Duncan Asila

Africa’s growth story is shaped by bold entrepreneurs solving real problems with a localised approach by looking at traditional business models innovatively or reinventing how we approach and solve some of the continent's challenges. My role is to help them put the right structures in place to scale sustainably. I’m an investment professional and SME growth advisor focused on helping African businesses move from potential to performance.

I work with growth-stage and early-stage companies to navigate complexity, raise smart capital, and most importantly, build the internal structures that turn strategy into sustained growth. My approach goes beyond capital raising. I help businesses build clarity, structure, and systems that support long-term success.

This means getting under the hood of a business, refining governance, strengthening financial management, and enabling operational readiness for scale.

Senior SME Growth Advisor (Growth Catalyst) in the Impact Team at GROWTH AFRICA (2022-05 – Present)

• Attracted 350+ high-potential growth-stage and over 300 growth-oriented early-stage ventures for the organisation’s programs
• Origination, due diligence, and selection of 120 businesses for special programs with a funding aspect.
• Led 6 program teams and facilitated & co-facilitated over 42 boot camps and workshops, ensuring the successful adoption and use of the organisation’s methodology and tools.
• Lead the formulation of the due diligence process and impact measurement tools to assess companies for investments and grants.
• Building and reviewing detailed financial models supporting debt, grant and equity transactions.
• Design and implement individualised advisory and technical assistance services for over 78 portfolio businesses: During and after the implementation of Growth Strategies.
• Lead fund management and reporting on the impact of Loans and Grants disbursed.
• Conducting detailed research on target sectors and companies in support of portfolio companies
• Look for and approach appropriate Investors and mentors for portfolio businesses.
• Reporting and documentation for funders, mentors, investors, and other stakeholders
• Development and review of investor pitch decks, Risk reviews, financial models, and Deal room Prep for the businesses

Senior Investment Associate (Lead) at SASA POLE CAPITAL (2020-07 – 2023-06)

• Lead teams in deal origination and structuring of $29M debt and equity transactions.
• Working with management in monitoring and analysing the financial performance of the business
• Financial analysis, valuation, and data interpretation on different industries
• Lead efforts in fundraising $18m for portfolio business and structured problem-solving
• Relationship management and project stakeholder engagement
• Building and reviewing detailed financial models supporting debt and equity transactions.
• Lead and assist in negotiating, Drafting & reviewing financial and legal documents for clients.
• Conducting detailed research on target sectors and companies in support of ongoing transactions
• Lead in monitoring select portfolio companies to assist in portfolio management.

Part-time Lecturer in Finance, Investments and Business Ethics at COOPERATIVE UNIVERSITY OF KENYA (2016-08 – 2023-03)

Investment Banking Analyst at KCB CAPITAL LIMITED (2019-05 – 2020-06)

• Analysing and synthesizing financial and operating information about companies and sectors to gain insights and develop client opportunities.
• Building detailed financial models in support of debt and equity investment banking transactions.
• Perform valuation analyses using various methodologies, including discounted cash flow and market multiples.
• Development of marketing materials in support of client presentations.
• Drafting client deliverables such as information memoranda and term sheets.
• Participating in the execution of Investment Banking transactions (Debt, Equity, and M&A) by developing responsive and innovative transaction structures in support of Investment Banking transactions.
• Undertaking detailed economic, sectoral, and company research and analysis in support of Investment Banking transactions.
• Attending client meetings in support of origination and execution of Investment Banking transactions.

Financial Analyst at CONTINENTAL MONEY TRANSFERS (2016-01 – 2016-07)

Duties include

• Advising Fundraising efforts and business development
• Projects cost analysis, cost reduction, and appraisal preparation
• Risk management & Compliance, reporting, Conducting compliance reviews and audits.

Financial analyst at SHELTER AFRIQUE DEVELOPMENT BANK (2014-02 – 2015-10)

Working as part of a team within a fast-paced environment in the Development Finance industry dealing with clients, analysts, and schedules. Responsible for:

• Business development and Deal Origination and structuring
• Financial analysis and data interpretation on the financial industry
• Creation and application of financial models in the financial industry
• Financial analysis, creation and application of financial models
• Project cost analysis and appraisal preparation, presentation to credit committee.
• Risk management and Compliance of ongoing projects.
• Portfolio management – monitoring & evaluation
• Financial research and reporting
• Departmental program and data management

Founder at Aseal Custom Wear (2008-04 – 2015-01)

Sole founder for a clothe apparel manufacturing start up making Khaki and jeans wear customised to your body size and taste a personalised touch for the African body and customised to fit your own personal style and fashion aspirations.

Research Assistant/Part-time lecturer at UNIVERSITY OF KABIANGA (2012-05 – 2014-01)

• Researching on financial management, corporate governance and investment decisions.
• Lecturing and content development for the following units’ diploma and certificate level and assisting in research.

Intern/attaché at. In the sales dept. at EAST AFRICAN BREWERIES LTD (2011-04 – 2011-07)

• Picking and compilation of daily sales figures
• Data entry and sales financial model maintenance
• Interacting with suppliers daily relevant information and any other administrative duties assigned

Voter data analyst/verifier at INTERIM ELECTORAL COMMISSION (2010-05 – 2010-08)

Masters in Business Administration. (M.B.A.) in Finance – United States International University – Africa (2013 – 2015)

(BSc.) International Business Administration in Finance Concentration – United States International University – Africa (2007 – 2010)