ManoCap - Investing for Growth

ManoCap is a private equity fund manager that operates in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana. We invest in the SME space, looking at expansions, MBOs, pre-IPO and venture capital transactions that have a clear exit. Our investments are in the $500,000 to $5,000,000 range in equity or quasi-equity instruments. We may take a controlling or minority stake depending on the particular needs of the business shareholders and managers.

Funds under Management

We currently manage two funds: the Sierra Investment Fund (SIF) and the ManoCap Soros Fund.

The Sierra Investment Fund, ManoCap’s first fund, makes investments in all sectors except the mining sector.

The ManoCap Soros Fund invests in agribusiness and related services.

Approach

We take a proactive approach to generating investment opportunities. By conducting in-depth market research and developing deep local networks, we create visibility on opportunities in countries where information and skills gaps exist.

In the countries we target, many businesses require pre-investment support to meet the standards required by international investors. Our partnership with the entrepreneur often begins well before we make an investment. Detailed business plans need to be fine-tuned, financial reporting practices may need to be upgraded and the legal structure of the business may need to be clarified.

In providing this support, our role is to guide, not do. Entrepreneurs must drive the process, demonstrating the vision and energy to build their business.

Working directly with entrepreneurs before we make an investment allows us to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and helps us build the relationship necessary to make the partnership successful.

After we invest we will work alongside the entrepreneur as owners in the business to define realizable but challenging performance targets. Our work with investee companies extends beyond financial performance as we support the development and implementation of Environmental, Social and Governance Management Systems (ESMS), and advocate the development of Anti-Corruption and Money Laundering (ACML) policies and their integration into the investment process.