limited provides microfinance lending services to low and middle income borrowers and small businesses. The company was incorporated in 2002 and is based in Lusaka, Zambia. Bayport Financial Services Limited operates as a subsidiary of Bayport Management Limited.

MallforAfrica

Private Equity Round in 2013
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

Private Equity Round in 2012
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

Venture Round in 2011
Interswitch is an integrated digital payments and commerce company focused on the African market. Established in 2002, it specializes in facilitating electronic money circulation and value exchange between individuals and organizations. The company has evolved from a transaction switching and electronic payments processing entity to a provider of comprehensive payment infrastructure and innovative transactional services across the continent. Interswitch's aim is to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of payment solutions, contributing to the growth of digital commerce in Africa.

Vivo Energy

Acquisition in 2011
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

Acquisition in 2009
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 Group Holdings

Private Equity Round in 2007
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

Private Equity Round in 2007
Africatel Holding BV, operates as a holding company and provides telecommunication services.

First City Monument Bank

Private Equity Round in 2007
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

Private Equity Round in 2005
HTN Towers are the first independent African tower operator having been established in 2006. We have a diversified tower sites portfolio of over 2, 000 sites, which are urban and sub urban-centric with presence in 34 of the 36 Nigerian states. A third of our sites are located in Nigeria's two largest cities, Lagos and Abuja. We provide the passive infrastructure in the telecom industry, which includes space on ground, tower structure and advanced power management systems for uninterrupted power supply.