Affan Bin Mahmood, Finance Expert in Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Affan Bin Mahmood

Verified Expert  in Finance

Finance Expert

Location
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Toptal Member Since
November 5, 2019

Affan is a fund-raising expert who has helped startups in the eCommerce, EV energy management, fintech, healthtech, and SaaS domains raise between US$ 500,000 to US$5 million in pre-Seed to Series A financing. With a vast background in the Asian and Middle East markets, he is a CFA charterholder and an MBA graduate in entrepreneurship from HEC Paris. Additionally, Affan leads the eCommerce and digital customer experience for a US$6 billion business unit of a Fortune 500 company.

Career Highlights

Founder
Atem Capital

Education Highlights

Certification Highlights

Case Studies

Work Experience

Freelance Advisor

2022 - PRESENT
Toptal
  • Prepared the business plan and financial model for a startup in the esports space in the UK and Pakistan to help the founder raise more than US$ 500,000 in Seed financing. Also advised on business model evolution and future company roadmap.
  • Worked as a fractional CFO to help a B2B eCommerce startup in Saudi Arabia focused on serving the food and beverage sector. Advised the CEO on deal negotiation to raise US$ 2 million in Seed financing.
  • Prepared an in-depth study on the Management Stock Option Plan of a food and beverage-focused company listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange to help another similar company prepare its stock option plan.
  • Designed the pitch deck for an AI-based healthtech startup in South East Asia to help the founder raise US$ 5 million in Seed financing through investors in Asia and the Middle East.
Focus areas: Fractional CFO, Interim CFO, Part-time CFO, Virtual CFO, CFO, Business Plan Consulting, Pitch Decks, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Technology, Capital Raising, Fundraising Strategy, SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Go-to-market Strategy, eCommerce, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Funding, Saudi Arabia, Microsoft PowerPoint, Startup Funding Consultant, Three-statement Modeling, Data, Fundraising Consultant, Series A, Medical Devices, Singapore, Hong Kong, Profit & Loss (P&L), Business Analysis, Business Process Improvement (BPI), Sportswear, Apparel & Accessories

Global Head of eCommerce and Distribution, Power Products

2021 - PRESENT
Schneider Electric
  • Spearheaded global strategy formulation and execution for the company's multi-million low voltage eCommerce business, generating 40%+ average annual growth.
  • Developed and deployed the first-ever channel management specialization program for distribution partners of the low voltage division.
  • Led the creation of eCommerce catalogs, persona-led digital market campaigns, customer basket landing pages, and advanced content creation for hero offers to help deploy eCommerce strategy and boost revenues.
Focus areas: eCommerce Management, eCommerce Analysis, eCommerce Platforms, Customer Experience Management, Channel Management, Digital Channels, Energy Management, Software Sales, Pitch Preparation, Renewable Energy, Loyalty Programs, Loyalty Management, Reporting, Business Strategy, Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Software, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Technology, SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Go-to-market Strategy, HR Tools, Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS), eCommerce, Microsoft PowerPoint, Energy, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Management Consulting, Pricing Models, Consulting, Competitive Intelligence, Market Opportunity Analysis, Data, Singapore, Hong Kong, Chief Operations Officer (COO), Business Process Improvement (BPI), Agile, Build Processes, Best Practices, Operations

Residential Segment Director

2020 - 2021
Schneider Electric
  • Led residential segment strategy formulation focused on emerging trends, including de-urbanization, working from home, aging in place, safety, and personalization to boost revenues from offer mix enrichment and volumetric expansion.
  • Drove investment discussions around closing critical offer gaps, future offer launches, and existing offer adaptations and enhancements linked to customer value props.
  • Performed ambition-setting at the country level for segment sales based on pricing actions, new offer roadmap, and new channel efforts. Followed up on progress as part of quarterly business reviews to identify reasons for over/underperformance.
  • Led squad teams to explore and incubate disruptive projects linked to boosting residential segments' revenue growth, such as identifying new channel partners, direct customer types, and new modes of selling.
  • Contributed to preparing the residential segment M&A strategy and participated in meetings with potential acquisition targets in the home energy management, residential facility management, and home automation space.
Focus areas: Growth Strategy, New Business Development, Energy Management, Electric Vehicles, Solar, Smart Home Technology, Home Services, Real Estate, Fundraising, Financing, Investments, Pitch Preparation, Renewable Energy, Market Research Analyst, Market Segmentation, Loyalty Programs, Loyalty Management, Reporting, Business Strategy, Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Startups, Software, Venture Capital, Early-stage Startups, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Mobility, Investment Analysis, Deal Sourcing, Investment Committee Advisory, Investment Briefs, Technology, Capital Raising, Fundraising Strategy, SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Go-to-market Strategy, HR Tools, Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS), Microsoft PowerPoint, Energy, Impact Investing, Project Evaluation, Investment Consulting, United States, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Management Consulting, Pricing Models, Consulting, Competitive Intelligence, Market Opportunity Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Value Chain, Data, Eastern Europe, Residential Real Estate, Hong Kong, Business Analysis, Building Management Systems (BMS), Chief Operations Officer (COO), Business Process Improvement (BPI), Build Processes, Operations

Founder

2013 - 2021
Atem Capital
  • Created the business plan and pitch deck, including financial forecasts for an EV charging fleet management and EVaaS startup in North America to help raise Seed financing; advised the founder on partnership strategy and future revenue streams.
  • Elaborated a business plan and pitch deck for an AI-based energy management startup related to workplace optimization in the US to help raise US$10 million from strategic investors.
  • Prepared the complete set of investor documentation, which included the pitch deck, business plan, and financial model, for a fintech focused on credit scoring the unbanked population in India and Nigeria to help raise US$4 million in Seed financing.
  • Advised a pension management-focused fintech operating in Asia and the Middle East to raise US$30 million in venture debt from a strategic partner; performed competitive benchmarking and created the pitch deck.
  • Guided the founder of a fintech credit rating startup in Hong Kong on business model formulation, pricing strategy, and marketing plan; created the pitch deck and financial model for Seed financing.
  • Prepared the pitch deck for a SaaS-based startup focused on small and medium business fintech solutions in the Middle East to help secure US$500,000 in pre-Seed financing through an incubator.
  • Worked as an adviser to a VC in the Middle East for multiple IMs focusing on eCommerce and SaaS-based marketing automation startups in Saudi Arabia, seeking US$1 to US$3 million in Seed and Series A financing.
  • Built the financial plan for a women's luxury bags brand focused on D2C eCommerce; supported the creation of a market strategy to take the annual revenues up from €200,000 to more than €1 million.
  • Assisted the founder of a healthtech startup focused on COVID-19 vaccinations and overseas travel support. Provided market research, pricing strategy, business model formulation, partnership strategy, and a complete financial model.
  • Created an information memorandum (IM) and pitch deck to help a US-based real estate fund focused on developing senior living centers tap private investment from high net-worth individuals.
Focus areas: Pitch Deck Consultant, Growth Strategy, Financial Modeling, Business Plan Consulting, Startup Funding, Fundraising, Pitch Preparation, Renewable Energy, Market Research Analyst, Market Segmentation, REITs, Investment Memoranda, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Business Strategy, Startups, Restaurants & Dining, Software, Seed Fundraising, Early-stage Startups, Restaurant Operations, Foodtech, Revenue Projections, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Investment Analysis, Investment Committee Advisory, Investment Briefs, Technology, Healthcare, Capital Raising, Pharmaceuticals, SME/SMB Financing, Credit Scores, Fintech, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Fundraising Strategy, SaaS, Software as a Service (SaaS), Go-to-market Strategy, eCommerce, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Funding, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Microsoft PowerPoint, Information Memoranda, Energy, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Startup Funding Consultant, United States, Music Streaming, Three-statement Modeling, Enterprise SaaS, Data, Fundraising Consultant, Series A, Medical Devices, Singapore, Hong Kong, Profit & Loss (P&L), Business Analysis, Shopify, Business Process Improvement (BPI), Business Systems Analysis, Rideshare Services

Head of Strategic Intelligence

2019 - 2020
Schneider Electric
  • Led the annual market review exercise to estimate the addressable market and Schneider’s market size in the top countries in collaboration with country front offices.
  • Conducted a detailed analysis of the impact of COVID-19 and stimulus plans on various market segments in top countries. Gave recommendations to reallocate resources among segments and capitalize on emerging trends.
  • Prepared deep dives on key competitors to map competitors’ strengths and weaknesses related to offering management, channel management, and digital experience, along with scenario analysis to understand any potential threats.
  • Elaborated the long-term enrichment plan for the company to continue to grow two-three percentage points faster than the market in top countries by leveraging new trends, evolving consumer habits, and regulatory changes.
Focus areas: Market Intelligence, Competitive Intelligence, Energy Management, Smart Home Technology, Investments, Forecasting, Market Research Analyst, Market Segmentation, Loyalty Programs, Data Analysis, Business Strategy, Revenue Projections, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Mobility, Microsoft PowerPoint, Investment Consulting, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Press Releases, Consulting, Market Opportunity Analysis, Data, Hong Kong, Building Management Systems (BMS), Chief Operations Officer (COO), Build Processes

Strategy Senior Manager

2017 - 2020
Schneider Electric
  • Led a high-impact team responsible for assessing critical trends and preparing the four-year strategic plan that highlighted the potential for €1.6 billion in incremental revenue to the executive committee of Schneider.
  • Elaborated the annual tactical plan presented to country-level vice presidents to execute long-term strategic initiatives in a phased approach.
  • Prepared software and artificial intelligence business and M&A strategies, including establishing detailed criteria for the screening of companies in the solar and electric vehicle, digital customer experience, and data analytics sectors.
  • Developed the strategic plan for Southeast Asia, working with regional channel developers and category managers to grow at a four-year CAGR of 14% while capitalizing on the trends of co-living, increasing connectivity, and channel digitization.
  • Managed the market size assessment and channel partner journey-mapping projects, collaborating with external consultants to better understand opportunities in six emerging economies and the company’s approach towards its channel partners.
  • Analyzed investment opportunities in EV charging, smart home energy management and SaaS areas for strategic investment by Schneider Electric.
Focus areas: Smart Home Technology, Market Sizing, Partnerships, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Strategy, Investments, Forecasting, Pitch Preparation, Market Research Analyst, Market Segmentation, Loyalty Programs, Business Strategy, Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Revenue Projections, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Mobility, Investment Analysis, Deal Sourcing, Investment Committee Advisory, Investment Briefs, Technology, Microsoft PowerPoint, Impact Investing, Project Evaluation, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Press Releases, Management Consulting, Pricing Models, Consulting, Competitive Intelligence, Market Opportunity Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Value Chain, Data, Hong Kong, Business Analysis, Building Management Systems (BMS), Chief Operations Officer (COO), Business Process Improvement (BPI), Build Processes

Manager, Corporate Strategy

2017 - 2017
Schneider Electric
  • Carried out due diligence of M&A targets in the industrial software/digitalization space with the potential to add €1 billion+ to group topline.
  • Performed financial benchmarking of Schneider Electric against its competitors on a quarterly basis to inform the group CEO about differences in performance along with key reasons for the differences.
  • Performed an M&A firepower analysis of competitors and analyzed the impact of potential M&A deals by competitors on Schneider Electric.
Focus areas: M&A (Buy-side), Cross-border M&A, Market Research, Market Research & Analysis, Competitive Intelligence, Competitor Analysis & Profiling, Competition Research, Financial Analysis, Forecasting, Pitch Preparation, Revenue & Expense Projections, Market Research Analyst, Business Strategy, Revenue Projections, Investment Analysis, Microsoft PowerPoint, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Press Releases, Three-statement Modeling, Management Consulting, Consulting, Data, Business Analysis, Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Corporate Finance Senior Manager

2012 - 2015
Pakistan Stock Exchange
  • Managed a team of four on IPOs and buybacks, having a cumulative worth of US $805 million as a member of the executive committee.
  • Co-led the establishment of a small and medium enterprise-listing platform.
  • Conducted market research for industry best practices and drafted the first set of regulations that attracted broad interest from potential candidate companies and financial advisors.
  • Liaised with C-level executives of private sector companies to promote equity listing on the exchange, leading to the $89-million offering for Pakistan's largest steel bar manufacturer.
  • Led a $500-million buy-back transaction, the country's largest and authored valuation report for the delisting committee of the board to negotiate a price of $150 per share versus a sponsor's offer of $97.
  • Established the policy and regulations department after the demutualization of the exchange and compiled the first Pakistan Stock Exchange rulebook approved by the securities commission.
  • Strengthened the Top Companies Award selection criteria to encourage ethical business practices, corporate briefings, and the early release of financials by companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Focus areas: Market Research, Strategy Planning, Business Development, Share Buybacks, Initial Public Offerings, Fundraising, Financing, Investments, Forecasting, Pitch Preparation, Revenue & Expense Projections, REITs, Investment Memoranda, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Reporting, Revenue Projections, Investment Analysis, Investment Briefs, Capital Raising, SME/SMB Financing, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Fundraising Strategy, Investment Banking, Microsoft PowerPoint, Equity Investment, Three-statement Modeling, Data, Profit & Loss (P&L), Business Analysis, Chief Operations Officer (COO), UK GAAP

Associate, Strategy Consulting

2010 - 2012
Elixir Business Research
  • Led a team of analysts on various business plans, due diligence, and market research assignments in the healthcare, education, and materials sectors, helping mid-sized entities raise up to $60 million in financing.
  • Performed market due diligence for a healthcare services company seeking $100 million for expansion into new locations; advised the private equity client that 73% of the new locations proposed by the company were feasible for development.
  • Provided real estate development advice to a UAE government organization for bridging the demand-supply gap across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by reallocating funds to focus on Grade B housing development.
Focus areas: Market Research, Market Sizing, Financial Modeling, Business Planning, Strategy, Real Estate, Fundraising, Financing, Forecasting, Pitch Preparation, Revenue & Expense Projections, Market Research Analyst, Market Segmentation, Investment Memoranda, Business Strategy, Revenue Projections, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Investment Analysis, Investment Briefs, Healthcare, Capital Raising, SME/SMB Financing, Middle East, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Fundraising Strategy, United Arab Emirates, Microsoft PowerPoint, Information Memoranda, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Investment Committee Advisory, Project Evaluation, Investment Consulting, Startup Funding Consultant, Competitive Analysis, Price Analysis, Three-statement Modeling, Management Consulting, Consulting, Competitive Intelligence, Market Opportunity Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Data, Residential Real Estate, Private Equity, Fundraising Consultant, Data Rooms, Profit & Loss (P&L), Business Analysis, UK GAAP, Business Process Improvement (BPI), Business Systems Analysis

Corporate Finance Associate

2008 - 2008
Grant Thornton
  • Prepared the business plan, investment strategy, and private placement memorandum for a $250 million Gulf region-based private equity fund and provided M&A advice to a Pakistani private education provider.
  • Created an M&A model for a private schooling system expanding into multiple catchment areas as well as several international curriculum streams.
  • Conducted market research on consumer spending habits linked to credit card ownership for a top-5 Pakistan-based local bank.
Focus areas: Market Research & Analysis, Market Research, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Financial Modeling, Valuation, Business Plan Consulting, Pitch Decks, Real Estate, Fundraising, Financing, Forecasting, Pitch Preparation, Revenue & Expense Projections, REITs, Investment Memoranda, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Reporting, Business Strategy, Total Addressable Market (TAM), Middle East, Investment Banking, United Arab Emirates, Microsoft PowerPoint, Information Memoranda, Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM), Investment Consulting, Three-statement Modeling, Management Consulting, Consulting, Data, Private Equity, Fundraising Consultant, Data Rooms, Profit & Loss (P&L), Business Analysis, UK GAAP, Business Systems Analysis
2015 - 2017

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship

HEC Paris - Paris, France

OCTOBER 2012 - PRESENT

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

CFA Institute

NOVEMBER 2010 - PRESENT

Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

Global Association of Risk Professionals

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