Rotating Analysts supported impact fund’s analysis and systems

Situation

A development organization in Africa engaged Arcadia to analyse the impact of investee support in raising additional capital and recommend improvements for next phase.

Our Process

The Analysts supported the client by:

  • Reviewing the fundraising activities and results of 27 companies supported by AECF in phase one
  • Creating activity status reports and company profiles
  • Making recommendations for high value support activities
  • Identified opportunities for investment in high growth sectors for phase two

  • Improved data management processes which enhanced portfolio monitoring

Client’s Perspective

We needed additional capacity but did not want to wait a year while recruiting. We were aware of Arcadia’s reputation for quality and so trusted the skills they were offering. We ended up having two secondees consecutively. Both have been extremely helpful and onboarded one another seamlessly as they rotated. They helped clean and update a central database where all our portfolio information is available at the click of a button. Too often, you get what the service provider wants as opposed to what you want. The Arcadia Manager checks in and always asks “where can we improve?” When time is a critical factor, Arcadia has a pool of talented people who are properly prepared and coached, ready to work with the client.

- Manager, Investment Facilitation