Helios Partners Analyst Interview Guide & Questions 2025
Navigate the intensive 5-hour case study, master portfolio operations questions & unlock your Africa-focused PE career
About Helios Partners
Founded in 2004 by Tope Lawani and Babatunde Soyoye, Helios Investment Partners has grown into the largest Africa-focused private investment firm. With exclusive focus on private investment opportunities across the African continent, Helios has successfully raised multiple funds and established a dedicated credit platform. The firm specializes in buyouts, growth capital, and structured investments across telecommunications, financial services, power, utilities, logistics, and consumer goods sectors, with primary focus on Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya.
Compensation Overview
The Intensive Interview Process
| Interview Component | Duration & Format | Key Focus Areas | Success Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Screening | Phone/Video with HR | Background, motivation for Africa PE | Demonstrate genuine interest in emerging markets |
| Technical Interview | 1-on-1 with Associates (2 sessions) | Valuation methods, financial modeling, market trends | Know your deal sheet inside out |
| Case Study Marathon | 5-hour modeling + qualitative analysis | Portfolio operations, value creation plans | Think fast – time management is crucial |
| Case Presentation | 30-45 minute presentation + Q&A | Investment thesis, execution strategy | Clear structure, actionable recommendations |
| Cultural Assessment | In-person team meetings | Problem-solving, cultural fit, entrepreneurial mindset | Align with flat structure and hustle culture |
The marathon case study tests bot h your technical skills and stamina. Key emphasis is on portfolio operations and value creation – you’ll need to develop and present actionable plans for portfolio companies. Speed is critical: allocate your time wisely between modeling (2-2.5 hours), analysis (1.5-2 hours), and presentation prep (30-45 minutes). Practice building models from scratch beforehand.
What Helios Looks For: CEO Insights
Tope Lawani on Hiring Philosophy
“In terms of hiring the correct people for Helios’ team, the factors determining a person’s success in a job hinge more on personal traits than on education, background, or work experience. It’s things like creativity, resilience, grit, adaptability, can-do. I’ve been disappointed by people who, though highly qualified and experienced, did not perform as anticipated. On the other hand, individuals with less impressive credentials have exceeded expectations.”
“Success breeds growth which breeds hierarchy. And hierarchy is the enemy of entrepreneurialism, it kills it… For this market that we operate in, you just have to be entrepreneurial. It’s all about hustle. And I think hierarchy kills hustle.“
🎯 Core Traits Helios Values Above All
- Creativity: Innovative solutions for complex African market challenges
- Resilience: Ability to navigate volatile emerging markets
- Grit: Persistence in face of infrastructure and regulatory obstacles
- Adaptability: Flexibility across diverse African economies and cultures
- Can-Do Attitude: Entrepreneurial mindset over hierarchical thinking
- Hustle: Proactive approach to deal sourcing and execution
Analyst Role & Compensation Structure
| Compensation Component | London Office | Role Focus | Growth Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | £66,000 – £84,000 | Portfolio operations emphasis | Direct partner mentorship |
| Performance Bonus | 20-30% of base | Value creation execution | Cross-border project exposure |
| Total Compensation | £79,200 – £109,200 | Hands-on portfolio work | Sector specialization opportunities |
| Additional Benefits | Health, pension, development budget | Multi-country travel | Entrepreneurial project ownership |
Typical Analyst Profiles at Helios
| Profile Type | Educational Background | Professional Experience | Distinguishing Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Business School | HEC Paris (#1 Business School in Europe) | Big 4 Consulting, PE internships | International perspective, analytical rigor |
| US Business Graduate | Texas McCombs School of Business | Consulting experience | Global business acumen, diverse network |
| Technical + Banking | MEng Electrical & Electronics Engineering | 2 years Barclays IBD Analyst | Quantitative skills, deal execution experience |
| Social Impact Leader | Political Economy, King’s College London | BCG consulting, PE internship | Founded BAME in the City society, diversity champion |
Interview Questions Deep Dive
🎯 Technical & Valuation Questions
Q: How would you value a Nigerian telecommunications company?
Address currency risk, regulatory environment, infrastructure challenges, competitive landscape, and growth potential. Use multiple valuation methods given market volatility.
Q: Walk me through key considerations for a power generation investment in Kenya.
Cover regulatory framework, power purchase agreements, currency hedging, local partnerships, ESG considerations, and grid infrastructure limitations.
Q: How do you factor political risk into your valuation models?
Discuss country risk premiums, scenario analysis, political risk insurance, local partnership structures, and exit strategy considerations.
Q: Explain how you’d structure a deal in a high-inflation environment.
Address local vs. hard currency financing, inflation-linked revenues, cost pass-through mechanisms, and hedging strategies.
📊 Portfolio Operations & Value Creation Questions
Q: Design a 100-day value creation plan for an African logistics company.
Focus on operational efficiency, technology implementation, route optimization, partnership development, and talent upgrade. Be specific and actionable.
Q: How would you help a portfolio company expand across African markets?
Consider regulatory differences, currency exposure, local partnerships, cultural adaptation, and infrastructure challenges. Prioritize markets strategically.
Q: What operational improvements would you implement in an African FMCG business?
Address supply chain optimization, distribution network expansion, local sourcing strategies, and technology adoption for inventory management.
🌍 Market & Africa-Specific Questions
Q: What makes African markets attractive for PE investment despite the risks?
Highlight demographic dividend, urbanization trends, technology leapfrogging, growing middle class, and untapped market potential. Balance optimism with risk awareness.
Q: Compare investment opportunities in Nigeria vs. South Africa vs. Kenya.
Analyze market size, regulatory environment, currency stability, sector opportunities, ease of doing business, and exit options for each market.
Q: How is technology disrupting traditional sectors in Africa?
Discuss mobile money, fintech innovation, e-commerce growth, agtech solutions, and healthtech. Link to Helios portfolio opportunities.
💡 Behavioral & Cultural Fit Questions
Q: Why Africa-focused private equity over traditional PE?
Demonstrate genuine passion for emerging markets, impact investing angle, professional growth opportunities, and alignment with Helios mission.
Q: Describe a time you showed entrepreneurial thinking.
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Use examples showing initiative, creative problem-solving, and results. Align with Helios’s anti-hierarchy, hustle-focused culture.
Q: How do you handle ambiguity and limited information?
Critical for emerging markets – show structured thinking, assumption documentation, and decision-making despite uncertainty.
Cultural Insights & Working Environment
🌟 What Makes Helios Unique
- Flat Organizational Structure: Direct access to partners and senior leadership from day one
- Entrepreneurial Culture: “Everyone’s closer to the coalface” – ownership mentality encouraged
- Impact Focus: Building profitable businesses that contribute to African socio-economic development
- Diverse Team: Unique mix of cultures reflecting pan-African investment approach
- Specialization Strategy: Recent restructuring emphasizes sector expertise and accountability
- Meritocratic Growth: Performance matters more than pedigree or tenure
Day-to-Day Responsibilities & Skill Development
| Core Activity | Specific Tasks | Skills Developed | Impact & Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deal Sourcing | Market mapping, relationship building, opportunity screening | Network development, market intelligence | Pan-African deal flow exposure |
| Due Diligence | Financial analysis, market studies, regulatory assessment | Emerging market risk assessment | Multi-country regulatory expertise |
| Portfolio Operations | Value creation planning, KPI monitoring, board support | Operational improvement, strategic thinking | Direct C-suite interaction |
| Fund Management | LP reporting, fund performance analysis, investor relations | Stakeholder management, communication | Global investor exposure |
| Sector Research | Industry analysis, competitive landscape, growth drivers | Analytical depth, sector expertise | Thought leadership opportunities |
Career Progression at Helios
Your Growth Trajectory
- Years 1-2 Analyst Foundation: Master financial modeling, understand African markets, support deal execution
- Years 2-3 Senior Analyst: Lead due diligence workstreams, develop sector expertise, mentor juniors
- Years 3-4 Associate Promotion: Own portfolio company relationships, lead smaller deals
- Years 5-6 Vice President: Originate deals, board representation, fund strategy input
- Years 7+ Principal & Beyond: Investment committee member, LP relationships, new market development
Interview Preparation Action Plan
Technical Mastery Checklist:
- Build emerging market valuation models incorporating FX risk and political premiums
- Study African market dynamics: demographics, infrastructure gaps, regulatory frameworks
- Analyze 3-5 recent African PE deals across different sectors
- Understand Helios portfolio companies and their value creation stories
- Practice building full LBO models from scratch in under 2 hours
- Prepare sector views on telecom, financial services, power, and consumer goods
Cultural Alignment Preparation:
- Develop authentic narrative about interest in African development
- Prepare entrepreneurial examples demonstrating hustle and creativity
- Research African tech disruption and innovation stories
- Understand the fund’s investment thesis and portfolio strategy evolution
- Network with professionals in African PE to gain genuine insights
Helios seeks hustlers, not hierarchy climbers. Demonstrate genuine passion for African markets beyond just “emerging market exposure.” Show you can think fast, act entrepreneurially, and thrive in ambiguity. Technical skills get you in the door, but creativity, grit, and adaptability get you the offer. Prepare to defend your investment thesis under pressure during the case study – they want to see how you think, not just what you know.
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